Search & Rescue Procedure Flashcards
Search & Rescue safe work practices
Ensure PPE & BA are worn to structure fires and AFAs.
Size up must be done before committing crews internally.
Where possible, utilities should be isolated before entry.
Crew accountability systems are in place (BA control).
Carrying necessary equipment including hose lines by all crews engaged in offensive operations at structure fires.
Crews maintain integrity, ensuring they have physical, visual or voice contact at all times.
Internal crews must be constantly alert to changing conditions, be proficient at branch usage, control their environment and coordinate search and rescue with fire attack crews.
All personnel on the fire ground must be alert for changing conditions that would indicate a danger to crews and communicate such changes promptly.
Maintain good communication on fire ground, relaying all necessary info clearly, without unnecessary radio chatter.
Incident control must be maintained throughout incident.
Personnel should avoid ‘freelancing’ (taking action not in accordance with incident plan.
Search & Rescue entrapment procedure
Send at ‘RED’ message via RT stating their condition, assistance required, their location, remaining cylinder contents and number of personnel with you.
Activate their DSU or make some sort of tapping noise.
Remain calm, avoid excitement and exertion (conserve air).
Saturate any combustible material in the immediate vicinity.
Re-position (if possible) to the safest location available (near wall, pillar etc).
As a general rule, the first crew entering a structure fire will be directed to only perform search and rescue
False: First arriving crew will perform fire attack. Second crew will follow first crew in and perform search and recue from fire hazard back to entrance.
Why is ‘down low’ the default position for search and rescue
To assume a more stable posture for moving in low visibility. To minimise heat exposure.
Minimum PPE used by search and rescue crews
Full PPE
Portable radio
Charged 38mm hose reel
Entry tools
BA
TIC (if available)
To save time it is acceptable for search and rescue crews to operate without a hoseline
False: Crews must always enter with a charged hoseline.
Whenever victims are not visible or their location not known, where should the search and rescue crew being their search
Closest to the hazard and work their way back to the entrance. This means as they use they’re air supply they are moving closer to the exit. Also means occupants as most immediate risk are dealt with first.
Should the presence of victims change a firefighter’s approach to fire attack
No - Fires react the same regardless of victims. Fire behavior should dictate strategies and tactics.
What are the two main hazards during firefighting and search and recue operations
Fire and Smoke
When is the primary search undertaken
During or just after fire attack (depending on resources)
When is the secondary search undertaken
Once the fire is controlled or extinguished.
When can BA be removed when working at a structure fire
When gas monitoring has been performed and area safe.
List ways a halligan tool can be used during rescue operations
Sweeping the floor infront to assess whether it’s safe to move forward. To extend the search distance between to two members of search teams. Used with a sledge hammer to force hinges and doors open.
List why a hoseline is essential during search and rescue
It creates a direct line to the exit. It enable search crew to deal with fire hazard when needed. FF can use to search large rooms with pendulum action.
It is usually safer to drag a victim rather than carrying them
True - It keeps the victim lower meaning they’re exposed to less heat and smoke. It involves less movement of the victim which lowers the risk of increasing potential injury. Less stress on FF having to lift them off the ground.
What radio message should be sent by a FF who becomes lost, trapped or injured and what information should the message contain
A ‘RED’ message stating their condition, assistance required, their location, remaining cylinder contents and number or personnel with you.
The OIC will consider any hazards that will affect firefighting or search and rescue operations prior to any crew entering a structure
True - Factors will include:
Ideally the same crew should perform both primary and secondary search
False - Another team should perform secondary search to provide a fresh set of eyes.
In multi-level residences there are often bedrooms located above the ground floor
True
In low visibility what sounds ay indicate the presence of a victim
Crying
Shouting
Tapping
Why should firefighters avoid setting down their hose line during search operations
If visibility decreases the hose may be difficult to fins when needed. The hose helps identify the exit location.
Rather than exit, children are more likely to try and hide from danger
True - As a result FF’s should ensure searching any possible location a child could fit.
Younger children are most likely to run away from older siblings and are likely to be found nearby
False - Children are likely to follow older sibling and will likely be found close by.
List point FF’s must do when searching in large open structure with poor visibility
Remain vigilant to fire escalation and signs of collapse.
Maintain their orientation.
Keep in constant communication.
Constantly monitoring their air supply.
Occupants on floors above a working fire are generally more at risk then occupants on floor below the fire
True - Smoke and heat rises putting the ocupants above more at risk.
In multi-story buildings search priority should be given to which floors first
Fire floor, then floor above and then top floor.
If there are two stairwells in a building, both should be used for firefighter access
True - That way FF’s can attack hazard from multiple directions.
In order to access the fire as soon as possible, the lift can be taken directly to the fire floor
False - Fire may have affected lift use, therefore its afer to take the stairs.
