Search & Rescue Flashcards
What is the Rescue Order of Priority?
- The occupants most severely threatened.
- The largest group of occupants.
- The remaining occupants within the building involved.
- The occupants in exposed areas.
What is a primary search?
A rapid but thorough search of all areas which can be entered safely.
When operating a primary search in fire, what will a BA and hose line allow you to do?
- Enable you to provide protection for yourself and any casualties.
- Provide you with a means of identifying and protecting your escape route.
- Allow you to conduct some initial fire attack if required.
What are the internal indicator checks?
- Doors locked internally
- Cooking on the stove
- Meals left on the table
- If household appliances are left on
What are the areas of priority when conducting a search?
- Known and suspected occupied areas
- Entry and exit points and routes
- Ventilation points such as windows and balconies
Describe a secondary search.
A secondary search occurs once the situation is under control and the fire has been contained. It is a way to confirm the presence of casualties and to account for all occupants. The emphasis of a secondary search is on thoroughness.
Before you enter a room, you must:
- Stay low in heat and smoke
- Follow the door entry procedure
- Check your footing
- If visibility is poor, get down low to minimise contact with hazards.
- Be aware of sharp objects such as broken glass, metal fittings and hypodermic syringes.
What are the search actions for a secondary search?
- Work in pairs
- Mark any unsafe areas
- When moving upright, ‘plant and sweet’ with your front foot and keeping one hand in front of your face
- Shuffle when appropriate, depending on risk and circumstances
- Shout ‘fire brigade’ continuously to attract the attention of any person within the area.
- When feeling for hot surfaces, cautiously, use the back of your glove.
- Use slow and deliberate movements.
When conducting a search, where should you work towards?
- Commence at the point closest to the fire, where the occupants’ chances of survival are lowest.
- Work towards fresh air and safety, paying particular attention to exit routes, for example doorways, windows, hallways and stairs.
- Check any areas where people may seek shelter, such as wardrobes, under tables and beds.
What are 4 precautions you should take when working in a smoke-filled, dark and hot environment?
- Work in pairs
- Mark any unsafe areas
- Progress on hands and knees
- When moving in upright positions, shuffle, don’t walk, alternatively, plant and sweep
- Use back of your hand when feeling for hot surfaces
- When there are stairs, remain as close to the wall as possible
- Don’t move up or down stairs too quickly
- If you become disoriented or lightheaded, advise your partner
- Shout ‘fire brigade’ continuously to attract attention
- Use slow and deliberate movements
What are 4 actions to take if you become lost or trapped in a dark or smoke filled environment?
- Sound the BA distress signal
- Operate the radio duress button
- SITREP - Red, red, red
- Move away from seat/source of the fire/danger
- Move to an exit point if you can find one
- Move down the building and not to upper floors
- Close doors behind you to minimise the spread of fire
- Use a personal radio to contact your incident controller
- Locate, and follow your hose line to safety.
What are the hazards in a smoke-filled, dark and hot environment?
- Smoke, darkness & heat
- Electricity
- Glass
- Obstructions, fittings/furniture
- Industrial machinery
- Structural collapse
- Hazardous materials
- Syringes
- Explosive environment
- Low/high oxygen
- Stairwells
- Open areas
- Voids
What are the 9 methods of rescue without equipment?
- Piggy-back
- Backward drag
- Human crutch
- Fore & Aft Carry
- Two-handed seat
- Three-handed seat
- Four-handed seat
- Removal by dragging a chair
- Rescue/removal using blankets
What is the team checklist? PACT
P: PPC/PPE/Equipment
A: Air
C: Communications
T: Tally tag, Task
P: PPC - all structural clothing correctly worn. PPE - all carried and functioning. Equipment - all carried and functioning.
A: Air - Check partners BA is pressurized. Check number of HUD lights on and visible in your mask. Positive pressure test.
C: Voice projection speaker on and working. Portable radio on and working. Team designation.
T: BA tag filled and placed on control board. Task. Tactics.
