Search and rescue management practices in Turkey and a new model proposal

The purpose of this study is to develop a holistic model with regard to the strategic structure and organization of the institutions that perform Search and Rescue (SAR) activities in Turkey. For this purpose, military, governmental and non-governmental organizations that carry out aforementioned activities are examined based on their mission, legislation, resources and structures. In the literature, In the literature, there is no study that examines the strategic structuring of Turkish search and rescue activities, the way they are organized taking into account all stakeholders. In this respect, it is considered that this research will fill the gap in the literature and contribute to policy makers. The research was carried out using qualitative research method. With regard to the in sampling selection, purposive sampling method was chosen in order to obtain detailed and versatile information about the subject to be investigated. The maximum diversity sampling method was used to reveal the common views of the samples consisting of different groups. The universe of the research consists of people who plan or participate in search and rescue activities. Via the interview form approach, comparable and analyzable data were obtained from different individuals based on a form. For more effective analysis of the interviews, the data obtained as a result of the interviews were supported by document analysis. The organizational structure, coordination, legislative complexity, joint and collaborative working culture, the status of non-governmental organizations, and public relations have been identified as main themes and examined in detail with the interview form approach. As a result of the research, a search and rescue model has been proposed for Turkey involving strategic, tactical and operative level restructuring. Keywords: Search and rescue, Organizational structure, Model proposal