1. Light Search and Rescue Operations
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5
2017-a Edition

2. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Thank You
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

3. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Consists of three separate operations
Sizeup: Using 5-step, continual model
Search: Locating victims and documenting
Rescue: Extricating victims
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

4. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Deciding to Attempt Rescue
Decision based on three factors
The risks involved for the rescuer
Greatest good for the greatest number
Resources and manpower available
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

5. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Goals of Search and Rescue
Rescue greatest number in shortest amount of time
Get walking wounded out first
Rescue lightly trapped victims next
Keep the rescuer safe
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

6. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Effective Search and Rescue
Depends on:
Effective sizeup
Rescuer safety
Victim safety
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

7. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Unit Objectives
Identify sizeup requirements
Describe most common search techniques
Use safe techniques for debris removal
Use safe techniques for victim extrication
Describe ways to protect rescuers
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

8. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Unit Topics
Safety During Search and Rescue Operations
Conducting Interior and Exterior Searches
Conducting Rescue Operations
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 7

9. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
CERT Sizeup (Long Version)
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 8

10. CERT Sizeup (simplified)
Facts (Gather facts)
Anticipate (Consider facts, guess future)
Plan (“Direction before velocity”)
Act (Less talking, more doing)
Review (Continuously re-evaluate)
CERT Basic Training: Orem/Provo Extra
Unit 2: Fire Safety and Utility Controls

11. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Sizeup: Step 1
Gather Facts
What has happened and is currently happening?
Time of event and day of the week
Construction type/terrain
Occupancy
Weather
Hazards
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

12. Exercise: Gathering Facts
CERT Basic Training, Unit 5:
Light Search and Rescue Operations

13. Assess and Communicate Damage
Sizeup: Step 1, cont.
Assess and Communicate Damage
(Part of “Gathering facts”)
The CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 12

14. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Light Damage
Superficial
Broken windows
Superficial cracks or breaks in wall surface
Minor damage to the interior contents
Safe to enter and remain
CERT Basic Training
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15. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Moderate Damage
Visible signs of damage
Decorative work damaged or fallen
Many visible cracks or breaks in wall
Major damage to interior contents
Building still on foundation
Enter only to save lives
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 14

16. Do not enter a building with heavy damage under any circumstances
Partial or total collapse
Tilting
Obvious structural instability
Building off foundation
Do not enter a building with heavy damage under any circumstances
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 15

17. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Step 1, Cont.: Rescue Resources
Personnel
Firefighters
Police
Nurse, M.D.
Contractor
Tools
Crowbars
Auto jacks
Chainsaws
Equipment
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 16

18. Consider Probabilities
Sizeup: Step 2
Consider Probabilities
(Anticipate)
What is going to happen?
How stable is the situation?
What else could go wrong? (Murphy’s Law)
What does it mean for the search and rescue?
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

19. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Sizeup: Step 2 cont.
Anticipate
Is the situation safe enough to continue?
What risks will rescuers face?
What resources are needed?
What resources are available?
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 18

20. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Sizeup: Step 3
Establish Priorities
(part of planning)
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest number in the shortest amount of time?
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 19

21. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Sizeup: Step 3 cont.
Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety of CERT members
Life safety for victims and others
Protection of the environment
Protection of property
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 20

22. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Sizeup: Step 3 cont.
Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part of CERT records
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 21

23. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Sizeup: Step 4
Take Action
Based on plan developed during Step 3
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 22

24. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Sizeup: Step 5
Review
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness and safety
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

25. Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations — Part 1
CERT Basic Training
Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations — Part 1

26. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Specific Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 25

27. Structural Voids X = Voids
If you see collapsed floors or walls, get out! X X X X
Pancake Void X X
‘V’ Void X X
= Voids
Lean-to Void
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 26

28. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Structural Voids
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

29. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Individual Voids
Spaces where victims may seek protection
Bathtubs
Underneath desks
Inside cabinets
Under/next to beds
Inside closets
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

30. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Markings
Upon entering search area:
Make a slash
Enter info
Date
Time In
Time Out
Areas Searched
CERT
I.D.
Upon leaving search area:
Complete ‘X’
Enter info
Victims
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 29

31. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Markings
What information do you mark when entering?
Date
Time In
CERT I.D.
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 30

32. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Markings
What information do you mark when exiting?
Date
Time In
Time Out
Areas Searched
and
Hazards
CERT I.D.
Victims
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 31

33. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Markings
Example:
2/15/08
In: 1430
Out: 1515
FL 1-2 searched
Stairs to FL-3 unsafe
CERT-23 2L
Moved to
CERT-23 med
ops
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 32

34. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Markings
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 33

35. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Markings
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 34

36. Video: Search & Rescue X-code (5:18)
CERT Basic Training
Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2

37. Video: Search & Rescue X-code (5:18)
CERT Basic Training
Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2

38. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search & Rescue X-code decal
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 37

39. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Methodology
Call out to victims, “If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims for more information about the building or others who may be trapped
Victims might be in shock or confused
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 38

40. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Methodology
Bottom-up/top-down for a multi-story building
Right wall/left wall for a single floor
Stop frequently to listen
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 39

41. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Methodology
Stop frequently to listen for:
Tapping
Movement
Voices
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 40

42. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Methodology
Triangulation allows rescuers to view a location from several perspectives
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 41

43. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Search Methodology
Keep records of rescued victims and of those who remain trapped or are dead
Report information to emergency services personnel (keep notes)
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 42

44. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between searchers according to visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full coverage
Search in as straight a line as possible
Mark areas that have been searched
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 43

45. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Remove objects and debris to free victims and create safe rescue environment
Triage victims
Remove victims
Remove debris
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 44

46. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Creating a Safe Environment
Maintain rescuer safety
Triage in lightly and moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims as quickly as possible
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 45

47. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Precautions to Minimize Risk
Know your limitations
Follow safety procedures
Remove debris by:
Leveraging
Cribbing
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 46

48. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Proper Lifting Procedures
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close to body
Push up with legs
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 47

49. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Leveraging and Cribbing
For heavy lifting
Performed in tandem
Helps extricate victims
Various materials and objects may be used
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 48

50. Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2
Video: Cribbing (8:19)
CERT Basic Training
Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2

51. Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2
Video: Cribbing (8:19)
8:19
CERT Basic Training
Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2

52. Exercise – Search & Rescue/Cribbing
CERT Basic Training, Unit 5:
Light Search and Rescue Operations

53. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Two Types of Removal
Self removal or assist
Lifts and drags
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 52

54. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Which Extrication Method?
General stability of the immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Strength and ability of the rescuers
Condition of victim
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 53

55. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
One-Person Arm Carry
Lift around victim’s back and under knees
Lift victim by keeping your own back straight and lifting with legs
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 54

56. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Pack-Strap Carry
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 55

57. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Two-Person Carry
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 56

58. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Chair Carry
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 57

59. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Blanket Carry
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 58

60. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Log Rolling
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 59

61. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Blanket/Tarp Drag
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 60

62. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Stretcher Fails
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 61

63. Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2
Video: Cribbing (16:32)
1:00
CERT Basic Training
Unit 4 Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2

64. Exercise- Lifts and Carries
CERT Basic Training, Unit 5:
Light Search and Rescue Operations

65. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Unit Summary
You should know:
How to decide whether to attempt rescue
The objectives of interior and exterior search and rescue
How to perform search and rescue sizeup
Building markings
Rescue functions
How to remove debris
How to extricate victims
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 64

66. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
Homework Assignment
Read unit 7
Do homework handout
Bring gear
Wear normal clothing
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 65