Search & Rescue

1. Search & Rescue

2. Search & RescueSize-Up Dispatch information Day of week Time of day Pre-incident survey Observations Building construction, layout Bystanders

3. Search & Rescue • Occupant Location • Cars in driveway • Tracks in the snow • Toys in yard • Wheel chair ramp • Child Find stickers • Bystanders

4. Search & RescueSafety Precautions: • Scene • Bystanders • Wires, gas, glass • Hazardous materials

5. Search & Rescue Primary • A rapid thorough search carried out before or during fire suppression operations as soon as possible. • Use Buddy System • Systematic approach • Check known or likely locations first. • Verify conditions • Notify of surprises Secondary • Conducted after hazard is eliminated • Conducted by team different from the primary. • Systematic very thorough • Speed not critical • Check for hazard control • Better visibility and safer

6. Search & RescueTools • Full personal protective equipment • Bring radio, light, tool, lifeline, wedges • Establish search pattern before entry • Stay low • Mark room area after search • Never assume only one occupant TWO IN TWO OUT

7. Search & RescueDrags & Carries • Cradle in arms (child) • Two person • Chair • Seat Lift • Extremities • Blanket, Board

8. Search & Rescue Room Search • Start closest to the fire as possible • Left turn, right turn • Keep contact with wall • Spread out • Mark and close doors after search Multistory Building • Measure area using lower floor Search Priority: • Fire floor • Floor directly above fire • Top Floor • Remaining floors Never use elevators Keep stairways, hallways and exits clear

9. Search & RescueConsiderations • Do not enter buildings where fire has progressed to a point where viable casualties are not likely to be found • Attempt entry only after ventilation is accomplished when backdraft conditions exist • Work from a single operational plan. Crews should not freelance

10. Search & RescueConsiderations • Maintain contact with Command, which has control over search and rescue teams • Constantly monitor fire conditions that might affect search teams and firefighter safety • Have a Rapid Intervention Team ready and available

11. Search & RescueConsiderations • Use an established Personnel Accountability System • Be aware of a secondary means of egress • Wear FULL protective clothing correctly; never remove protective clothing including SCBA to share with another firefighter or casualty • Bring necessary equipment; forcible entry tools, radio, flashlight, lifeline

12. Search & RescueConsiderations • Use the “Buddy System,” stay in contact with each other • Rescuers are responsible for themselves and each other • Search systematically to increase the efficiency and to reduce the possibility of becoming disoriented

13. Search & RescueConsiderations • Stay low, move slowly and stay in contact with a wall in poor visibility; tools or short ropes can extend reach • Continually monitor the structure’s integrity Stay Alert – use all your senses

14. Search & RescueConsiderations • Feel doors for excessive heat before opening slowly from the side opposite of the hinges • Mark entry doors and wedge open entrances • Remember the direction turned when entering a room. To exit turn in the opposite direction. Mark all rooms searched

15. Search & RescueConsiderations • Have a charged hoseline available when working on the fire floor or the floor immediately above the fire. It can be used as a guide for egress as well as for protection • If you become disoriented Remain Calm

16. Search & RescueConsiderations • Coordinate with ventilation teams • Back down stairs slowly feeling with feet first move up stairs on hands and knees • When fire is encountered extinguish or contain. Notify Incident Command • Report Command if a room can not be search or if the search is complete

17. Search & RescueFollowing the Hose Out EXIT Smooth Widelug Narrow lug