19 Search and Rescue

Question 1

Define Primary search? 19/8

Answer 1

An initial search to all involved and exposed areas that can be entered. Crews must go quickly to all affected areas and verify the removal or safety of all occupants.

• The searches take place before the fire is under control, so they often occur in conditions of smoke, confusion and hazard
• A primary search is a rapid but thorough search of the fire scene to locate and remove any victims.

Question 2

Define Secondary search? 19/8

Answer 2

Once the fire is under control and primary search is complete crews thoroughly search the interior of the fire area to verify the status of victims.
This search is more calculated and deliberate.
Thoroughness is more crucial than time.
- When assigning secondary search sectors the incident commander should consider using different and/or fresh crews. (this will help ensure a more thorough search)
- When a search of the designated area is complete, the sector must give the bench mark “secondary search complete” to the incident commander.

Question 3

Primary search includes?

Answer 3

1. Closets
2. Under Beds
3. Perimeters of each room
4. Middle of each room

Question 4

Secondary search includes?

Answer 4

1. Closets
2. Under beds
3. Perimeters of each room
4. Middle of the room
5. Bathtubs and shower stalls
6. Behind furniture

Question 5

What is the purpose of the marking system?

Answer 5

1. To clearly identify rooms that have been searched
2. To keep track of where crews are if they go missing
3. To let a relief crew know how far the previous crew got if they were unable to finish their task.

Question 6

In what order must a multi storey building be searched?

In order of greatest risk of exposure, which is?

Answer 6

1. FIRE FLOOR - Where the fire is
2. FLOOR ABOVE - VERTICAL Exposure Hazard,
3. FLOOR BELOW - Extension hazard & smoke
   migration.
4. TOP MOST FLOOR OR ROOF (if accessible)
   • Fire victim(s) may have migrated to the highest
   elevation for clean air.
5. THE REMAINING FLOORS down from the top
   building via the Lobby however:
   • If their downward means of exit is blocked they will
   likely make their way to the top floor.
   • Major hazards at the top (upper) floors is the
   accumulation of smoke and gases (Mushrooming or
   stratification).
   • People fleeing to/from upper floors may be
   overcome by smoke.
   Hose

Question 7

In search and rescue! What are the tactical priorities of the incident commander?

Answer 7

1. Rescue
2. Fire control
3. Salvage

Question 8

What is the priority order of rescue for the Incident Commander?

Answer 8

1st. Most severely threatened
2nd. Largest Number that have gathered in groups
3rd. The remainder

Question 9

When should you search above the fire?

Answer 9

Search above the fire only if the fire floor is contained and under control

Question 10

What is the purpose of a search?

Answer 10

The purpose of a building search is to locate and rescue fire victims, to find , extinguish and report fire extension.