Chapter 19: Search & Rescue

Question 1

Purpose of search

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Fire Command Priorities

Answer 2

1 Safety
2 Rescue
3 Fire Control
4 Salvage

Question 3

Rescue Priority of Victims

Answer 3

Most severely threatened
Largest number that have gathered in groups
the remainder

Question 4

20min rule for older builds

Answer 4

after 20 min look for and be aware of structural inability

7 min in new builds

Question 5

Signs of structural collaps

Answer 5

Cracks in exterior walls
Bulges in exterior walls
Sounds of structural movement
Smoke/water leaking through floors and walls
Interior/exterior bearing walls or columns leaning twisting or flexing

Question 6

What is a Primary search

Answer 6

• Search to all involves and exposed areas that can be entered
• Before fire is under control=poor conditions
• rapid but thorough

Primary search complete = bench mark
marking system

Question 7

what is a Secondary search

Answer 7

• done when fire is under control and conditions are better
• more calculated and deliberate, thoroughness more crucial than time (SLOW AND METHODICAL)
• use a different crew, call secondary search complete, marking system

Question 8

What to have and do when doing SEARCH AND RESCUE

Answer 8

Always knock and call out when entering
Rescue sector must be supported by a hose line
have Irons, Use tic

Groups of 3
if you cant see the floor then you crawl
head first going up stairs / feet first going down
Stop and listen when searching

you do not need a line if there are already 2 on the floor

Question 9

Searching a multi storie building and what are you searching for

Answer 9

Same priorities as evac

Fire floor
floor above fire: vert. exp haz
floor below fire: extenion haz and smoke
top most floor/roof: vics, and highest level of clean air
remaining floors down:smoke, vics, blocked exits

Question 10

Search and Rescue charged vs uncharged

Answer 10

EFRS: will always have a charged line unless there are already 2 charged hose lines on the search floor(primary and secondary ) or if the fire is declared under control

Question 11

During a search: before you start, before you enter & VES

Answer 11

1st Do buddy check with crew
carry all necessary tools

Check for heat before opening a closed room
never stand in-front of a closed door when opening it
open slowly , check behind door for vic’s
stay in contact with walls if poor visibility

Vent
Enter
Search