Rescue Procedures

CHAPTER 16

Objectives (1 of 2)

• Recognize the hazards associated with various rescue operations.

• Describe the differences between primary and secondary searches.

• Identify the need for rapid intervention teams.• Demonstrate the proper procedures for victim drags

and carries.• Define proper terminology utilized during motor

vehicle extrication operations.

Objectives (2 of 2)

• Demonstrate proper and safe operation of vehicle extrication tools and equipment.

• Explain the various types of specialized rescue situations presented and the hazards associated with them.

• Identify specialized equipment used during technical rescue operations.

Introduction

• Rescues are defined as actions that trained firefighters perform at emergency scenes to remove someone from immediate danger, or to extricate them if they are already trapped.

• This lesson is designed to provide an awareness level of rescue situations.

• Teamwork and safety are the key points to remember.

Hazards Associated with Rescue Operations

• Every rescue operation has hazards.

• Tunnel vision is a big hazard.– It is easy to get tunnel vision in a complex and

lengthy rescue.– Tunnel vision can keep rescuers from seeing

obvious solutions and impending danger.

Search of Burning Structures (1 of 3)

• This is one of the most dangerous rescue situations.• Training, practicing, and planning are the best ways

to reduce danger.• Always enter in teams of two or more.• Two firefighters in full gear and a charged line

should be ready to go in, if needed.– Known as two-in/two-out rule

Search of Burning Structures (2 of 3)

• Perform a quick survey of structure and surroundings.

• Always carry a tool, flashlight, and radio when searching.

• Thermal imagers may help “see” through smoke.• Search single-family structures using wall as

reference.– Known as “right-handed” or “left-handed” search

Search of Burning Structures (3 of 3)

• Commercial or industrial structures require use of lifeline or guideline.

• There are two operations to searching a building.– Primary search– Secondary search

Search Team

Rapid Intervention Team Standing By

Survey Structure Prior to Entering

Searching a Residential Occupancy

Commercial Occupancies

SEARCHING A ROOM WITH 2 PEOPLE

• One person is the point of reference.

• Search around and behind furnishings.

• Use tools and body to probe for victims.

• Leave the way you came in.

• Mark the searched area.

Primary Search

• First and most dangerous of the two

• Search team often ahead of attack lines

• Often above the fire

• Window searches may speed process

• Rapid, but thorough, search

• All clear may change fireground operations focus

Secondary Search

• Conducted after fire is out or well under control

• A more thorough search

• May find areas that still need to be extinguished

Victim Removal, Drags, and Carries

• Victims must be removed carefully and expeditiously.

• Try to not cause further injury or aggravate existing injury.

• You may not be able to give care due to hazardous or hostile environment.

• Use “tight core” to create power and reduce injury.

Firefighter’s Carry

Extremity Carry

Seat Carry

Blanket Drag

Clothing Drag

Webbing Sling Drag

Sit and Drag

Firefighter’s Drag

Rescue of a Firefighter Wearing SCBA

Placing a Patient on a Backboard

Placing a Patient on an Ambulance Cot

Extrication From Motor Vehicle

• Motor vehicle crashes are common rescue situations.

• Knowledge, experience, and skill are most valuable tools.

• Extrication means to free, release, or disentangle a patient from entrapment.

• Operations may be simple or complex.• Operations at an extrication incident should follow

a pre-determined sequence of events.

Incident Action Plan

• Scene assessment

• Establishing work areas

• Vehicle stabilization

• Patient access

• Disentanglement

• Patient removal

• Scene stabilization

Extrication Tools (1 of 3)

• They range from basic to specialized tools.

• Hydraulic tools are operated by gasoline engine, electric motor, or air-driven motor.

• Spreaders are used to push and pull.

• Cutters are used for different tasks.

• Rams are used for pushing.

• Combination tools spread and cut.

Extrication Tools (2 of 3)

• Air bags come in high-pressure and low/medium-pressure.

• High-pressure bags operate at a maximum inflation pressure of about 130 psi.

• Bags come in sizes ranging from 6”x 6” to 36”x 36”.

• Low/medium-pressure bags can lift very heavy loads.

Extrication Tools (3 of 3)

• Air chisels are valuable tools for rescue operations.

• Reciprocating saws are also gaining popularity.

Gasoline Engines

Spreaders and Cutters

Rams and Combination Tools

High-Pressure Air Bags

Low-Pressure Air Bags

Air Chisel and Reciprocating Saw

Crash Scene Assessment

• Traffic

• Number and types of vehicles involved

• Number and apparent extent of injuries

• Disentanglement requirements

• Other associated hazards

Additional Resources

• Additional ambulances

• Specialized extrication equipment

• Additional law enforcement

• Specialized technical rescue equipment

Establish Work Areas

• Use of cones

• Natural barriers

• Law enforcement

Vehicle Stabilization• It may be simple or complex.

• Determine the type necessary.

• You may use cribbing.

• You may need additional tools.

Patient Access

• It is necessary to care for the patient.

• Patient may need care prior to removal.

• It may be as simple as opening a door.

• You may need additional tools.

Disentanglement

• Disassembly

• Distortion

• Displacement

• Severance

Patient Removal

• Careful of sharp metal and edges

• Tools removed from egress path

• Tools retrieved and fire hazard monitored

Scene Stabilization

• Secure unresolved hazards.• Remove tools and cribbing that may create

hazards.• Remain at the scene until the vehicle is

removed.• Tow cable risks.• Fluid and vehicle debris.• Remove barriers.

Specialized Rescue Situations and Tools

• There are a variety of other rescues a firefighter may face.– Specialized training beyond this course is

needed.– This is designed as a familiarization.

Vertical Rescue

• The victim may be above or below grade.

• NFPA 1983 deals with rope safety.

• Rescuers must be well-trained.

• Be familiar with equipment and techniques.

Water Rescue• These are very

dangerous operations• Wear PFD around water.• Do not attempt rescue if

not trained.• Ice rescue requires

thermal protection.• Reach, Throw, Row, Go.

Structural Collapse Rescue

• Collapse may be natural or from an explosion.– Pancake collapse– Lean-to collapse– V-type collapse

• Victims are the greatest concern.

• You need specialized training and equipment.

Structural Collapse Rescue

• Pancake Collapse

Structural Collapse Rescue

• Lean-to Collapse

Structural Collapse Rescue

• V-type Collapse

Trench and Below-Grade Rescue

• Most occur at construction, utilities, maintenance, or well digging sites.

• Asphyxiation is a major concern.

• For the safety of rescuers, beware of a secondary collapse.

• Team work is essential.

Confined Space Rescue

• Definition– A space large enough to enter

– Not designed for worker occupancy

– Limited egress or access

• Many different forms• Concern of oxygen-deficient atmosphere• Space constantly monitored• Need proper PPE and equipment• Back-up crew ready

Other Rescue Situations

• Rescue from electrical situations– Energy concerns

• Industrial entrapment rescue– Unusual entrapments

• Elevator and escalator rescue– Secure elevator and call for assistance

• Farm equipment rescue– Specialized training needs

Summary

• Address common rescue situations you may have to face.

• Specialized training is required.• Goal was to present broad spectrum of situations

and some concepts to deal with them.• Never attempt a complex rescue without proper

training.• Identify possible hazards in your district.• Know where to get specialized resources.