203.01.08 Search and Rescue

Question 1

Initial efforts must be directed toward supporting rescue efforts and
hose lines must be placed in a manner to:

Answer 1

a. Control interior access
b. Confine the fire
c. Protect avenues of escape, until the primary search is complete.
d. For residences, usually the best location of the first fire line is through the front door, protecting the primary access to the building and the stairs if present are usually in this vicinity.

Question 2

__________ becomes a critical factor in rescue operations and all operating companies must realize that the operation is in a rescue mode

Answer 2

Hose line placement

Question 3

Immediate rescue attempts by the first due Engine Company without simultaneous ________ should only be attempted in the most extreme circumstances. Engines have to put water on the fire.

Answer 3

stretching of a fire line

Question 4

Factors to consider for an immediate rescue (1st Engine):

Answer 4

i. Occupants endangered in immediate vicinity of the fire.
ii. Number of persons trapped.
iii. Occupants threatening to jump.
iv. Means of egress cut off by fire.
v. Ability to reach the occupants with ground ladders on
the Engine Company.
vi. Anticipated arrival time of the first due Ladder
Company.

Question 5

When faced with endangered occupants, the Officer can:

Answer 5

i. Position a fire line between the occupants and the fire.
ii. Ventilate to draw fire, heat and smoke away from the occupants
iii. Give verbal instructions on what to do and provide
reassurance.
iv. Close doors to limit spread of smoke and fire.
v. Ensure all responding Companies are aware of the
location of endangered occupants.

Question 6

What means of access should be used to remove victims whenever possible?

Answer 6

Normal means of interior access

Question 7

For first, second and third floor removal, _____ are usually quicker and safer than ______ .

Answer 7

ground ladders… aerial ladders

Question 8

True or False: Firefighters must assist occupants down ladders.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

Unconscious victims will be difficult to remove via an ______ . If possible, if removal is necessary via a ladder use _____ select

Answer 9

aerial ladder… a ground ladder…

Question 10

Persons remote of the fire or in areas without excessive smoke
conditions, should be:

Answer 10

sheltered in place

Question 11

People presenting at windows or balconies should be instructed:

Answer 11

they are “OK” and to keep their door closed, close patio door and await assistance from the fire department.

If in doubt, remove the occupant. If they are ambulatory, the internal means of removal is the best option provided it is clear.

Question 12

A primary search will be conducted at:

Answer 12

all structural fires, where it is possible to enter.

Question 13

Primary search means:

Answer 13

that Companies have quickly gone through all affected areas and verified the removal and/or safety of all occupants.

Question 14

What is the critical factor in the primary search process?

Answer 14

Time

Question 15

Where is danger to occupants from most danger to least (name floors)?

Answer 15

Most acute on the fire floor, the floor immediately above the fire, the stairways, the top floor, and then intermediate floors, in that order

Question 16

True or False: In High-Rise Fires, smoke may not always rise to the top of the
structure.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

If met with fire at the main entrance of a residential building, and persons are suspected to be trapped based on size-up, the inside ladder team will:

Answer 17

not wait to advance in behind the fire line

Question 18

Deviation from standard procedures shall be communicated to ______
including entry point and intended location.

Answer 18

Command

Question 19

_____ may be the best alternative to reach the upper floor of a residential
building.

Answer 19

VEIS

Question 20

Time of day play a critical role in search priorities:

Answer 20

a. During sleeping hours, a heavy emphasis must be placed on
bedroom search.
b. Limited time shall be spent in Living Rooms, Dining Rooms,
Kitchens and Utility Areas.
c. Consideration should be given to first floor bedrooms (if any).
d. When search of the first floor is complete, search teams shall make
a rapid advance to the upper floors to search via the interior stairs
or via ladders (Reference VEIS procedures in Drill Manual).

Question 21

________ will search the room or fire area once the fire

is knocked down

Answer 21

First Engine Officer

Question 22

First Truck Search Assignments:

Answer 22

i. “A” Team: The first Truck Company “A” team will search
the fire area, unless victims are present or reported
elsewhere, and then they will focus on that location,
notifying Command as indicated above of variance.
ii. “B” Team: If there are victims present at windows needing
rescue or reported occupants in spaces above the fire, the
“B” team will work with the “A” team and deploy ladders
to that area and search/remove occupants.
iii. In large multiple dwellings, the Officer may elect to take all
members interior to assist with search. This action must be
communicated to Command.

Question 23

Second Truck Search Assignments:

Answer 23

i. “A” Team: If first due Truck Company is searching fire
area/floor, search floor above. If first due truck is rescuing
occupants or conducting VEIS, search fire area/floor.
ii. “B” Team: If first due Truck “B” team is performing
ventilation, place ground ladders to perform VEIS. If first
due Truck “B” team is involved in rescue functions,
prepare for ventilation.

Question 24

Heavy Rescue Company Search Assignments:

Answer 24

i. Search areas not searched by first and second Truck
Companies. In private dwellings, it might be necessary to stage or perform VEIS if needed.
ii. In large multiple dwellings, immediately clear the “Attack” stairwell and then the “Rescue” stairwell of occupants by searching from the fire floor to the top of the stairwell for victims.

Question 25

_______ will be part of lengthy fire control activities and means
that Companies thoroughly search the interior of the fire area after initial
fire control and ventilation activities have been completed.

Answer 25

Secondary search

Question 26

________ should preferably be conducted by different Companies
than those involved in primary search activities. ______ , rather than
time, is the critical factor in secondary search.

Answer 26

Secondary search… Thoroughness…

Question 27

Companies assigned to search operations shall report their progress to ______

Answer 27

Command

Question 28

True or False: All areas of the building must be searched when a fire is present

Answer 28

True

Question 29

Why is it important to search all areas of a building although they may have not been affected by smoke or flame?

Answer 29

Even though visible smoke may not have spread to other areas, dangerous gases
from the fire may have rendered the occupant(s) unconscious. This is
especially important in multiple dwellings on the floors above the fire as
these gases can accumulate by spreading in utility or pipe chases, garbage
shafts, open windows, stairwells or other voids.

Question 30

Forcible Entry is authorized into apartments if:

Answer 30

If smoke is present in hallways

Question 31

When it becomes necessary to evacuate an entire building or area, the __________
will be utilized to identify areas searched.

Answer 31

chalk marking system

Question 32

Who should carry chalk in their turnout coat?

Answer 32

Every member

Question 33

When an entire apartment or other area has been searched, an “X”
will be placed:

Answer 33

on the door or the wall next to the door at eye level.

Question 34

Once an entire floor has been searched an “X” will be placed:

Answer 34

on doors leading from stairways to the floor, and on the wall opposite
elevators.

Question 35

If chalk won’t write on the surface:

Answer 35

announce the search is complete to Command by specific area.

Question 36

When sheltering-in-place, notify Command of:

Answer 36

The apartment number and the number of people sheltered-in-place

For example, (Truck 3, four (4) adults are sheltered-in-place in apartment 32 on the third floor”.