GAR Risk Assessment in Search and Rescue

By Joshua Duttry
IT Director and UAS Specialist, La Plata County Search and Rescue

Effective Risk Management for SAR Teams

Search and Rescue (SAR) operations involve significant risk. Teams must navigate unpredictable terrain, harsh weather, and a range of operational challenges. To enhance safety, SAR teams use structured risk management strategies. One of the most important tools is the GAR risk assessment model. It helps teams evaluate and mitigate risks before heading into the field. La Plata County Search and Rescue (LPCSAR) has adopted this model to assess hazards and adjust plans accordingly, ensuring safer operations in the rugged landscapes around Durango, CO.

The GAR risk assessment model uses a color-coded system—Green, Amber, and Red—to categorize risks, making it easy to grasp the severity of potential hazards. Because SAR operations involve dynamic and evolving challenges, teams need a structured yet adaptable approach. In the following sections, we’ll break down how GAR risk assessment integrates into SAR msisions, the benefits it provides, and how LPCSAR applies it to ensure safe and effective operations.

What is the GAR Risk Assessment Model?

The GAR risk assessment tool helps evaluate risks in any operation. It offers a simple yet structured framework for SAR teams to identify hazards.

The model assesses risk based on seven key factors:

To begin the risk assessment process, we start with a quick visual check-in for each category using a simple hand signal system: a thumbs up indicates green, meaning conditions are favorable and there is low concern; a thumbs sideways indicates yellow, meaning conditions are marginal and warrant caution; and a thumbs down indicates red, meaning conditions are concerning and likely represent elevated risk.

This initial visual pass helps the team quickly identify areas that may require further discussion or attention. After this overview, we proceed into a more detailed evaluation where each factor is scored on a scale from 1 to 10 based on its level of risk or challenge.

Why is the GAR Risk Assessment Important for SAR Missions?

SAR teams often work in challenging environments. Whether in remote areas or during extreme weather, the risks are always present. The GAR risk assessment helps teams identify and manage these risks before they enter the field.

This system helps SAR teams anticipate and understand potential hazards before they deploy. By evaluating risks in advance, the team can adjust their approach to enhance safety. The GAR model empowers team members to take proactive measures, adjusting strategies as needed to maintain safety.

Key benefits of using GAR risk assessment include:

How LPCSAR Uses GAR Risk Assessment

The GAR risk assessment model is widely used beyond Search and Rescue. Fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement agencies, and even military units employ similar systems to evaluate operational risks. This standardized approach enhances safety, sharpens decision-making, and prioritizes the well-being of personnel during high-risk operations.

At La Plata County Search and Rescue, the GAR assessment is a key part of mission planning. At every decision point, the team actively conducts a GAR evaluation to assess potential risks. By working closely with the Incident Commander (IC) and key personnel, they ensure that no critical factor is overlooked.

LPCSAR uses GAR cards—physical documents that allow team members to systematically score each ofthe seven risk factors. These cards make it easy for teams to assess risks and discuss them openly. After scoring, the team calculates the total risk score. This score guides the team in deciding whether to proceed safely or conduct further review.

For example, if a mission involves a search in rugged terrain during a snowstorm, the Environment and Incident Complexity factors would likely score high. This could push the mission into the Amber or Red risk category. If the mission falls into Red, additional resources or adjustments to the plan would be necessary to ensure safety.

The GAR risk assessment adapts to every stage of a mission, helping teams evaluate risks at critical decision points. Before leaving the trailhead, teams discuss potential hazards, and before attempting a difficult task—like crossing a steep cliff band—they reassess conditions. This ongoing process keeps risk management dynamic and responsive. GAR also ensures that every team member, no matter their rank or experience, speaks up and shares concerns. By encouraging open discussions, it strengthens team communication, improves safety, and prevents overlooked risks.

A Real-World Example of GAR Risk Assessment at LPCSAR

Consider a recent SAR mission near Durango, CO, where the GAR risk assessment was crucial to the decision-making process. The mission involved a search for a lost hiker in a mountainous region. The GAR evaluation revealed several high-risk factors, including dangerous weather conditions and the challenging terrain.

The team rated the Environment factor as high due to heavy precipitation, which reduced visibility and complicated navigation. The Incident Complexity was also rated high, as the team had to search remote areas with few access points. Contingency Resources were evaluated to ensure backup plans were in place, including coordination with mutual aid partners.

With the mission falling into the Amber risk category, the team decided to take extra precautions. They deployed additional personnel for reconnaissance and requested support from the aerial units increased scene safety. The team modified communication protocols to maintain coordination throughout the operation.

Thanks to the GAR assessment, LPCSAR was able to manage the mission effectively. The team adjusted their approach to mitigate the risks, leading to a successful outcome.

How GAR Risk Assessment Improves SAR Operations

Using the GAR model enhances SAR operations in multiple ways:

By applying the GAR model to every mission and every team decision, SAR teams can navigate even the most challenging situations while keeping safety a top priority.

Conclusion: The Importance of GAR Risk Assessment in SAR Missions

The GAR risk assessment serves as a critical tool for proactively managing SAR operation risks. By evaluating seven key factors, SAR teams can understand the risks they face and make informed decisions to mitigate them. Whether it’s hazardous terrain, harsh weather, or a complex mission, the GAR model helps teams adjust their approach for optimal safety.

At LPCSAR, we rely on this process to ensure the safety of our responders and the success of every mission. By using the GAR risk assessment to guide our decision-making, we can provide effective, safe search and rescue operations for our community.

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