TERMIUM Plus®
From: Translation Bureau
On social media
Consult the Government of Canada’s terminology data bank.
POINT LAST SEEN [10 records]
Record 1 - internal organization data 2022-02-09
Record 1, English
Record 1, Subject field(s)
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 1, Main entry term, English
- initial planning point
1, record 1, English, initial%20planning%20point
correct
Record 1, Abbreviations, English
- IPP 2, record 1, English, IPP
correct
Record 1, Synonyms, English
Record 1, Textual support, English
Record number: 1, Textual support number: 1 CONT
The initial planning point is the point where the subject is known or assumed to have last been located and is used in planning. It is usually the point last seen(PLS) or last known position(LKP)... 2, record 1, English, - initial%20planning%20point
Record 1, French
Record 1, Domaine(s)
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 1, Main entry term, French
- point de planification initial
1, record 1, French, point%20de%20planification%20initial
correct, masculine noun
Record 1, Abbreviations, French
Record 1, Synonyms, French
Record 1, Textual support, French
Record 1, Spanish
Record 1, Textual support, Spanish
Record 2 - internal organization data 2022-02-01
Record 2, English
Record 2, Subject field(s)
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 2, Main entry term, English
- last known point
1, record 2, English, last%20known%20point
correct
Record 2, Abbreviations, English
- LKP 1, record 2, English, LKP
correct
Record 2, Synonyms, English
Record 2, Textual support, English
Record number: 2, Textual support number: 1 CONT
The last known point(LKP) can be more useful in some cases than a PLS [point last seen]. It might be identified as the subject's car parked at the trailhead, a campsite, a backpack abandoned in the woods, the subject's signature in a summit log book, or similar information. 1, record 2, English, - last%20known%20point
Record 2, French
Record 2, Domaine(s)
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 2, Main entry term, French
- dernière position connue
1, record 2, French, derni%C3%A8re%20position%20connue
correct, feminine noun
Record 2, Abbreviations, French
- DPC 1, record 2, French, DPC
correct, feminine noun
Record 2, Synonyms, French
Record 2, Textual support, French
Record 2, Spanish
Record 2, Textual support, Spanish
Record 3 - internal organization data 2022-02-01
Record 3, English
Record 3, Subject field(s)
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 3, Main entry term, English
- point last seen
1, record 3, English, point%20last%20seen
correct
Record 3, Abbreviations, English
- PLS 1, record 3, English, PLS
correct
Record 3, Synonyms, English
Record 3, Textual support, English
Record number: 3, Textual support number: 1 CONT
The point last seen(PLS) is determined by information gathered from someone who actually saw the person and can identify that location on a map. This information is useful if the location is somewhere along the intended route of travel and within the search area. 1, record 3, English, - point%20last%20seen
Record 3, French
Record 3, Domaine(s)
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 3, Main entry term, French
- dernier point d'observation
1, record 3, French, dernier%20point%20d%27observation
correct, masculine noun
Record 3, Abbreviations, French
- DPO 1, record 3, French, DPO
correct, masculine noun
Record 3, Synonyms, French
Record 3, Textual support, French
Record 3, Spanish
Record 3, Textual support, Spanish
Record 4 - internal organization data 2014-12-24
Record 4, English
Record 4, Subject field(s)
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 4, Main entry term, English
- scenario analysis
1, record 4, English, scenario%20analysis
correct
Record 4, Abbreviations, English
Record 4, Synonyms, English
Record 4, Textual support, English
Record number: 4, Textual support number: 1 DEF
[The evaluation and prioritizion of] the segments in the search area when more than one scenario is present, or when there is conflicting information about the lost person's PLS [point last seen] or direction of travel. 1, record 4, English, - scenario%20analysis
Record 4, French
Record 4, Domaine(s)
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 4, Main entry term, French
- analyse de scénarios
1, record 4, French, analyse%20de%20sc%C3%A9narios
correct, feminine noun
Record 4, Abbreviations, French
Record 4, Synonyms, French
Record 4, Textual support, French
Record number: 4, Textual support number: 1 DEF
Technique visant à établir des priorités entre les éléments de la zone de recherche lorsqu'on est en présence de plusieurs scénarios ou que l'équipe reçoit des renseignements contradictoires au sujet [...] du dernier endroit où quelqu'un [a aperçu la personne disparue] et de la direction de ses déplacements. 1, record 4, French, - analyse%20de%20sc%C3%A9narios
Record 4, Spanish
Record 4, Textual support, Spanish
Record 5 - internal organization data 2011-11-14
Record 5, English
Record 5, Subject field(s)
- Atmospheric, Climatic and Meteorological Phenomena
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 5, Main entry term, English
- most likely burial area
1, record 5, English, most%20likely%20burial%20area
correct
Record 5, Abbreviations, English
Record 5, Synonyms, English
- most likely burial spot 2, record 5, English, most%20likely%20burial%20spot
correct
- most likely area of burial 3, record 5, English, most%20likely%20area%20of%20burial
correct
- likely area of burial 4, record 5, English, likely%20area%20of%20burial
correct
- likely burial area 5, record 5, English, likely%20burial%20area
correct
- likely burial spot 5, record 5, English, likely%20burial%20spot
correct
- likely deposit 6, record 5, English, likely%20deposit
correct
- likely deposition area 7, record 5, English, likely%20deposition%20area
correct
Record 5, Textual support, English
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Those not caught [in an avalanche] should try to note the locations where the avalanched person or people were [last] seen. ... Once the avalanche has stopped, and there is no danger of secondary slides, these points should be marked with objects for reference. Survivors should then be counted to see who may be lost. If the area is safe to enter, a visual search of the likely burial areas should begin (along a downslope trajectory from the marked points last seen). Some victims are buried partially or shallowly and can be located quickly by making a visual scan of the avalanche debris and pulling out any clothing or equipment found. It may be attached to someone buried. 8, record 5, English, - most%20likely%20burial%20area
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 2 CONT
Analysis of Situation and Safety of the Party.... Determine likely burial areas(for example, around trees, rocks, roads, and in the flowline down from the last seen point). 5, record 5, English, - most%20likely%20burial%20area
Record 5, French
Record 5, Domaine(s)
- Phénomènes météorologiques, climatiques et atmosphériques
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 5, Main entry term, French
- zone préférentielle
1, record 5, French, zone%20pr%C3%A9f%C3%A9rentielle
correct, feminine noun
Record 5, Abbreviations, French
Record 5, Synonyms, French
- endroit préférentiel 2, record 5, French, endroit%20pr%C3%A9f%C3%A9rentiel
correct, masculine noun
- zone probable d'ensevelissement 3, record 5, French, zone%20probable%20d%27ensevelissement
correct, feminine noun
- endroit d'ensevelissement possible 3, record 5, French, endroit%20d%27ensevelissement%20possible
correct, masculine noun
- zone d'ensevelissement possible 3, record 5, French, zone%20d%27ensevelissement%20possible
correct, feminine noun
- zone d'ensevelissement le plus probable 3, record 5, French, zone%20d%27ensevelissement%20le%20plus%20probable
feminine noun
- zone de dépôt préférentielle 4, record 5, French, zone%20de%20d%C3%A9p%C3%B4t%20pr%C3%A9f%C3%A9rentielle
feminine noun
Record 5, Textual support, French
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Pendant l'avalanche, observer si possible pendant toute la durée du phénomène la ou les personnes emportées et tenter de déterminer le plus précisément leur parcours, du point de départ au point où elles disparaîtront définitivement avant que l'avalanche s'arrête. Repérer ce dernier point. De ces observations dépendront en grande partie les chances de retrouver rapidement les victimes. En effet, il est probable que la victime se trouve dans une «zone préférentielle», délimitée par un angle d'environ 60' dont le sommet se situe au point où la victime a été vue pour la dernière fois et dont la bissectrice est sensiblement dans le prolongement de la trajectoire de cette victime. 5, record 5, French, - zone%20pr%C3%A9f%C3%A9rentielle
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 2 CONT
Que faire quand l'avalanche s'arrête? [...] Vous êtes seul : marquez l'endroit où la victime [d'avalanche] a été vue pour la dernière fois [...]; Si vous avez une radio ou un téléphone, alerter les secours; cherchez «frénétiquement» pendant 15 minutes : en aval du dernier point de disparition de la victime; dans les zones préférentielles (replats, creux, amont des rochers, des arbres, bordures). 6, record 5, French, - zone%20pr%C3%A9f%C3%A9rentielle
Record 5, Spanish
Record 5, Textual support, Spanish
Record 6 - internal organization data 2008-02-25
Record 6, English
Record 6, Subject field(s)
- Atmospheric, Climatic and Meteorological Phenomena
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 6, Main entry term, English
- first party leader
1, record 6, English, first%20party%20leader
correct
Record 6, Abbreviations, English
Record 6, Synonyms, English
- first-party leader 2, record 6, English, first%2Dparty%20leader
correct
Record 6, Textual support, English
Record number: 6, Textual support number: 1 CONT
[Organized Rescue. ] The key responsibilities of the First Party Leader are : Performing the role of Field Leader until relieved. Ensuring the safety of all personnel and leading the first party to the accident site. Establishing a staging area if required. Establishing a safe access route to the scene. Establishing point of entry, last seen point, and likely burial areas(with witness if possible). Establishing an escape route and posting a guard if required. Conducting a rapid initial search of likely burial areas(hasty search). Ensuring good communications at the scene and arranging for radio relay if required. Determining what rescue actions may have already been carried out and what are priorities... Ensuring rapid effective searching of the most likely burial areas is carried out by the most efficient means(transceivers, random probing). Communicating with Base Rescue Coordinator to ensure accuracy of accident particulars and appropriate further resources. Briefing subsequent Party Leaders and/or Field Rescue Leader. Keeping or at least attempting to keep a detail record of events before additional help arrives. The first party leader is an important, and pressured job. After ensuring site safety, the next priority of first party leader is the recovery of victims. In a small group, the leader may be as involved in searching as the team members... 1, record 6, English, - first%20party%20leader
Record number: 6, Textual support number: 1 OBS
The First Party is a small, minimally equipped, quick-moving team whose objective is to get to the scene and attempt a live rescue if they can do so safely. The team is best kept to a maximum of five persons as a larger a team will be too slow. 1, record 6, English, - first%20party%20leader
Record 6, French
Record 6, Domaine(s)
- Phénomènes météorologiques, climatiques et atmosphériques
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 6, Main entry term, French
- chef du premier groupe
1, record 6, French, chef%20du%20premier%20groupe
masculine noun
Record 6, Abbreviations, French
Record 6, Synonyms, French
Record 6, Textual support, French
Record number: 6, Textual support number: 1 CONT
[Opération de sauvetage organisée.] Les principales responsabilités du chef du premier groupe sont : Fonctions de chef de l'opération jusqu'à l'arrivée du chef désigné. Mesures visant à assurer la sécurité de tout le personnel et à mener le premier groupe sur les lieux de l'accident. Choix d'une zone rassemblement au besoin. Choix d'un chemin d'accès sûr. Repérage du point d'entrée dans la zone d'avalanche, de l'endroit où la victime a été aperçue en dernier lieu et des endroits d'ensevelissement possibles (avec le concours de témoins si possible). Choix d'un chemin d'évacuation et établissement de guets au besoin. Première recherche rapide des zones d'ensevelissement possibles. Maintien de bonnes communications sur place et prise de dispositions pour l'établissement de relais radio si requis. Énumération des mesures déjà prises et de celles à prendre selon un ordre prioritaire [...] Recherche rapide plus poussée des zones d'ensevelissement les plus probables de la façon la plus efficace possible (ARVA, sondage au hasard). Communications avec le coordonnateur à la base pour vérifier l'exactitude des renseignements fournis et obtenir les ressources supplémentaires qui pourraient êtres nécessaires. Briefing des chefs de groupe qui suivront ou du chef de l'opération. Consignation ou essai de consignation des détails de l'événement avant l'arrivée d'aide supplémentaire. Le chef du premier groupe a un rôle important et difficile. Après avoir assuré la sécurité des lieux, sa priorité est de sauver les victimes. Dans un petit groupe, le chef peut participer aux recherches autant que les autres membres du groupe. Il réduit les transmissions radio au minimum et permet au premier groupe de faire son travail avec un minimum d'interruptions. 1, record 6, French, - chef%20du%20premier%20groupe
Record number: 6, Textual support number: 1 OBS
Le premier groupe est en fait une petite équipe volante qui ne transporte que le matériel essentiel et dont l'objectif est de se rendre rapidement sur place pour sauver des vies si elle peut le faire en toute sécurité. Cette équipe compte au plus cinq personnes afin que tout se déroule à une vitesse optimale. 1, record 6, French, - chef%20du%20premier%20groupe
Record 6, Spanish
Record 6, Textual support, Spanish
Record 7 - internal organization data 2008-01-29
Record 7, English
Record 7, Subject field(s)
- Atmospheric, Climatic and Meteorological Phenomena
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 7, Main entry term, English
- surface clue
1, record 7, English, surface%20clue
correct
Record 7, Abbreviations, English
Record 7, Synonyms, English
- clue on the surface 1, record 7, English, clue%20on%20the%20surface
correct
- visual clue 1, record 7, English, visual%20clue
correct
Record 7, Textual support, English
Record number: 7, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Investigate surface clues and the configuration of the avalanche deposit ... 1, record 7, English, - surface%20clue
Record number: 7, Textual support number: 2 CONT
The primary search involves a fast scan of the entire area where [avalanche] victims might be found(that is, from the last seen point, within the perimeters of the avalanche, and in the deposition areas).... Primary searchers should... do a visual search for clues on the surface(that is, hand, foot, clothing, and equipment).... If a transceiver signal is found, carry out a transceiver search... If there is more than one person buried, the initial search continues to look for visual clues, etc. 1, record 7, English, - surface%20clue
Record 7, French
Record 7, Domaine(s)
- Phénomènes météorologiques, climatiques et atmosphériques
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 7, Main entry term, French
- indice de surface
1, record 7, French, indice%20de%20surface
correct, masculine noun
Record 7, Abbreviations, French
Record 7, Synonyms, French
- indice matériel 1, record 7, French, indice%20mat%C3%A9riel
correct, masculine noun
- indice visuel 2, record 7, French, indice%20visuel
correct, masculine noun
Record 7, Textual support, French
Record number: 7, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Vous êtes témoin d'un accident d'avalanche [...] Que faire quand l'avalanche s'arrête? [...] regarder pour découvrir des indices de surface (ski, bâton, gant, chaussure, sac à dos, etc.). 1, record 7, French, - indice%20de%20surface
Record number: 7, Textual support number: 2 CONT
[...] des jalons de forme et de couleurs différentes signalent chaque point remarquable sur l'avalanche : indices matériels, foyer d'odeur marqué par un chien, limite de la zone inspectée, etc. 1, record 7, French, - indice%20de%20surface
Record 7, Key term(s)
- indice à la surface
Record 7, Spanish
Record 7, Textual support, Spanish
Record 8 - internal organization data 2008-01-23
Record 8, English
Record 8, Subject field(s)
- Atmospheric, Climatic and Meteorological Phenomena
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 8, Main entry term, English
- last seen point
1, record 8, English, last%20seen%20point
correct
Record 8, Abbreviations, English
Record 8, Synonyms, English
- last seen area 2, record 8, English, last%20seen%20area
correct
- last-seen area 3, record 8, English, last%2Dseen%20area
correct
- last seen spot 4, record 8, English, last%20seen%20spot
correct
- victim's last seen point 5, record 8, English, victim%27s%20last%20seen%20point
Record 8, Textual support, English
Record number: 8, Textual support number: 1 DEF
Last notable place where an avalanche victim was seen. 6, record 8, English, - last%20seen%20point
Record number: 8, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Focus the initial search on major deposits below the last seen point and in line with the victim's articles. 7, record 8, English, - last%20seen%20point
Record 8, Key term(s)
- last-seen point
- last-seen spot
Record 8, French
Record 8, Domaine(s)
- Phénomènes météorologiques, climatiques et atmosphériques
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 8, Main entry term, French
- dernier point de disparition
1, record 8, French, dernier%20point%20de%20disparition
correct, masculine noun
Record 8, Abbreviations, French
Record 8, Synonyms, French
- dernier point observé 2, record 8, French, dernier%20point%20observ%C3%A9
correct, masculine noun
Record 8, Textual support, French
Record number: 8, Textual support number: 1 DEF
Endroit où la victime d'avalanche a été aperçue pour la dernière fois. 3, record 8, French, - dernier%20point%20de%20disparition
Record number: 8, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Vous êtes témoin d'un accident d'avalanche. [...] Que faire pendant l'avalanche? Il faut se mettre à l'abri [...]; observer le point de disparition de la victime de l'avalanche et imaginer la trajectoire qu'elle peut parcourir sous la neige, dans l'avalanche, car elle peut réapparaître plus bas; repérez surtout le dernier point de disparition de la victime (on fera les recherches à l'aval de ce point). 1, record 8, French, - dernier%20point%20de%20disparition
Record 8, Spanish
Record 8, Textual support, Spanish
Record 9 - internal organization data 2008-01-23
Record 9, English
Record 9, Subject field(s)
- Atmospheric, Climatic and Meteorological Phenomena
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 9, Main entry term, English
- probe line
1, record 9, English, probe%20line
correct
Record 9, Abbreviations, English
Record 9, Synonyms, English
- avalanche probe line 2, record 9, English, avalanche%20probe%20line
correct
- line of probers 3, record 9, English, line%20of%20probers
correct
Record 9, Textual support, English
Record number: 9, Textual support number: 1 DEF
A line of rescuers, formed along a contour and facing uphill, organized to probe the snow with poles to locate an avalanche victim. 4, record 9, English, - probe%20line
Record number: 9, Textual support number: 1 CONT
A probe line is a coordinated and systematic three-dimensional group search for a victim of an avalanche. The patterns differ for coarse probing, fine probing, and vehicle probing. Working a probe line is slow and tedious: It is close to the last resort when a visual search of the surface, a transceiver search, spot probing, and dog searches have been unsuccessful. 5, record 9, English, - probe%20line
Record number: 9, Textual support number: 2 CONT
Spot-probe... any small, likely deposits. Repeat, until you are confident the buried person is not in these areas. If spot-probing is unsuccessful, set up a line of probers, again considering the last seen point and estimated trajectory. 3, record 9, English, - probe%20line
Record 9, Key term(s)
- probeline
- avalanche probeline
Record 9, French
Record 9, Domaine(s)
- Phénomènes météorologiques, climatiques et atmosphériques
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 9, Main entry term, French
- chaîne de sondage
1, record 9, French, cha%C3%AEne%20de%20sondage
correct, feminine noun
Record 9, Abbreviations, French
Record 9, Synonyms, French
- vague de sondage 2, record 9, French, vague%20de%20sondage
correct, feminine noun
Record 9, Textual support, French
Record number: 9, Textual support number: 1 CONT
La vague de sondage doit être limitée en nombre afin de permettre un contrôle réellement efficace par le chef de vague (15 à 20 sondeurs). [...] Les personnes sont alignées «épaule contre épaule», ce qui garantit la cohésion de la vague de sondage et son maintien de façon simple et durable. [...] Les sondes sont tenues verticalement et alignées entre les pieds de chaque sondeur. [Au] commandement «Sondez», la sonde est enfoncée verticalement de deux mètres. [Au] commandement «En avant», les sondeurs avancent et se mettent en position de sondage, les pieds de part et d'autre de la sonde comme précédemment, jusqu'au commandement suivant : «Sondez». Cette méthode garantit un déplacement effectif de 50 cm, et constitue de fait une grille de 50 cm par 50 cm. 2, record 9, French, - cha%C3%AEne%20de%20sondage
Record number: 9, Textual support number: 1 PHR
Former une chaîne de sondage. 3, record 9, French, - cha%C3%AEne%20de%20sondage
Record 9, Spanish
Record 9, Textual support, Spanish
Record 10 - internal organization data 2008-01-23
Record 10, English
Record 10, Subject field(s)
- Atmospheric, Climatic and Meteorological Phenomena
- Search and Rescue (Paramilitary)
Record 10, Main entry term, English
- visual search for surface clues
1, record 10, English, visual%20search%20for%20surface%20clues
correct
Record 10, Abbreviations, English
Record 10, Synonyms, English
- visual search for clues on the surface 2, record 10, English, visual%20search%20for%20clues%20on%20the%20surface
correct
Record 10, Textual support, English
Record number: 10, Textual support number: 1 CONT
[Avalanche Victim Search. ] The initial search involves a fast scan of the entire area where victims might be found(that is, from the last seen point, within the perimeters of the avalanche, and in the deposition areas). It concentrates on likely areas of burial in addition to listening for transceiver signals and looking for clues on the surface. Initial searchers should be equipped with transceivers, probe, and shovel as well as a few wands if available. Do a visual search for clues on the surface(that is, hand, foot, clothing, and equipment). Call out occasionally and listen for responses from victims. Pull any items found out on the snow to see if a victim is attached. Mark the location of found items and bring them to the attention of the rescue leader. Listen carefully for transceiver signals in these locations.(If victims were not wearing transceivers or if is unknown whether transceivers were used, quickly probe the area around found items.) If a transceiver signal is found, carry out a transceiver search. If there is more than one person buried, the initial search continues to look for visual clues, etc. 2, record 10, English, - visual%20search%20for%20surface%20clues
Record 10, French
Record 10, Domaine(s)
- Phénomènes météorologiques, climatiques et atmosphériques
- Recherche et sauvetage (Paramilitaire)
Record 10, Main entry term, French
- examen visuel de la surface
1, record 10, French, examen%20visuel%20de%20la%20surface
correct, masculine noun
Record 10, Abbreviations, French
Record 10, Synonyms, French
- recherche visuelle d'indices 2, record 10, French, recherche%20visuelle%20d%27indices
correct, feminine noun
Record 10, Textual support, French
Record number: 10, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Un examen visuel de la surface afin de repérer tout indice éventuel devrait être effectué avant la recherche avec ARVA [appareil de recherche de victime d'avalanche] ou par sondage. 1, record 10, French, - examen%20visuel%20de%20la%20surface
Record number: 10, Textual support number: 2 CONT
Recherche avec un groupe équipé d'ARVA [appareil de recherche de victime d'avalanche] [...] Il est préférable, pour des raisons d'efficacité, de consacrer une partie des sauveteurs à des recherches préliminaires de surface : recherches auditives, recherche visuelle d'indices (vêtements, équipement), sondage sur les zones préférentielles. 2, record 10, French, - examen%20visuel%20de%20la%20surface
Record 10, Spanish
Record 10, Textual support, Spanish
Copyright notice for the TERMIUM Plus® data bank
© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2026
TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank
A product of the Translation Bureau
Features
GCtranslate (available on the Government of Canada network only)
Use this artificial intelligence prototype to translate Government of Canada content up to and including Protected B. Available to employees of selected departments and agencies only.
Writing tools
The Language Portal’s writing tools have a new look! Easy to consult, they give you access to a wealth of information that will help you write better in English and French.
Glossaries and vocabularies
Access Translation Bureau glossaries and vocabularies.
- Date Modified:


