You will need to bring lightweight food for three days on every search call-out. This is in addition to any food you may bring for the journey to the search area.
We are expected to be fully self-contained in both food and shelter and our search assignments will be determined on this basis. Your food needs to carry well and to be easily prepared in difficult conditions. The food brought for a search in hot conditions, when total fire bans are possible, will need to include items that do not require cooking.
The Police field catering unit and other service organisations sometimes provide meals when searchers are at the base area. This is a most welcome bonus for us, but in no way replaces the requirement that each member must bring food for three days to every search.
An example of a good food list for a search call-out is shown below as a guide only. Experienced bushwalkers will have their own preferences.
Note that the major items are relatively cheap and can be kept aside at home specifically packed for a search. The fresh items listed are likely to be on hand or easily obtained at the last minute.
Food for three days
| Item | Quantity for 3 days |
|---|---|
| Muesli, rolled oats, cereal | 150gm |
| Dry biscufts, flat bread or rye bread, (or sandwiches) | 300gm |
| Margarine | 100gm |
| Spreads, vegernite, honey, peanut buffer, etc. | 150gm |
| Cheese | 150gm |
| Soup, single serve packets | 12 packets |
| Pasta, instant noode or rice packet meals | 3 by 120gm packets |
| Dried fruit | 150gm |
| Chocolate | 100gm |
| Energy bars | 6 bars |
| Sweets or scroggin, etc. | 100gm |
| Tea or coffee | 40gm |
| Powdered milk | 150gm |
| Sugar | 100gm |
| Powdered fruit or sports drink | 3 packets |
| Salt | Small container |
| Water. Fill bottles at home | 2 litres, more if hot |