Which term describes the act of both finding and ensuring the safety of survivors during an emergency incident?

The term that describes the act of both finding and ensuring the safety of survivors during an emergency incident is "search and rescue." This term specifically refers to the operations conducted to locate individuals who are missing or in distress, as well as to provide for their safety through recovery and assistance.

In search and rescue operations, the focus is on actively searching for survivors and then effectively responding to their needs, which can include medical assistance, sheltering, and transportation to safety. This involves both the search component—locating the individuals—and the rescue element—ensuring that those found are safe and receiving the necessary help.

The other terms mentioned have distinct definitions that do not fully encompass the full scope of actions involved in locating and securing the safety of survivors. "Search and recovery" typically implies a focus on recovering victims rather than ensuring their survival. "Emergency response" is a broader term that can include various activities beyond just search and rescue. Lastly, "risk assessment" involves evaluating potential hazards and planning responses, which is not directly related to the active operations of finding and rescuing individuals. Thus, "search and rescue" is the most accurate term in this context.