CHAPTER 14

Search and Rescue

© Glen E. Ellman

Fire Fighter I Objectives

• Describe the mission of search operations.• Describe the mission of rescue operations.• Explain how search and rescue operations are

coordinated with other fire suppression operations.

• Identify the factors to evaluate during a search and rescue size-up.

Fire Fighter I Objectives

• Describe how to perform a risk-benefit analysis.• Describe the factors that determine the level of

risk faced by occupants.• Explain how search operations are

coordinated.• List the priorities of search operations.

Fire Fighter I Objectives

• Describe the objectives of a primary search.• Describe the search patterns used in search

operations. • Explain how thermal imaging cameras are used

during search operations. • Describe how and when search ropes are used

during search operations.

Fire Fighter I Objectives

• Describe the role of a fire officer during search operations.

• Explain how a vent-entry-search is commonly performed.

• Describe the objectives of a secondary search.• Explain how fire fighters maintain safety

through risk management.

Fire Fighter I Objectives

• List the tools and equipment used in search and rescue operations.

• Describe the methods fire fighters use to determine whether an area is tenable.

• List the major types of rescue. • Describe the concept of sheltering-in-place.

Fire Fighter I Objectives

• Describe how to assist a victim to an exit.• List the common types of simple victim carries

performed during rescue operations. • List the five emergency drags performed during

rescue operations. • Describe the conditions that may require a

ground ladder rescue.

Introduction

• Saving lives is the fire department’s highest priority.

• Search: Locate living victims. • Rescue: Physically remove a person from a

dangerous environment.

Coordinating Search and Rescue Operations

• Fire fighters must plan and coordinate all activities to support search and rescue.

• The fire may need to be controlled before search and rescue can begin.

Courtesy of Donald M. Colarusso, AllHandsFire.com

Search and Rescue Size-Up

• Evaluate the critical factors.

• Develop search and rescue plan based on conclusions.

• Conduct a risk-benefit analysis.

© Irene Teesalu/ShutterStock, Inc.

Search and Rescue Size-Up

• Evaluate occupancy factors.– Rescue occupants who are in most immediate

danger.

– Consider where occupants are located.

• Make observations.– Look for clues that indicate whether a building is

occupied.

Search and Rescue Size-Up

• Consider occupant information.– Make sure everyone is accounted for.

• Consider the building size and arrangement.– Preincident plans include valuable layout

information.

– Note the floor numbering system.

Search Coordination

• Notify the IC: – When search is complete

– If a victim is found

• Consider those who have escaped but still need assistance.

Search Priorities

• First: Immediate fire area and rest of floor• Second: Area directly above the fire• Third: Top floor down to floor above fire• Last: Areas below the fire

Types of Searches

• Primary – Quick attempt to locate any potential victims who are

in danger

• Secondary – Thorough search conducted after the situation is

under control

Primary Search

• Time is critical.• Check areas where victims might be.• Rely on sight, sound, and touch.• Use hand tools to extend your reach.

Search Techniques

• Use standard techniques to search assigned areas quickly, efficiently, and safely

• One member from each team should have a radio.

Search Patterns

• In small rooms, searchers should follow walls and reach toward the middle to feel for victims.

• In large rooms, one member should be in contact with the wall, whereas the other remains in contact with the first member.

Search Patterns

• Clockwise search (left-handed search)– Keep the left hand in

contact with the wall.

– Use the right arm to sweep the room.

– Turn right at each corner until you return to the entry point.

Search Patterns

• Counterclockwise search (right-handed search)– Reverse of clockwise

search

Search Patterns

• Check the door temperature.

• Enter and exit through the same door.

• Mark rooms to show they have been searched.

Thermal Imaging Devices

• Used to show heat images

• Can “see” person and room contents through smoke

• Used to determine whether a door is hot

Search Ropes

• Used to search large areas• Used to search interconnected rooms• Used to search areas with multiple aisles• Provide a reliable return path• Should be anchored at the entry point

Officer-Led Search

• Search teams may consist of a fire officer and one to three fire fighters.

• Parallel-crawl-return is a method used during this type of search.

Vent-entry-search

• Process used when search teams have to enter and exit through a window

• High-risk activity• Use only as directed by the incident

commander (IC) and as part of the department standard operating procedures.

Secondary Search

• Used to locate victims missed in primary search

• Completed when conditions improve

• Slow and methodical• Include all areas of

the building

Search Safety

• Fire fighters are exposed to the same risks that endanger the lives of victims.

• Despite protective clothing and equipment, fire fighters can still be injured.

Risk Management

• Balance the risks involved with the potential benefits.– High risk is only acceptable to save lives.

– Limited risk is acceptable to save property.

– If there is no chance to save lives or property, no risk is acceptable.

IC Considerations

• The IC must consider: – Stage of the fire

– Condition of the building

– Presence of other hazards

Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mickal/New Orleans Fire Department, Photo Unit

Search and Rescue Equipment

• Personal protective equipment• Portable radio• Hand light or flashlight• Forcible entry tools• Hose lines• Thermal imaging devices• Ladders• Long ropes• Tubular webbing or short rope

Determining Whether an Area is Tenable

• Determine life safety risk.• Evaluate the structural stability.• Evaluate the potential for backdraft or flashover

conditions.

Rescue Techniques

• Rescue techniques include:– Assists

– Carries

– Drags

• Always use the safest and most practical means of egress.

Rescue Techniques

• Shelter-in-place– Consider when occupants are conscious and in an

area that is protected.

• Exit assist– Consider when victim is responsive and able to walk

with little or no assistance.

Rescue Techniques

• Simple victim carries– Used to move a victim who is conscious and

responsive but unable to stand or walk

– Four simple carries can be used:• Two-person extremity carry• Two-person seat carry• Two-person chair carry• Cradle-in-arms carry

Rescue Techniques

• Emergency drags– Used to remove an unconscious victim

– Five emergency drags:• Clothes drag• Blanket drag• Webbing sling drag• Fire fighter drag• Emergency drag from a vehicle

Assisting a Person Down a Ground Ladder

• Considerable risk of injury• Require proper technique and physical strength

and stamina• Ladders must be heeled or tied in.

Removal of Victims by Ladders

• Aerial ladders have several advantages over ground ladders:– Stronger

– Have a longer reach

– Wider and more stable

– Reduce the risk of slipping and falling

Summary

• Search and rescue are almost always performed in tandem.

• The IC and fire fighters must plan and coordinate all fire suppression operations.

• Sometimes fire fighters must confine or control a fire.

• Size-up should include a specific evaluation.

Summary

• Search and rescue plans must consider risks and benefits of operation.

• Search and rescue includes seven specific factors.

• Never assume a building is occupied or unoccupied.

• There are several sources of information regarding potential building occupants.

Summary

• Search begins in the area of greatest risk. • Primary search is a quick attempt to locate

victims in danger.• Fire fighters should use the walls when

searching a room.• Thermal imaging cameras search for victims in

the dark.

Summary

• Search ropes can be used in large, open areas.• Vent-entry-search uses the window as an

entrance and exit.• Secondary searches are conducted after a fire

is under control. • Fire fighters encounter situations of personal

risk.

Summary

• There are several signs that indicate building collapse.

• Rescue removes people who are unable to escape from a dangerous situation.

• Specific groups of people may need to be rescued.

Summary

• Sometimes the best option is to shelter the occupants in place rather than remove them from the building.

• The simplest rescue is the exit assist. • Four carry techniques can be used to remove a

victim.

Summary

• The drag is the most efficient method to remove an unconscious person.

• When using the emergency drag, be sure to pull the victim in line with the long axis of the body.

• Assisting someone down a ladder involves a higher risk of injury.