Rescue from Fire Involved Buildings And Rescue Strategies

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this lesson you will be able to:

• Define search and rescue operation.
• Define search & rescue size-up.
• Describe risk-benefit analysis.
• Explain search area safety and safe search principles.
• Enlist search-and-rescue equipment.
• Describe types of search.
• Describe the methods of rescue.

27.1. Search and Rescue Operations:

Search and rescue are almost always performed in tandem.

• “Search looks for victims who need assistance to leave a dangerous area”.
• “Rescue involves the physical removal of a person from confinement or danger”.

Often fire rescuers must take action to confine or control the fire before search and rescue operations can begin. For example, it might be necessary to position hose lines to keep the fire away from potential victims or to protect the Entry and Exit paths, so that the victims can be found and safely removed.

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27.2. Search and Rescue Size-Up:

The size-up process at every fire should include a specific evaluation of the critical factors for search and rescue:

• Type of occupancy.
• Construction and Condition of the building.
• Time of the day and the day of the week.
• Number of occupants.
• Location of occupants.
• Degree of risk to the occupants presented by fire.
• Ability of occupants to exit on their own.

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27.3. Risk-Benefit Analysis:

Plans for search and rescue must take into consideration both the risk and the benefit of the operation. In some situations, search and rescue operation must be limited or cannot be performed at all.

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27.4. Search Coordination:

The overall plan for the incident must focus on the life-safety priority as long as search and rescue operation are still way. The Incident Commander makes search assignments and serves as the Search Coordinator. All rescuers who are assigned to performed search and rescue operation must notify the IC about the results.

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27.4.1. Search Priorities:

A search begins with the areas where victims are at greatest risk. Area search assignments should be based on a system of priorities:

• The first priority is to search the area immediately around the fire, and then the rest of the fire floor.
• The second priority is to search the area directly above the fire and rest of that floor.
• The next priority is higher level floors, working from the top floor down, because smoke and heat are likely to accumulate in these areas.
• Generally areas below the fire floor are a lower priority.

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27.4.2. Search Orientation:

• What methods are used to stay oriented?
  • Left & Right Hand Search.
  • Search lines:
    • Used to anchor to objects that won’t move.
• How will partners stay in contact?
  • Discuss landmarks (type of room or hazards).
  • Voice contact in small room searches.
  • Using tools, rope, or actual contact.

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27.4.3. Search Area Safety:

• Evaluate structural stability.
• Evaluate for backdraft or flashover conditions.
• Continue to reevaluate the operation’s safety.
• Determine structure type, possibility of collapse, and life safety risk.
• Check integrity of the floor in front of you at all times.
• Check overhead for high heat or flames.
• Do not risk firefighter safety for victims who cannot be saved.
• If visibility is poor, consider ventilation before entry.
• Always have a search plan prior to entry.

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27.4.4. Safe Search Principles:

• Communications:
  • With command, team members, attack crews.
• Accountability:
  • Look out for each other.
• Team Work.
• Air Supply.
• Orientation:
  • Keep a mental picture of where you are.

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27.4.5. 10 Commandments to Safe Primary Search & Rescue:

1. Search with a partner.
2. Conduct a thorough size-up.
3. Carry a tool and hand light.
4. Use all of your PPE.
5. Control the door.
6. Have a plan.
7. Stay in contact with a wall.
8. Ensure people (IC) know where you are.
9. Monitor fire conditions.
10. Remain oriented.

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27.4.6. Rescue Vs. Recovery:

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27.5 Search-and-Rescue Equipment:

• Personal protective equipment.
• Portable radio.
• Handlight or flashlight.
• Forcible entry tools.
• Hose lines.
• Thermal imaging devices.
• Ladders.
• Long rope(s).
• Short rope (s).
• Fire rescuers must also have adequate air to make a safe exit.

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27.6. 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.

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27.6.1 Primary Search:

Quick attempt to locate victims who are in danger.

• Time is critical.
• Check all areas where victims might be.
• Rely on sight, sound, and touch.

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27.6.1.1 Search Patterns:

• Clockwise search (left-handed search):
  • Turn left at entry point.
  • Keep left hand in contact with the wall.
  • Turn right at each corner until at entry point.

• Counterclockwise search (right-handed search):
  • Reverse of clockwise search.

• Check the door temperature to determine if there is active fire on the other side.
• Enter and exit through the same door.
• Mark rooms to show they have been searched

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27.6.1.2 Thermal Imaging Devices:

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27.6.2 Secondary Search:

• Locates victims missed in primary search.
• Completed when conditions improve but may still present hazards.
• Slow but organized.

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27.6.2.1 Two-in/Two-out Rule:

NFPA 1500

• Two fire rescuers must remain outside danger area to rescue the team of fire rescuers in danger area.
• Exception is made when immediate action can prevent loss of life or serious injury.

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27.6.2.2 Rescue Techniques:

• Rescue techniques include:
  • Assists.
  • Carries.
  • Drags.
• Always use the safest and most practical means of egress.

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27.7. Methods of Rescue:

• Shelter-in-place:
  • Consider when occupants are conscious and in an area that is protected from the fire.
• Exit assist:
  • Used when the victim is responsive and able to walk with little or no assistance.

• Simple victim carries:
  • Used to move a victim who is conscious and responsive but unable to stand or walk.
• Emergency drags:
  • Most efficient method of removing an unconscious or unresponsive victim.

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Ladder rescues:

• Involve considerable risk of injury.
• Require proper technique and physical strength and stamina.
• Should be used only when it is not possible to use interior stairways or fire escapes.

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