International Search and Rescue Response Guidelines

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Preparedness Phase
• Activation Phase
• In Transit Phase
  • Point of Arrival
• Operations Phase
• Reassignment/Stand Down Phase
• Media Management Suggestions
  • Interviewing "Do's"
  • Interviewing "Don'ts"

The general media policy for the INSARAG Response System SAR Teams should be to ensure that information disseminated to the press is accurate and timely.

• SAR Teams should designate specific personnel who are specially trained to be the primary contact for media relations.
• SAR Teams should provide appropriate training to all personnel on how to interact with the media on the disaster.
• SAR Teams should prepare media handouts including information on the Team capability and structure. These should be handed out to the UN OSOCC, the LEMA and to media representatives on site, if required.

Upon activation a SAR Team should:

Prepare a press release.

Brief all personnel about the latest information and critical media issues.

Point of Arrival

Upon arrival, the designated SAR Team representative should:

Establish contact with the UN OSOCC and the LEMA information official.

Determine media protocols and ground rules.

Obtain a copy of the UN OSOCC and the LEMA media management plan.

The SAR Team should develop a media plan that includes:

Coordinating team interviews.

Developing media releases and special feature stories.

Managing the media on site.

Participating in press conferences.

Coordinating with the UN OSOCC, the LEMA and home base.

The SAR Team should:

Coordinate with the UN OSOCC and the LEMA.

Develop media releases.

Participate in press conferences and/or exit interviews.

Coordinate information with the home base regarding media issues.

Determine what information and documentation can be released.

Interviewing "Do's":

• Ask the reporter's name. Then use it in your response.
• Use your full name. Nicknames are not appropriate.
• Choose the site (if possible). Make sure you are comfortable with the location of the interview. Consider what is in the background.
• Choose the time (if possible). If you would be more comfortable waiting another five minutes, ask the reporter if that's okay.
• Be calm. Your demeanor and apparent control of the situation are very important in establishing the tempo of evolving events.
• Tell the truth.
• Be cooperative. There is an answer to most questions, and if you don't know it now, let them know you will work diligently to determine the facts needed.
• Be professional. Don't let your personal feelings about the media, or this reporter in general, affect your response.
• Be patient. Expect dumb questions. If the same question is asked again, repeat your answer without irritation.
• Take your time. If you make a mistake during a taped or non-broadcast interview, indicate that you would like to start over with your response. If appearing live, just start over.
• Use wrap-around sentences. This means repeating the question with your answer for a complete "sound bite".

Interviewing "Don'ts":

• Say "no comment".
• Give your personal opinion. Stick to the facts.
• Go off the record. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
• Lie. To tell a lie unintentionally is a mistake. To intentionally tell a lie is stupid.
• Bluff. The truth will come out.
• Be defensive. The media and their audience recognize a defensive attitude and tend to believe you're hiding something.
• Be afraid. Fear is debilitating and is not a characteristic you want to portray.
• Be evasive. Be up front on what you know about the situation and what you plan to do to mitigate the disaster.
• Use jargon. The public is not familiar with much of the language used in the field.
• Confront. This is not the time to tell a reporter how much you dislike the media.
• Try to talk and command a disaster at the same time. You won't do either well.
• Wear sunglasses.
• Smoke.
• Promise results or speculate.
• Respond to rumors.
• Repeat leading questions.