A consensus on reporting variables for terrestrial helicopter search and rescue operations in South Africa through a Delphi study

Theunissen, Simone Stefanie; Park-Ross, Jocelyn Frances

A consensus on reporting variables for terrestrial helicopter search and rescue operations in South Africa through a Delphi study

Thesis / Dissertation

2024

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Division of Emergency Medicine

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Search and rescue (SAR) endeavours to locate distressed individuals in remote, challenging environments. Terrestrial rescues take place on land, while aquatic rescues involve water operations. The global surge in outdoor activities has increased SAR demands, especially in challenging landscapes, prompting the need for efficient terrestrial helicopter SAR operations. In South Africa, SAR practices face challenges due to a lack of standardisation, governance, and clear guidelines, leading to agency communication and coordination issues. To address this, a standardised reporting and documenting framework is essential to ensure uniform terminology and documentation in helicopter SAR missions. This study focuses on the initial step of standardising reporting and documenting to overcome these challenges and improve the quality of standardised report writing and documentation, particularly following rescue missions. METHODS: A Modified Delphi survey was conducted over three rounds to obtain a sample criterion of variables for reporting and documenting terrestrial helicopter SAR operations. The first round of the Delphi study was informed by a literature review. Purposive snowball sampling was used to recruit experts in terrestrial rescue. An online survey tool offered both binary and free-text options to participants. Consensus was set at 75%. RESULTS: A panel of twenty-eight participants agreed to partake in the study, and 16 (57%) completed all three rounds. A total of 65 items were proposed to the panel for review and were grouped into five categories: temporospatial, technical, operational, patient, and clinical. A consensus of 96.9 % (63/65 items) was obtained during the first round, 77.5% consensus (31/40 items) in round two, and 33.3 % (3/9 items) at the end of round three. A total of seventy-five variables were included in the final list of items recommended to report on for terrestrial helicopter SAR operations. CONCLUSION: The study aimed to establish a standardised and universally accepted set of reporting variables for terrestrial helicopter SAR operations. This initiative addressed challenges from inconsistent practices, diverse terminology, and incomplete records, aiming to enhance the efficiency, communication, and effectiveness of terrestrial helicopter SAR missions in South Africa. As a result, the study successfully compiled a comprehensive list of essential variables for reporting on terrestrial helicopter SAR operations in South Africa.