search and rescue

plural search and rescues · plural searches and rescues · alternative search-and-rescue

1. countableuncountableAn effort to save persons whose locations are not precisely known from hazardous situations.

   Incidents such as fires, search and rescues, wildlife incidents, and other events

   2006, Michael Lockwood with Graeme Worboys and Ashish Kothari, Protected Areas Management: A Global Guide, page 150

   2 more examples

   that an expedition may be fitted out by the government of the United States for the Arctic zone, for the search and rescue of the American expedition under the command of Dr. Kane

   1854, United States Congressional Serial Set, page 218

   Assuming a search and rescue is in order, they will appoint the coordinating organization

   2001, Sorrel Wilby, Surviving Australia: A Practical Guide to Staying Alive, page 53

2. countableuncountableThe emergency service that performs or coordinates such efforts.