© Glen E. Ellman CHAPTER 14 Search and Rescue 1

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the mission of search operations. Describe the mission of rescue operations. Explain how search and rescue operations are coordinated with other fire suppression operations. Identify the factors to evaluate during a search and rescue size-up. 2

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe how to perform a risk-benefit analysis. Describe the factors that determine the level of risk faced by occupants. Explain how search operations are coordinated. List the priorities of search operations. 3

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the objectives of a primary search. Describe the search patterns used in search operations. Explain how thermal imaging cameras are used during search operations. Describe how and when search ropes are used during search operations. 4

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the role of a fire officer during search operations. Explain how a vent-entry-search is commonly performed. Describe the objectives of a secondary search. Explain how fire fighters maintain safety through risk management. 5

Fire Fighter I Objectives List the tools and equipment used in search and rescue operations. Describe the methods fire fighters use to determine whether an area is tenable. List the major types of rescue. Describe the concept of sheltering-in-place. 6

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe how to assist a victim to an exit. List the common types of simple victim carries performed during rescue operations. List the five emergency drags performed during rescue operations. Describe the conditions that may require a ground ladder rescue. 7

Introduction Saving lives is the fire department’s highest priority. Search: Locate living victims. Rescue: Physically remove a person from a dangerous environment. 8

Coordinating Search and Rescue Operations Fire fighters must plan and coordinate all activities to support search and rescue. The fire may need to be controlled before search and rescue can begin. Courtesy of Donald M. Colarusso, AllHandsFire.com 9

Search and Rescue Size-Up Evaluate the critical factors. Develop search and rescue plan based on conclusions. Conduct a risk- benefit analysis. © Irene Teesalu/ShutterStock, Inc. 10

Search and Rescue Size-Up Evaluate occupancy factors. Rescue occupants who are in most immediate danger. Consider where occupants are located. Make observations. Look for clues that indicate whether a building is occupied. 11

Search and Rescue Size-Up Consider occupant information. Make sure everyone is accounted for. Consider the building size and arrangement. Preincident plans include valuable layout information. Note the floor numbering system. 12

Search Coordination Notify the IC: When search is complete If a victim is found Consider those who have escaped but still need assistance. 13

Search Priorities First: Immediate fire area and rest of floor Second: Area directly above the fire Third: Top floor down to floor above fire Last: Areas below the fire 14

Types of Searches Primary Secondary Quick attempt to locate any potential victims who are in danger Secondary Thorough search conducted after the situation is under control 15

Primary Search Time is critical. Check areas where victims might be. Rely on sight, sound, and touch. Use hand tools to extend your reach. 16

Search Techniques Use standard techniques to search assigned areas quickly, efficiently, and safely One member from each team should have a radio. 17

Search Patterns In small rooms, searchers should follow walls and reach toward the middle to feel for victims. In large rooms, one member should be in contact with the wall, whereas the other remains in contact with the first member. 18

Search Patterns Clockwise search (left-handed search) Keep the left hand in contact with the wall. Use the right arm to sweep the room. Turn right at each corner until you return to the entry point. 19

Search Patterns Counterclockwise search (right-handed search) Reverse of clockwise search 20

Search Patterns Check the door temperature. Enter and exit through the same door. Mark rooms to show they have been searched. 21

Thermal Imaging Devices Used to show heat images Can “see” person and room contents through smoke Used to determine whether a door is hot 22

Search Ropes Used to search large areas Used to search interconnected rooms Used to search areas with multiple aisles Provide a reliable return path Should be anchored at the entry point 23

Officer-Led Search Search teams may consist of a fire officer and one to three fire fighters. Parallel-crawl-return is a method used during this type of search. 24

Vent-entry-search Process used when search teams have to enter and exit through a window High-risk activity Use only as directed by the incident commander (IC) and as part of the department standard operating procedures. 25

Secondary Search Used to locate victims missed in primary search Completed when conditions improve Slow and methodical Include all areas of the building 26

Search Safety Fire fighters are exposed to the same risks that endanger the lives of victims. Despite protective clothing and equipment, fire fighters can still be injured. 27

Risk Management Balance the risks involved with the potential benefits. High risk is only acceptable to save lives. Limited risk is acceptable to save property. If there is no chance to save lives or property, no risk is acceptable. 28

IC Considerations The IC must consider: Stage of the fire Condition of the building Presence of other hazards Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mickal/New Orleans Fire Department, Photo Unit 29

Search and Rescue Equipment Personal protective equipment Portable radio Hand light or flashlight Forcible entry tools Hose lines Thermal imaging devices Ladders Long ropes Tubular webbing or short rope 30

Determining Whether an Area is Tenable Determine life safety risk. Evaluate the structural stability. Evaluate the potential for backdraft or flashover conditions. 31

Rescue Techniques Rescue techniques include: Assists Carries Drags Always use the safest and most practical means of egress. 32

Rescue Techniques Shelter-in-place Exit assist Consider when occupants are conscious and in an area that is protected. Exit assist Consider when victim is responsive and able to walk with little or no assistance. 33

Rescue Techniques Simple victim carries Used to move a victim who is conscious and responsive but unable to stand or walk Four simple carries can be used: Two-person extremity carry Two-person seat carry Two-person chair carry Cradle-in-arms carry 34

Rescue Techniques Emergency drags Used to remove an unconscious victim Five emergency drags: Clothes drag Blanket drag Webbing sling drag Fire fighter drag Emergency drag from a vehicle 35

Assisting a Person Down a Ground Ladder Considerable risk of injury Require proper technique and physical strength and stamina Ladders must be heeled or tied in. 36

Removal of Victims by Ladders Aerial ladders have several advantages over ground ladders: Stronger Have a longer reach Wider and more stable Reduce the risk of slipping and falling 37

Summary Search and rescue are almost always performed in tandem. The IC and fire fighters must plan and coordinate all fire suppression operations. Sometimes fire fighters must confine or control a fire. Size-up should include a specific evaluation. 38

Summary Search and rescue plans must consider risks and benefits of operation. Search and rescue includes seven specific factors. Never assume a building is occupied or unoccupied. There are several sources of information regarding potential building occupants. 39

Summary Search begins in the area of greatest risk. Primary search is a quick attempt to locate victims in danger. Fire fighters should use the walls when searching a room. Thermal imaging cameras search for victims in the dark. 40

Summary Search ropes can be used in large, open areas. Vent-entry-search uses the window as an entrance and exit. Secondary searches are conducted after a fire is under control. Fire fighters encounter situations of personal risk. 41

Summary There are several signs that indicate building collapse. Rescue removes people who are unable to escape from a dangerous situation. Specific groups of people may need to be rescued. 42

Summary Sometimes the best option is to shelter the occupants in place rather than remove them from the building. The simplest rescue is the exit assist. Four carry techniques can be used to remove a victim. 43

Summary The drag is the most efficient method to remove an unconscious person. When using the emergency drag, be sure to pull the victim in line with the long axis of the body. Assisting someone down a ladder involves a higher risk of injury. 44