Light Search & Rescue Operations

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Search And Rescue - (SAR) Begins with a personal assessment –Family –Friends –Co-workers Two separate functions –Search –Rescue

Components of SAR Tools –Availability –Needs of the incident Rescuers –Trained personnel –Volunteers Time –GOLDEN DAY TOOLS TIME RESCUERS

First 24-hour period following a disaster victims have an 80% chance of survival if rescued. GOLDEN DAY

Equipment Crowbars Auto jacks Chain Saws 2X4 & 4X4 Posts Campers/Trailers Motorcycles Bicycles Generators

Personnel Resources Neighborhood –Firefighters –Police –Nurse –MD –Plumbers –Contractors –Carpenters Workplace –Skills –Hobbies Military Experience –Heavy Equipment

SAR Goal Rescue the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time. Rescue lightly trapped victims first.

Types of Occupancies Construction Types –Safety Considerations Use –Determine Risk –Occupant Load Create an Action Plan

Size-up - Continuous analysis of facts Time of Day Day of Week Occupancy Type Weather –Rescue complications –Affect on victims & rescuers

Size-up - Construction Type Wood Framed Masonry Concrete Tilt-up Steel (High-Rise) Pre-1933

General Hazards Electrical Natural gas Water Hazardous Materials Biological Hazards

Structural Damage Categories LIGHT –Safe to enter and remain MODERATE –Hazardous to enter –Enter only to save lives HEAVY –Unsafe for CERT trained members to enter –Contact professional rescuers

Light Damage Superficial Cosmetics Fallen plaster Small cracks Primary damage to contents of structure

Moderate Damage Structural stability questionable Fractures greater than 1/4” Significant Tilting Foundation Movement or Displacement

Heavy Damage  Partial or total wall collapse  Ceiling failure  Obvious structural instability  X-cracking  Partial or total wall collapse  Ceiling failure  Obvious structural instability  X-cracking

X - CRACKING Questionable Stability Don’t enter Beware of the impact zone

Size-up Discussion

Single Family Home - Pre-1933  Foundation Movement –Not bolted down –Cripple wall failure  Utilities –Utility lines shear when home moves off foundation  Porches –Attached parts of homes will detach  Moderate damage expected