LAST

LAST stands for "Locate, Access, Stabilize, Transport," which are the four steps of a search and rescue operation. These four steps represent the core elements followed by trained professionals.

You will probably only be familiar with this acronym if you have been trained for search and rescue operations. It may have been in a paid or volunteer capacity.

Here are the four elements of LAST:

1. Locate - Represents the act of searching for and finding the subject that is lost, misplaced, or injured. The subject is therefore unable to return to a place of safety on their own.
2. Access - Represents the phase of determining a safe approach to access the subject once he or she has been located.
3. Stabilize - Represents the phase where rescuers maintain the physical and mental well-being of the subject until he or she can be transferred to a safer location.
4. Transport - Represents the phase which requires moving the subject to an appropriate facility to administer care or to a safer location.