Search And Rescue Flashcards
What information is the IC responsible for gathering on route and on arrival at an incident where possible?
Number of people involved.
Ages, mobility and dependencies.
Last known location and activity. Information from fire survival calls. Location in relation to the fire.
The IC may nominate a search coordinator.
What should be the minimum rank for a search coordinator?
Sub officer
What are the search techniques that should be used by BA teams?
Cover as wide an area as possible whilst maintaining contact with each other and the wall.
The use of short personal lines.
A maximum of four can be connected together to ensure no team member is more than 6 meters away from the team leader.
Ensure you search in, on, above and under all articles of furniture (think where a baby could have been placed).
Search must be thorough.
Children can get in cupboards, under beds and under piles of clothes.
Furniture which is moved should be replaced.
When turning a corner, the team should re-align.
On opening any door, the area behind the door should be swept.
A chair or ladder at the top of stairs could indicate someone has made their way to a loft or roof area.
BA teams must give regular updates on progress to ECO. Use of controlled ventilation can help to improve conditions. This is on the order of the IC.
The route must be landmarked so they withdrawer safely and confidently and also pass information to the ECO and other teams.
When the team withdraws, ensure they stay on the same wall as they followed on the way in. Planning will improve the effectiveness of the BA team briefing and therefore the safety and effectiveness of the BA teams.
What factors should the IC consider when selecting a search method?
Pre-planning.
Number and location of persons involved.
The type of structure.
The scale and complexity of the incident.
The hazards and risks presented.
Other tasks, for example: firefighting, structural safety, shoring etc.
The search brief may require the search to commence either at:
- The point of entry
- Point of greatest danger for casualties within an area 3. Close to the likely seat of fire
- Since other designated point within the structure
What are the two methods of conducting a search?
Compartment search. Directional search.
What are two advantages of a compartment search?
Each compartment is mapped out systematically. Suitable for a range of structures.
What are two limitations of a compartment search?
May not be possible to fully clear large compartments due to unsearched areas in the centre. Disciplined and systematic observance of search brief by the BA team is essential.
What are two advantages of a directional search?
It is systematic and simple procedure.
More suitable for domestic and smaller commercial properties.
What are three limitations of a directional search?
Multiple teams are required.
Does not necessarily clear a compartment before the team moves on. Potential to pass a fire compartment.
What are the steps to be taken on locating a casualty?
Alert the rest of the team, shout “CASUALTY!”
Gauge checks
Inform ECO and state location.
Make a quick assessment of the casualty’s status. Quickly sweep the immediate area for more casualties
What are 3 advantages of a one person drag?
At least 33% of the casualty’s weight is taken by the floor.
Rescuer and casualty can keep low.
If the casualty regains consciousness they are not in a position to strike ou
What are 5 advantages of a two person drag?
Protection of casualty’s head, neck and back, and rescuers to face direction of travel. Allows the team to have a free hand for safe movement.
At least 33% of the casualty’s weight is taken by the floor.
Rescuers can keep low.
The casualty will face away from direction of travel; therefore, they will maintain a more comfortable position.
What are 4 ways a third rescuer can assist in a 3 person drag?
Guide the team and provide safe movement. Clear obstacles, hold open doors.
Warning of changes in the floor such as stairs. Acting as relief for one of the other carriers.
What is a generally considered weight of a heavy casualty?
120kg or 20 stone
