Unit 5 Squad Operations

Unit Goal Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to describe the search and rescue squad organizational structure and position responsibilities, as well as personal and team preparedness considerations.

Unit Objectives  Review TF organizational structure and position responsibilities.  Identify lines of authority and reporting responsibilities.  Review the Squad Officer’s role and responsibilities in task force operations.  Identify functional responsibilities of squad members.  Discuss personal and squad readiness needs.  Review issues related to squad safety.

Squad Operations Squad Operations is where the “rubber meets the road”. The competence and capabilities of the search and rescue squads will determine the success of the incident and may likely be measured in lives saved!

It All Starts With  Working together  Training, training, and more training  Following sound ICS principles  Ensuring that the Code of Conduct is recognized and followed by EVERYONE!  Be familiar with your SOGs

Squad Operations The Squad Officer or Boss is critical to a safe and successful operation and deployment! He or She has responsibility for the squad under them regardless of department they are from. While everyone is entitled to their opinions and suggestions, just remember that right or wrong, there is a reason we have the command structure. LEAVE YOUR EGOS AT HOME.

Be Prepared 24 Hour Pack 72 Hour Pack Article – USAR Gear Guide

 PPE Proper Footwear Helmet with light Eye Protection Hearing Protection Elbow Pads Knee Pads Gloves N95 Respirator  Proper Clothing Long sleeves Layered Weather specific Boonie-soft cap Handkerchief/wipe rag Rain gear Personal equipment may be position dependent but there are basics everyone should have.

Other Personal Items  Identification  Notepad & Pens  214 – Activity Log  FOG Manual  Whistle  Sunglasses  Sunscreen  Bug Repellant  First Aid Kit  Lip Balm  Extra Socks/LS T-Shirt  Knife/Multi-Tool  Webbing/Rope  Flashlight  Extra batteries  Voltage Meter  Personal Meds/Glasses  Advil/Pain Reliever  Toilet Paper  Hand Sanitizer  Water  High Energy Snacks

Someone Should Carry  Radio & Cell Phone  Maps/Floor Plans  Gas Monitor  Air Horn/Whistle  Trauma/Medical Bag  Hotstick  Water/Gas Shutoff Tool or vise grips

En Route Activities  Start Activity Log  Review initial Tactical Action Plan – TF Briefing  Review Operational Checklists  Review USAR FOGs Marking Systems Emergency Signals  Maintain squad accountability  Check your personal gear  Rest  Hydrate

TF 214 Activity Log Operational Period Legible Be detailed Each squad will maintain an activity log Field Notes – what happens to them?

Task Level Field Positions Squad Officer/Boss K9 Search Specialist Technical Search Specialist Rescue Specialist Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist Structures Specialist – Building Engineer Hazardous Materials Specialist Logistics Specialist Medical Specialist

Squad Formation  Squads may be organized and named by function or geographic area.  Squad size varies by assignment and available resources.  Typical functions Recon Search Rescue

Squad Formation (cont)  Each squad must have a supervisor – Squad Officer or boss  Each squad may have a Medical Specialist  Each squad should assign someone to monitor hazards – Hazardous Materials Specialist  Other positions may depend on function or assignment  The number of squads or complexity of assignments may determine if additional levels of supervision are needed, i.e. Search Manager or Rescue Manager

While all positions may not be filled, you must ensure that the responsibilities are assigned and met. Example: While there may not be a Hazardous Materials Specialist on the squad, someone still needs to be responsible for monitoring air quality.

Who Do Squad Officers Report To? Make sure you know! Keep your supervisor updated CAN Report Conditions Actions Needs Don’t deviate from your assignment without getting approval!

When you arrive at the incident everyone is chomping at the bit to go to work but…. Be Patient!! Keep your squad busy while waiting for an assignment. Recheck personal and task force equipment, review your FOG, emphasize safety.

Don’t Get Tunnel Vision  Maintain Accountability  Don’t forget a 360  Size up must be continuous. Don’t get so involved in the task that you forget to step back and take a look at the big picture.  Your best view is not from the working end of a tool.