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
NEVER stand in zero-visibility conditions
Rule of Thumb: if you cannot see your feet, you should not be standing! Use the most efficient movement based on the hazard encountered, e.g., duckwalk
When encountering a piece of furniture or large object, search
OVER, UNDER and AROUND the object. Then, either move it out of the way or move around it and return to the wall on the other side as soon as possible
CFD has three approved methods for victim drag
- The incline drag
- The feet first drag
- The sheet or blanket drag
Steps to remain calm and make logical choices
Breathe, Organize and Act
Smooth, bump, bump will take you out!
Hose line
Mayday situations you may face
- Air emergencies
- Lost or disoriented
- Entanglement
- Rapid fire development
- Collapse or trapped
3 key principles of air management
- Always know how much air you have left
- Know your point of no return
- Inform the IC if you must exit the structure
Working airflow listed in NFPA 1981
103 L/min working
40 L/min resting time
Reasons for air monitoring
- Identify hazards
- Determine appropriate PPE, tools and equipment
- Determine perimeters and scope of incident
- Determine if resp protection is needed
Atmosphere hazards generally fall into one of the following categories
- Oxygen enrichment or deficiency
- Flammability
- Toxicity
Below what % is the atmosphere considered oxygen deficient
19.5%
The atmosphere at what % of O2 is considered enriched
23.5%
Normal air makeup
20.9% O2, 78.1% Nitrogen and 1% other gases
Warning
If oxygen levels are below normal, another gas has displaced the oxygen.
True or false. Locating and isolating a fire must be a priority before any search.
True
Primary search
Intended to rapidly determine the location of victims. Fast but thorough.
Secondary search
Is a slow, thorough search conducted after the fire is under control.
Shelter in place
Involves moving victims to a protected location within the structure
LUNAR
Mayday protocol.
Location
Unit
Name
Air/assignment
Recourses needed
After any mayday transmission..
IC will conduct a PAR within 60 seconds
Exiting Structure With Victim
In high rise fires, safe refuge is considered 3 or more floors above the fire or 2 or more floors below the fire.
