Search and Rescue Procedures

Question 1

The incident commander is responsible for what life risk information?

Answer 1

• Number of people involved
• Approximate ages, mobility and dependencies
• Last known location and activity
• Information from fire survival guidance calls (calls to LFB control from persons trapped within the building)
• Location in relation to the fire.

Question 2

What is the minimum rank for a search co-ordinator?

Answer 2

The minimum role for this task should be watch manager and they will wear a tabard with the insert “search co-ordinator”

Question 3

What information should the incident commander use to select and implement a method of searching in accordance?

Answer 3

Any preplanning
The number and location of persons involved
The type of structure to be searched
The scale and complexity of the incident
The hazards and risks presented
The other tasks to be achieved, for example: firefighting, structural safety, shoring etc.

Question 4

What are the two types of search procedures?

Answer 4

Compartmental search procedure

Directional search procedure

Question 5

Procedure for rescuing heavy casualties

Answer 5

Heavy casualties are defined as 125 kg or approximately 20 stones and above. If too heavy to drag then radio message should be sent to ask for additional BA team and salvage sheet and roll the casualty on the salvage sheet.

Question 6

What is the process when you locate a casualty?

Answer 6

Immediately alert the rest of the team by shouting “Casualty”
Inform entry control and state their location
Make a quick assessment of casualty’s status (note: if the casualty is apparently dead and is not likely to be affected by a developing fire, it is to be left in situ)
Quickly sweep the immediate area for more casualties within reach.