True or False: The goal of search planning is to find the survivors of a distress incident as quickly as possible.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. It depends

Answer: (A)

Time is the limiting factor in rescue outcomes, so the driving aim of search planning is to locate survivors as quickly as possible to maximize their chances of survival and reduce exposure to danger for both survivors and responders. A rapid, well-structured plan uses known information (last known position, terrain, weather, and resources) to prioritize areas with the highest likelihood of containing survivors, allowing responders to reach and assist them sooner. This emphasis on speed is balanced by safety and efficiency, but the core objective remains rapid discovery.

Saying the outcome is uncertain or depends on other factors misses the central priority in SAR: minimizing time to locate and help survivors. Saying it is not true would contradict the fundamental purpose of planning in search and rescue.