Chapter 10 - Search and Rescue Flashcards
Incident Command
The Incident Commander (IC) is the Officer at the top of the incident chain of command. The IC sets the Strategic Goals and Tactical Objectives for the incident. The IC delegates responsibilities as an incident requires.
Search Team
The formation of a Search Team is at the discretion of the Incident Commander as determined by the Incident Action Plan (IAP). When activated, the Search Officer (RED helmet) needs to quickly determine where to start the search and what equipment to bring.
Fire Attack Team
As FA moves to the seat of the fire, they are not searching for victims; however, if Fire Attack comes across a viable victim, they report their finding(s) to the IC who determines if a search team should be established.
Basic Command Organizational Configuration
- Strategic Level: Incident Command; determines the overall direction and goals of the Incident
- Tactical Level: Identifies the objectives that the tactical level officer must achieve to meet the strategic goals
- Task Level: Describes the specific tasks needed to meet tactical-level requirements and assigns these tasks to operational units, companies, teams and individuals
Facts of the Situation
- Evaluating the Initial Call
- Determining Operational Priorities
- Evaluating the Structure
- Structure Contents
Prioritizing the Search Location
- Last Known Victim Location
- Area of Highest Risk
- Area of Highest Probability
- Exploratory
VEIS
Vent – Enter – Isolate – Search
- The FIRST priority of the firefighter entering the compartment is to ISOLATE the room by closing the door. This limits the potential of establishing a flowpath through the newly broken window, and protects the survivable space in the room as long as possible. Isolating the compartment takes priority over victim removal
For a multi-story structure, the search priorities are as follows:
- 1st Priority - start with the survivable areas nearest the fire, then systematically search outward, clearing the rest of the floor. If the fire has burned through and extended to the floor above or below, multiple Search Teams may be required;
- 2nd Priority - the floor directly above the fire floor;
- 3rd Priority - higher-level floors;
- Last/lower Priority - the floors below the fire and any extension
Search Team members must remain in VERBAL, VISUAL and/or TOUCH contact during Search Operations.
True
Systematically clearing compartments. Do not move to the next compartment until the previous compartment is cleared. The overall orientation, or area of highest risk as determined at the beginning of the search, dictates which compartment is next
True
Stretch into a room every WHAT m to maximize search coverage
2
Note
As a safety measure, once a member hits 1⁄2 air, this information must be communicated to the Officer so an egress plan can be established. Under no circumstances shall a firefighter still be working, unless in a survival situation, on low air (33-35%)!
Door work
Heat
Handles
Hinges
Note
If hinges are felt, the door swings TOWARDS the firefighter. If no hinges are felt, the door swings AWAY from the firefighter.
Note
If needed, cool the atmosphere (if searching with a hose) by directing a few short bursts of water into the upper atmosphere of the room; then close the door. This form of Indirect Attack reduces the temperature of the compartment; prevents the thermal layer from collapsing; dilutes fire gases; and gives crews time to re-evaluate the situation. Enter the compartment only when it is safe.
When encountering a door, threshold, endwall or outside corner - perform a WHAT
Sweep
- A sweep should take no longer than 15 seconds.
Endwalls and Outside Corners
When encountering an endwall or outside corner, reach back along the wall you are on and extend out in a CHOP-like manner to establish if the opening is truly an endwall/ outside corner or a threshold/door.
Point Man
The Point Man’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the egress; provide guidance for the Search Team during Search Ops; act as a reference point for Search members within the compartment, and monitor any changes in heat and smoke conditions.
Upon clearing a compartment with one exterior window, the searcher reports to the Point Man..
This room is clear. No hazards; one exit window on the far side; no victims.
Closing Doors/Completing Rooms
Rooms that have been searched are marked on the door or floor with a diagonal line for Primary Search Complete and with an ‘X’ for Secondary Search Complete.
Hallways
The Search Team assembles at the threshold of the hallway and then proceeds down the hall together while maintaining contact with BOTH sides of the hall, reaching high and low on the walls to ensure nothing is missed
If an opening or open door is found on the left while on a right-hand overall orientation, the opening on the left is swept; the door is closed; the team notes their findings; and continues to the next opening. If a closed-door is found on the left, the door is checked for heat; no sweep is performed, and the door remains closed until discovered again when Searchers are returning on their overall orientation.
True
Note
Limit furniture movement during search operations to help maintain your mental map of the area. If it is necessary to move furniture to thoroughly search an area, attempt to return the furniture to its original location.
During search ops, search high and low on the walls being vigilant of windows..
Use the BACK of your hand on the wall – this prevents automatic grasping of exposed wiring due to involuntary muscle contraction
