0. Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition
Chapter 8 — Rescue and Extrication
Firefighter I

1. Chapter 8 Lesson Goal
After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to summarize procedures and guidelines for rescue operations and perform basic victim removal following the policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Firefighter I

2. Specific Objectives
1. Distinguish between rescue and extrication operations.
2. Summarize safety guidelines for search and rescue personnel operating within a burning building
3. Explain the objectives of a building search.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

3. Specific Objectives 4. Describe primary search and secondary search.
5. Discuss conducting search operations.
6. Explain what actions a firefighter should take when in distress.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

4. Specific Objectives
7. Describe actions that should be taken by a rapid intervention crew (RIC) when a firefighter is in distress.
8. Discuss victim removal methods.
9. Discuss emergency power and lighting equipment.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

5. Specific Objectives
10. Conduct a primary and secondary search. (Skill Sheet 8-I-1)
11. Exit a hazardous area. (Skill Sheet 8-I-2)
12. Demonstrate the incline drag. (Skill Sheet 8-I-3)
(Continued)
Firefighter I

6. Specific Objectives
13. Demonstrate the blanket drag. (Skill Sheet 8-I-4)
14. Demonstrate the webbing drag. (Skill Sheet 8-I-5)
15. Demonstrate the cradle-in-arms lift/carry — One-rescuer method. (Skill Sheet 8-I-6)
(Continued)
Firefighter I

7. Specific Objectives
16. Demonstrate the seat lift/carry — Two-rescuer method. (Skill Sheet 8-I-7)
17. Demonstrate the extremities lift/carry — Two-rescuer method. (Skill Sheet 8-I-8)
(Continued)
Firefighter I

8. Specific Objectives
18. Demonstrate the chair lift/carry method 1 — Two rescuers. (Skill Sheet 8-I-9)
19. Demonstrate the chair lift/carry method 2 — Two rescuers. (Skill Sheet 8-I-10)
20. Illuminate the emergency scene. (Skill Sheet 8-I-11)
Firefighter I

9. Rescue and Extrication Operations
Rescue — Involves removal of victims from entrapment by
Fires
Terrain features
Structural collapse
Elevation differences
Confined spaces
Non-extrication situations
(Continued)
Firefighter I

10. Rescue and Extrication Operations
Extrication — Involves disentanglement, removal of victims from vehicles
Differences between rescue and body recovery operation
Rescues involve risk to life
Body recoveries should not involve risk to life
Firefighter I

11. Safety Guidelines for Search and Rescue Personnel
Do not enter building in which fire has progressed to point where viable victims are unlikely to be found
If backdraft conditions are apparent, attempt entry only after ventilation
Work according to IAP
(Continued)
Firefighter I

12. Safety Guidelines for Search and Rescue Personnel
Maintain radio contact with supervisor; monitor radio contact
Continuously monitor fire conditions that might affect search team safety
Use established personnel accountability system
(Continued)
Firefighter I

13. Safety Guidelines for Search and Rescue Personnel
Be aware of secondary means of egress
Wear full PPE, including SCBA, PASS device
Work in teams of two or more, stay in contact with each other
Search systematically
(Continued)
Firefighter I

14. Safety Guidelines for Search and Rescue Personnel
Stay low, move cautiously
Stay alert
Continuously monitor structure’s integrity
Check doors for excessive heat before opening
(Continued)
Firefighter I

15. Safety Guidelines for Search and Rescue Personnel
Mark entry doors into rooms
Maintain contact with wall, hoseline, or tagline
Have charged hoseline at hand
Coordinate with ventilation teams before opening windows
(Continued)
Firefighter I

16. Safety Guidelines for Search and Rescue Personnel
Close door, report condition, follow supervisor’s orders if fire encountered
Inform supervisor of inability to search any rooms
Report to supervisor when search complete
Firefighter I

17. Building Search Objectives
Locating victims
Primary search
Secondary search
Rapid intervention
Obtaining information about location/ extent of fire
Firefighter I

18. Primary Search
Rapid but thorough search performed before or during fire suppression
Often carried out under extremely adverse conditions
Check known/likely locations of victims
Confirm fire conditions
Firefighter I

19. Secondary Search Conducted after fire under control
Conducted by personnel other than primary search personnel
Slower, more thorough search to ensure no occupants overlooked during primary search
Firefighter I

20. Primary Search Operations
Standard search priorities
Use buddy system
Appropriate equipment
Radio
TIC
Flashlight
Forcible entry tools
Search rope
(Continued)
Firefighter I

21. Primary Search Operations
Search may be conducted by
Walking upright
Crawling on hands/knees
(Continued)
Firefighter I

22. Primary Search Operations
When searching
Move systematically
Search each room completely
Listen for sounds from victims
Start as close to fire as possible
Proceed as directly as possible from entry and pay out tagline
(Continued)
Firefighter I

23. Primary Search Operations
When searching
Search bathrooms, bathtubs, etc.
Search perimeter of rooms
Extend arms/legs or use handle of tool to reach under furniture
After perimeter searched, search middle of room
(Continued)
Firefighter I

24. Primary Search Operations
Visibility
May be limited; use TIC
May be obscured by smoke; report to IC
(Continued)
Firefighter I

25. Primary Search Operations
Making reports
Report essentials to supervisor/Command
Maintain radio contact with supervisor
Negative information also important
Inform IC of unsearched areas
(Continued)
Firefighter I

26. Primary Search Operations
Search line system
Consists of 200 feet (60 m) of ⅜-inch (10 mm) rope with Kevlar™ sheath
Every 20 feet (6 m) along length, 2-inch (50 mm) steel ring tied into line
(Continued)
Courtesy of Jeff Seaton
Firefighter I

27. Primary Search Operations
Search line system
Rings also provide anchor point for lateral tethers
Implementing search line system
May become necessary to search areas perpendicular to search line
Navigator keeps Command informed of progress
Firefighter I

28. Secondary Search Operations
Assigned to personnel other than primary search personnel
Speed not as important as thoroughness
Conducted as systematically as primary search to ensure no spaces missed
(Continued)
Firefighter I

29. Secondary Search Operations
Conducted more slowly, carefully than primary search
Any negative information should be reported immediately
Firefighter I

30. Searching Multistory Buildings
Most critical areas are fire floor, floor directly above fire, and topmost floor
Once critical areas searched, intervening floors should be checked
(Continued)
Firefighter I

31. Searching Multistory Buildings
During primary search, unless a part of ventilation, doors to uninvolved rooms should be closed
Exits, hallways, stairs should be kept clear as possible
Firefighter I

32. Search Methods
When rooms, offices, apartments extend from center hallway, search line system can be used
(Continued)
Firefighter I

33. Search Methods If search line system cannot be used
Teams should be assigned to search both sides of hallway
Critically important to control access/egress
Entering first room, searchers turn right or left and follow walls around room
(Continued)
Firefighter I

34. Search Methods If search line system cannot be used
As rescuers leave room, turn in same direction used to enter room
When removing victims to safety or exiting, rescuers must turn opposite direction used to enter
Important that rescuers exit through same doorway entered
(Continued)
Firefighter I

35. Search Methods
In some departments, small rooms are searched by using a thermal imaging camera (TIC)
Firefighter I

36. If No TIC Available One member stays at door while other searches
Searcher remains oriented by maintaining constant dialogue with member at door
Searcher keeps member at door informed of progress
(Continued)
Firefighter I

37. If No TIC Available
When search completed, two rejoin at doorway, close and mark door, proceed to next room
When searching next room, exchange roles
Firefighter I

38. Marking Systems Several methods used
Latch straps serve function of preventing other rescuers from being locked out of room
Departmental SOPs usually dictate accepted method
(Continued)
Firefighter I

39. Marking Systems Marks should be placed on lower third of door
Some departments train teams to use a two-part system
Firefighter I

40. Building Search Safety
Search initiated on arrival
Guidelines for rescuers
Work quickly, operate safely
Always be alert for weakened/hazardous structural conditions
Feel floor to be sure intact
(Continued)
Firefighter I

41. Building Search Safety
Firefighters on or directly below fire floor should be alert for sagging floors, etc. to indicate floor/ceiling above or below has weakened
Firefighter I

42. When Searching Within A Burning Building
Open doors cautiously
Feel top of door and door knob to determine heat level
Do not remain in front of door while being opened
(Continued)
Firefighter I

43. When Searching Within A Burning Building
Stay on hinge side of outward-opening doors
If inward-opening door difficult to open, do not kick door; place strap behind knob to maintain control while opening
Firefighter I

44. If in Imminent Life-Threatening Danger
Transmit Mayday!
Activate PASS device
Communicate situation to supervisor/Command
Actions when contact made
Firefighter I

45. If Hoseline Can Be Located
Crawl along and feel for couplings
Female – Toward nozzle, has smaller lugs
Male – Toward water source, has lungs on shank
Follow hoseline to exit or nozzle team
Firefighter I

46. If Unable to Retrace Steps
Look for exit from building
Search by locating wall and crawling along while sweeping floor with one hand and sweeping wall as high as possible without standing up
(Continued)
Firefighter I

47. If Unable to Retrace Steps
Sweeping hand back and forth on floor will help avoid holes, other openings into which fall may be possible
Sweep walls while crawling to help locate window
Take appropriate actions if outside window found
Firefighter I

48. If Possible to Escape Without Assistance
Take appropriate action if equipped with escape rope
If not equipped with escape rope, safely drop from second story window by removing SCBA and hanging from windowsill by hands
Firefighter I

49. If Door Can Be Found
Secure door with rope/strap attached to knob so can be closed quickly
Check door for heat before opening
If cool to touch, open slowly, carefully
If door leads to closet or fire on other side, continue along wall in same direction
Firefighter I

50. If Exit Through Door/Window Not Possible
Break through interior or exterior wall
Follow guidelines for attempting to breach interior wall
Firefighter I

51. If Unable to Exit Activate PASS device and move close to wall
If exhausted, sit on floor and lean against wall
If unable to reach wall, position flashlight toward ceiling
Firefighter I

52. When Trapped Suffering Injury
Find place of relative safety and activate PASS device
If against wall, tap or pound on wall with tool or hard object
Try to maintain composure to maximize air supply
Firefighter I

53. Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
Must be standing by when firefighters are in hazard zone inside burning building
Composed of at least two firefighters equipped to enter hazard zone to locate/rescue firefighter in distress
IC may decide RIC needs more than two firefighters
(Continued)
Firefighter I

54. Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
Members may be assigned nonessential duties as long as they can be abandoned
Other allowable assignments
Location relatively close to hazard zone
Must not require much physical exertion
(Continued)
Firefighter I

55. Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
May be more than one at a given fire, especially if interior crews entered building at different points
Firefighter I

56. Actions by Rescuers Searching for Firefighter in Distress
Remember firefighter will probably be wearing SCBA
Try to establish radio contact
IC may order noise-producing devices be shut down
(Continued)
Firefighter I

57. Actions by Rescuers Searching for Firefighter in Distress
If actions unsuccessful, attempt to determine last known location
TIC should be used
RIC should stop frequently to listen
Crew members may hold breath for complete silence
Firefighter I

58. Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located
Air supply should be checked
Firefighter should be medically evaluated
Level of consciousness, vital signs should be checked
If unable to walk, use any safe means possible to move
(Continued)
Firefighter I

59. Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located
Need to exit hostile atmosphere usually overrides need to stabilize injuries prior to moving
If firefighter has functioning SCBA, carefully move him/her so as not to dislodge mask
(Continued)
Firefighter I

60. Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located
If no functioning SCBA, connect mask to functioning SCBA from RIC kit or quickly remove victim from hazardous atmosphere
Firefighter I

61. Tracking Devices
Some departments equip firefighters with digital radio transceivers
Approximately same size as PASS device and mounted on SCBA harness
Courtesy of Exit Technologies
(Continued)
Firefighter I

62. Tracking Devices
Have range of approximately 100 feet (30 m) and do not interfere with radios
Operate on 457 kHz
Always turned on when entering burning building
(Continued)
Firefighter I

63. Tracking Devices
Signal allows fellow team members or RIC to locate downed firefighter
If firefighter becomes separated from team, his/her transceiver can be switched from standby to search mode
Firefighter I

64. Removing Located Firefighters
Even though a two-firefighter RIC can locate a firefighter in distress, unlikely to be able to remove him/her from hazard zone
(Continued)
Firefighter I

65. Removing Located Firefighters
If firefighter in distress waited until low-air alarm sounded before calling Mayday, firefighter will almost certainly be out of air
RIC must take specific actions when searching for missing firefighters
Firefighter I

66. Victim Removal
Injured victims should not be moved unless in immediate danger
Situations where emergency moves are necessary
Firefighter I

67. Remember During Victim Removal
Chief danger is possibly aggravating spinal injury
If necessary to perform emergency move, pull victim in direction of long axis of body
Better to have two or more rescuers when lifting/carrying adult
(Continued)
Firefighter I

68. Remember During Victim Removal
Unconscious victim always more difficult to lift
Rescuers helping carry victim should guard against losing balance
Lifting incorrectly is one of the most common causes of injury to rescuers
Firefighter I

69. Carries and Drags Incline drag Blanket drag Webbing drag
Cradle-in-arms lift/carry
Seat lift/carry
(Continued)
Firefighter I

70. Carries and Drags Three-person lift/carry
Moving victim onto long backboard or litter
Extremities lift/carry
Chair lift/carry
Firefighter I

71. Emergency Power/Lighting Equipment
Many rescue/extrication incidents occur in poor lighting conditions
Conditions create need to artificially light scene
Firefighters must know how to operate available emergency power/lighting equipment
Firefighter I

72. Power Plants Inverter Step-up transformer
Used on emergency vehicles when small amounts of power needed
Advantages/disadvantages
(Continued)
Firefighter I

73. Power Plants Generators
Most common power source for emergency services
Portable
Vehicle-mounted
Firefighter I

74. Portable Lighting Equipment
Can be carried to/used in areas where vehicle-mounted lights cannot illuminate
Range from 300 to 1,000 watts
(Continued)
Firefighter I

75. Portable Lighting Equipment
Supplied with power by cord from vehicle-mounted or portable power plant
Usually have handles and large bases
Mounted on telescoping stands
Firefighter I

76. Fixed Lighting Equipment
Mounted to vehicle
Usually mounted so it can be raised, lowered, turned
Often mounted on telescoping poles
(Continued)
Firefighter I

77. Fixed Lighting Equipment
Some larger units include hydraulically operated boom with bank of lights
Amount of lighting should be matched with amount of power available
Overtaxing power plant has consequences
Firefighter I

78. Auxiliary Electrical Equipment
Electrical cables or extension cords
Junction boxes
Adapters
Firefighter I

79. Summary
Firefighters must be capable of performing basic rescue and extrication operations as a member of a team.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

80. Summary
As firefighters progress in their careers, they must be willing to pursue specialized training in each of the rescue areas, including fireground search and rescue operations, vehicle extrication operations, and a variety of technical rescue operations.
Firefighter I

81. Review Questions
1. List four guidelines that should be used by search and rescue personnel operating within a building.
2. What is a primary search?
3. What should primary search teams carry with them?
(Continued)
Firefighter I

82. Review Questions
4. How can firefighters help operate safely while conducting building searches?
5. What should a firefighter in distress do?
Firefighter I