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The Mobile Incident Command Unit on Wheels
The Mobile Incident Command Unit (MICU) :
One of the main objective of Delta Search & Rescue (DSAR) is to provide logistical support
in Search and Rescue operations, namely, that of planning, communications and transport.
The MICU has become a valuable tool to meet the planning and communications objectives and
thereby improve rescue team efficiency and performance in operations. Search and
Rescue operations are normally multi- organisational in nature, involving a
number of WSAR organisations
such as the MCSA, NSRI, CN, METRO and the SAPS. During numerous operations in the past,
it become evident that there was a great need for such a versatile unit on wheels, where
centralised joint planning and command can take place with different organisations.
The MICU provides shelter from the elements to preserve equipment and maps and with
its built in split unit air conditioner, ensures that a comfortable working climate is
maintained. The MICU’s sturdy construction enables it to be towed to any suitable
area of the operation at a much lower cost compared to other mobile command centres. There
are no engine maintenance costs and the extra fuel used by the towing vehicle will be
minimal. With the MICU, less time is wasted in setting up base and it can be deployed
in many different situations. It can be towed by any vehicle with a tow hitch and can be
unhitched allowing the tow vehicle to be freed and utilised elsewhere in the operation.
Should their be a change in shift personnel, any vehicle can take it back to its home
base. The MICU also provides confidentiality of radio messages concerning the victim. The
MICU is invaluable during operations spanning more than one day. |
| The MICU is basically a sturdy caravan built on a single axle sprung suspension with
16" wheels, which DSAR has redesigned to suit the base station planning, briefing,
deployment and communication requirements of most Search and Rescue operations. Priclo in
Milnerton implemented the required changes to the caravan.
The interior of the caravan is divided into two sections. The front serves as the
planning section and the rear as the communication section. Centred against the side wall,
their is a PC work station which stores, amongst other valuable information, a
complete set of grid Maps and GPS references. This work station will have scanning, modem
and printing facilities such that each field team can be given all relevant and up to date
information as issued by the planning section. Communications with DSAR teams and other
organisations is, in most cases, by means of Tactical VHF radios, but there
is also planned to be Air-to-Ground, 29MHz SSB, Mid-Band, UHF and Marine VHF radios with head-sets. A
flexible antenna patch-panel is provided to enable quick and easy deployment of
different antennas in different locations. The communications section also
plans to have a couple of laptop computer for recording all communications
(ComLog) as and when they occur, as well as a
frequency/channel database.
The Power requirements of the MICU are met by an external
16 A mains supply. If mains supply is not available or should it fail, power
can be supplied from a 2.9Kw petrol fuelled generator. The PC workstation
has a stable
supply from a UPS (pending) with two 102 Ah deep cycle batteries which also provide power for
emergency lighting and the communications equipment.
Maps can be secured to the table top which is designed so that it can be removed from
the normal position and hung against the rear caravan wall or on the outside wall of
the MICU for briefing and debriefing purposes. The paper versions of the topographical Grid
Maps are stored by hanging them against the wall in the planning section behind the
seats by means of the Ozalid system for easy access. Our prime mapping
capability however is a digital mapping system displayed on a 19" LCD
monitor at the PC work station. With this system, assets in the field can be
tracked. 
Four radio operator positions and one
computer operator position with swivel chairs, and seating for five in the planning
section are provided. Windows have been kept to a minimum to limit the possibility of
glare and heating from sun light. In addition the windows will be tinted to further reduce
heat and glare. The roof rack is sturdy to allow a fold up type antenna mast to
be stored while travelling and also to provide an observation platform. An alarm
system is installed to protect the expensive equipment when not in use. 
The CCU was renovated at Priclo's workshop in
Milnerton.
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