1. CERT Basic Training Course Community Emergency Response Teams)
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

2. Search and Rescue Consists of three separate operations
Sizeup: Using 9-step, continual model
Search: Locate survivors & document
Rescue: Extricate survivors
5-1

3. Should I Attempt Rescue?
Decision based on three factors
Risks involved for the rescuer
Greatest good for the greatest number
Resources and manpower available
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

4. Goals of Search and Rescue
Rescue greatest number in shortest amount of time
Get walking wounded out first
Rescue lightly trapped victims next
Keep rescuers safe
Spontaneous efforts often make things worse!
(Manual pg 5-2)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

5. Unit Objectives
Identify S&R sizeup requirements and levels of building damage
Describe most common search techniques, both interior and exterior
Use safe techniques for debris handling and victim extrication by cribbing
Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue operations
(Manual pg 5-2 modified)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

6. Effective Search and Rescue
Depends on:
Effective sizeup
Available resources
Rescuer safety (buddy system)
Victim safety
Rescuer teamwork
Continuous monitoring & communication
(Manual pg 5-2 modified)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

7. Effective Search and Rescue
Trapped victim survival rate.
Time of rescue Survival rate
30 minutes %
1 day %
2 days %
3 days %
4 days %
5 days %
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

8. Effective Search and Rescue
80% of victims can be rescued
by CERT teams
Percentage of Victims
CSAR
Teams 5%
Entombed
Void Space Non-Structural Entrapment
Fire Department
15%
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
50%
50%
Injured but
NOT Trapped
Spontaneous Rescue Volunteers
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

9. CERT Sizeup Gather Facts Assess Damage Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
STOP-LOOK-LISTEN-THINK!
(Manual pp 5-4 to 5-7)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
5-8 8

10. Sizeup: Step 1 Gather Facts Time of event and day of the week
Construction type/terrain
Occupancy
Weather
Other Hazards
(Manual pg 5-8)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

11. Assess and Communicate Damage
Sizeup: Step 2
Assess and Communicate Damage
Survey entire perimeter to get full picture
Evaluate type of building construction
Be sure to let all leaders/experts know
The CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
(Manual pg 5-11 to 5-13)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 10

12. Light Damage Cosmetic damage Broken windows
Superficial cracks or breaks in wall surface
Minor damage to the interior contents
Safe to enter and remain
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 11

13. Moderate Damage Enter only to save lives
Visible signs of structural 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 Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 12

14. Heavy Damage Do not enter under any circumstances
Partial or total collapse
Tilting
Obvious structural instability
Building off foundation
Do not enter under any circumstances
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 13

15. Consider Probabilities
Sizeup: Step 3
Consider Probabilities
How stable is the situation?
What else could go wrong?
Earthquake aftershocks? Fire starts?
Utility failure or structure collapse?
Team member gets hurt?
What would these mean for the search and rescue?
(Manual pg 5-15)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

16. Sizeup: Step 4 Assess Your Situation
Consider all information gathered
Is the situation safe to continue ?
What risks would team face?
What risks would others face?
What resources do I need?
(Manual pg 5-16 modified)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

17. Utility Dangers
When approaching fallen or damaged utility wires, assume that all wires are charged (even phone & TV lines!)
If you smell gas as you enter the building, get out and shut the gas off
Only reenter the building when the smell of gas has disappeared
Safety is first priority!
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

18. CERT Basic Training Course
Rescue Resources
Trained People
Firefighters, Police
Nurse, Doctor
Contractor
Tools
Crowbars
Auto jacks
Chainsaws
Equipment
PPE
Cribbing material
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 17

19. Sizeup: Step 5 Establish Priorities What tasks need to be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest number in the shortest amount of time?
How to keep my team safe?
(Manual pg 5-18)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 18

20. Sizeup: Step 6 Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety of CERT members and others
Life safety of victims
Protection of the environment
Protection of property
Communicate with command staff
What I am doing
What resources I need
(Manual pg 5-18)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 19

21. Sizeup: Step 7 Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities and decisions
Communicate to everyone involved
Provide cert documentation for
responding agencies
continuing sizeup process
(Manual pg 5-19)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 20

22. Sizeup: Step 8 Take Action Based on plan developed during Step 7
Be watchful for the unexpected!
Document on CERT Form 4
(Squad Briefing Assignment)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 21

23. Sizeup: Step 9 Evaluate Progress Critical step for success
Monitor teams progress
Monitor plan’s safety and effectiveness
Assess whether conditions change
REMEMBER PROCESS IS
CONTINUAL
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

24. Specific Safety Concerns
Make rescuer safety primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Anyone can stop rescue operation
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Biggest dangers:
disorientation
secondary collapse
(Manual pg 5-20 modified)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 23

25. If you see collapsed floors or walls, get out!
Structural Voids
If you see collapsed floors or walls, get out! X
Pancake Void X X
‘V’ Void X X
= Voids
Lean-to Void
CERT Basic Training
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 24

26. Individual Voids Look for spaces where victims may seek protection
Bathtubs
Underneath desks
Inside cabinets
Under/next to beds
Inside closets
Children may be too frightened to respond to searchers
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

27. Pre-Plan the Search Walk around perimeter of structure
Look for (and ask bystanders?):
Anyone reported missing; people inside
Type of building; signs of damage
Utility hazards: gas smell, wires, shutoffs
Best entry/exit points: ease, safety
Tell others what was found
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

28. Pre-Plan the Search Specify Team responsibilities:
One team searches the interior
Other team stays outside as backup
Squad Leader controls scene
Teams switch roles to prevent fatigue
Have pre-arranged emergency signals
Review search plan with teams
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

29. Search Markings Upon entering search area: Diagonal line Enter info
Date
Time In
Time Out
Areas Searched
CERT
I.D.
Upon leaving search area:
Complete ‘X’
Enter info
Survivors
Manual pg 5-24
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 28

30. Search Markings Example: 10/17/17 In: 1430 Out: 1515
Only FL 1-2 searched
Stairs to FL-3 unsafe
LSB Sqd-23 2M
Moved to
Med Area
2 pets dead
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 29

31. Search Team Procedures
SIZEUP BEFORE ACTING
Survey the whole area for hazards
What do you need? People & tools?
Plan escape routes (more than 1)
Develop signals and a rescue plan
Keep records of all victims located
Everyone, including any victims, should be aware of the plan
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 30

32. Search Team Procedures
Call out to victims, “If anyone can hear my voice, come here”. Then listen.
Ask any victims who do respond for more information about the building or others who may be trapped
Victims might be in shock or confused
Children tend to hide under beds, in bathtubs, closets, etc.
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 31

33. Search Team Procedures
Bottom-up or top-down for a multi-story building
Right wall or left wall on single floor
Check all 6 sides of room for danger
Keep records on all victims found
(Manual pg 5-25)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 32

34. Search Team Procedures
Stop frequently to listen for:
Tapping
Movement
Voices
Pet sounds
Triangulate to locate a hidden victim
Move slowly, testing the floor
Mark each individual apartment unit
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 33

35. Search Team Procedures
Triangulation allows rescuers to view a location from several perspectives and get better “fix” on hidden person
Still need to have backup team outside
CERT Basic Training Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 34

36. Exterior Search For a grid search
Set distance between searchers according to visibility and debris
Overlap line patterns
Search in as straight a line as possible
Mark areas that have been searched
All searchers briefed
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
5-83 35

37. Identifying Structural Damage
Stay away from leaning buildings – there is a great possibility of a future collapse with an aftershock or from the weight of the building
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

38. Identifying Structural Damage
Examine floor lines from foundation to roof
Window and Door lines
Garage doors & Entry
Is the building leaning?
Sides of building
Look at nearby buildings
Look for any parts of building not parallel to each other
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

39. Identifying Structural Damage
Look for large cracks around:
Foundation and/or mud sills
Garage doors
Entry ways
Out-of-line cripple walls
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

40. Structural Damage: Pop Quiz
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

41. Structural Damage: Pop Quiz
House by summit road after Loma Prieta earthquake
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

42. Structural Damage: Pop Quiz
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

43. Search Markings: Pop Quiz
Example:
(going in)
10/17/17
In: 1430
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 42

44. Search Markings: Pop Quiz
Example:
(going in)
10/17/17
In: 1430
LASELVA-12
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 43

45. Search Markings: Pop Quiz
Example: (coming out)
10/17/17
In: 1430
Out: 1515
FL 1-2 searched
Stairs to FL-3 unsafe
LASELVA-12 2M
Moved to
CERT med ops
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 44

46. Search Markings: Pop Quiz
Example:
(incomplete
search)
10/17/17
In: 1430
LASELVA-12
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 45

47. Rescue Operations
Remove objects and debris to free victims and create safe rescue scene
Triage victims
Remove victims
Remove debris (as priorities permit)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 46

48. Safe Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety as first priority
Triage in lightly and moderately damaged buildings
Reduce hazardous debris first
What injured the victim and could injure the rescuers? Safe to remove?
Do things the easiest way
Keep plans simple; insure all know
Evacuate victims as quickly as possible
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 47

49. Minimize Risks Know your limitations Personal training and fatigue
Equipment available
Do a thorough sizeup
Follow safety procedures
Remove debris by:
Lifting safely
Leveraging
Cribbing
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 48

50. Leveraging and Cribbing
Wrong alignment of cribbing pieces
For heavy lifting
Use any stable items
Safety BIG concern
Use one or two cribs as needed for stability
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 49

51. Leveraging and Cribbing
Need 5 or 6 person squad
First stage in crib
Support space under object to stabilize
Lever with fulcrum
Next stage is lift one cribbing height
Add cribbing pieces but never reach under
Lower onto crib to test
Repeat to free victim
(Manual pp 5-30 to 5-34)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

52. Two Types of Extrication
Self removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Special care if neck injury suspected
(Manual pg 5-35)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 51

53. Which Extrication Method?
General stability of the immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Strength and ability of the rescuers
Condition of victim
especially head & neck injuries
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 52

54. One-Person Carries Not so good! (Manual pp 5-36&39)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 53

55. Two-Person Carries Better! (Manual pp 5-37&40)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 54

56. Log Rolling (Hopefully to put on stretcher, not remove from building!)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 55

57. Blanket Carries Best support (Manual pp 5-38&42)
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 56

58. Victim Rescue Demonstration
Locate the victim
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

59. Victim Rescue Demonstration
Assess the victim’s medical condition
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

60. Victim Rescue Demonstration
Get tools and equipment; remove debris
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

61. Victim Rescue Demonstration
Crib to support, then lift and crib
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

62. Victim Rescue Demonstration
Slide victim out with support help
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

63. Victim Rescue Demonstration
Transport victim to a treatment area
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations

64. Unit Summary You should know: How to decide whether to attempt rescue
The objectives and methods of interior and exterior search and rescue
Proper procedures for light, moderate and heavily damaged buildings
Rescue objectives and methods
How to make a crib rescue safely
Building and apartment markings
Manual pp 5-44&45
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 63

65. Homework Assignment Review Unit #5 (bring any questions) FOR EXAM:
Reread objectives for Units 1 through 8 and review manual information if uncertainties.
Take exam in manual (pp 9-5 to -17) and bring questions to class for review.
Bring pencil to take written exam and wear work clothes/shoes for practical.
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations 64

66. Light Search and Rescue
Practical exercise outside
CERT Basic Training Course
Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations