CVFD Training – Rescue Operations SFFMA Training Objectives:

Firefighter I8–2 Primary Search Rapid but thorough search performed before or during fire suppression Often carried out under extremely adverse conditions Check known/likely locations of victims Confirm fire conditions

Firefighter I8–3 Secondary Search Conducted after fire under control Conducted by personnel other than primary search personnel Slower, more thorough search to ensure no occupants overlooked during primary search

Firefighter I8–4 Primary Search Operations Standard search priorities Use buddy system Appropriate equipment – Radio – TIC – Flashlight – Forcible entry tools – Search rope (Continued)

Firefighter I8–5 Primary Search Operations Search may be conducted by – Walking upright – Crawling on hands/knees (Continued)

Firefighter I8–6 Primary Search Operations When searching – Move systematically – Search each room completely – Listen for sounds from victims – Start as close to fire as possible – Proceed as directly as possible from entry and pay out tagline (Continued)

Firefighter I8–7 Primary Search Operations When searching – Search bathrooms, bathtubs, etc. – Search perimeter of rooms – Extend arms/legs or use tool to reach under furniture – After perimeter searched, search middle of room (Continued)

Firefighter I8–8 Primary Search Operations Visibility – May be limited; use TIC – May be obscured by smoke; report to IC (Continued)

Firefighter I8–9 Primary Search Operations Making reports – Report essentials to supervisor/Command – Maintain radio contact with supervisor – Negative information also important – Inform IC of unsearched areas (Continued)

Firefighter I8–10 Primary Search Operations Search line system – Consists of 200 feet (60 m) of ⅜-inch (10 mm) rope with Kevlar™ sheath – Every 20 feet (6 m) along length, 2-inch (50 mm) steel ring tied into line (Continued) Courtesy of Jeff Seaton.

Firefighter I8–11 Primary Search Operations Search line system – Rings also provide anchor point for lateral tethers – Implementing search line system – May become necessary to search areas perpendicular to search line – Navigator keeps Command informed of progress Courtesy of Jeff Seaton.

Firefighter I8–12 Secondary Search Operations Assigned to personnel other than primary search personnel Speed not as important as thoroughness Conducted as systematically as primary search to ensure no spaces missed (Continued)

Firefighter I8–13 Secondary Search Operations Conducted more slowly, carefully than primary search Any negative information should be reported immediately

Firefighter I8–14 DISCUSSION QUESTION When is it safe to remove your SCBA during a secondary search?

Firefighter I8–15 Searching Multistory Buildings Most critical areas are fire floor, floor directly above fire, and topmost floor Once critical areas searched, intervening floors should be checked (Continued)

Firefighter I8–16 Searching Multistory Buildings During primary search, unless a part of ventilation, doors to uninvolved rooms should be closed Exits, hallways, stairs should be kept clear as possible

Firefighter I8–17 Search Methods When rooms, offices, apartments extend from center hallway, search line system can be used (Continued)

Firefighter I8–18 Search Methods If search line system cannot be used – Teams should be assigned to search both sides of hallway – Critically important to control access/egress – Entering first room, searchers turn right or left and follow walls around room (Continued)

Firefighter I8–19 Search Methods If search line system cannot be used – As rescuers leave room, turn in same direction used to enter room – When removing victims to safety or exiting, rescuers must turn opposite direction used to enter – Important that rescuers exit through same doorway entered (Continued)

Firefighter I8–20 Search Methods In some departments, small rooms are searched by using a thermal imaging camera (TIC)

Firefighter I8–21 If No TIC Available One member stays at door while other searches Searcher remains oriented by maintaining constant dialogue with member at door Searcher keeps member at door informed of progress (Continued)

Firefighter I8–22 If No TIC Available When search completed, two rejoin at doorway, close and mark door, proceed to next room When searching next room, exchange roles

Firefighter I8–23 Marking Systems Several methods used Latch straps serve function of preventing other rescuers from being locked out of room Departmental SOPs usually dictate accepted method (Continued)

Firefighter I8–24 Marking Systems Marks should be placed on lower third of door Some departments train teams to use a two- part system

Firefighter I8–25 DISCUSSION QUESTION What are some examples of marking systems used by your department?

Firefighter I8–26 Building Search Safety Search initiated on arrival Guidelines for rescuers – Work quickly, operate safely – Always be alert for weakened/hazardous structural conditions – Feel floor to be sure intact (Continued)

Firefighter I8–27 Building Search Safety Firefighters on or directly below fire floor should be alert for sagging floors, etc. to indicate floor/ceiling above or below has weakened

Firefighter I8–28 When Searching Within A Burning Building Open doors cautiously Feel top of door and door knob to determine heat level Do not remain in front of door while being opened (Continued)

Firefighter I8–29 When Searching Within A Burning Building Stay on hinge side of outward-opening doors If inward-opening door difficult to open, do not kick door; place strap behind knob to maintain control while opening

Firefighter I8–30 If in Imminent Life-Threatening Danger Transmit Mayday! Activate PASS device Communicate situation to supervisor/Command Actions when contact made

Firefighter I8–31 If Hoseline Can Be Located Crawl along and feel for couplings – Female – Toward nozzle, has smaller lugs – Male – Toward water source, has lungs on shank Follow hoseline to exit or nozzle team

Firefighter I8–32 If Unable to Retrace Steps Look for exit from building Search by locating wall and crawling along while sweeping floor with one hand and sweeping wall as high as possible without standing up (Continued)

Firefighter I8–33 If Unable to Retrace Steps Sweeping hand back and forth on floor will help avoid holes, other openings into which fall may be possible Sweep walls while crawling to help locate window Take appropriate actions if outside window found

Firefighter I8–34 If Possible to Escape Without Assistance Take appropriate action if equipped with escape rope If not equipped with escape rope, safely drop from second story window by removing SCBA and hanging from windowsill by hands

Firefighter I8–35 If Door Can Be Found Secure door with rope/strap attached to knob so can be closed quickly Check door for heat before opening If cool to touch, open slowly, carefully If door leads to closet or fire on other side, continue along wall in same direction

Firefighter I8–36 If Exit Through Door/Window Not Possible Break through interior or exterior wall Follow guidelines for attempting to breach interior wall

Firefighter I8–37 DISCUSSION QUESTION What should be done if the space between studs is not enough to escape through?

Firefighter I8–38 Activate PASS device and move close to wall If exhausted, sit on floor and lean against wall If unable to reach wall, position flashlight toward ceiling If Unable to Exit

Firefighter I8–39 When Trapped Suffering Injury Find place of relative safety and activate PASS device If against wall, tap or pound on wall with tool or hard object Try to maintain composure to maximize air supply

Firefighter I8–40 Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Must be standing by when firefighters are in hazard zone inside burning building Composed of at least two firefighters equipped to enter hazard zone to locate/rescue firefighter in distress IC may decide RIC needs more than two firefighters (Continued)

Firefighter I8–41 Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Members may be assigned nonessential duties as long as they can be abandoned Other allowable assignments – Location relatively close to hazard zone – Must not require much physical exertion (Continued)

Firefighter I8–42 Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) May be more than one at a given fire, especially if interior crews entered building at different points

Firefighter I8–43 Actions by Rescuers Searching for Firefighter in Distress Remember firefighter will probably be wearing SCBA Try to establish radio contact IC may order noise-producing devices be shut down (Continued)

Firefighter I8–44 Actions by Rescuers Searching for Firefighter in Distress If actions unsuccessful, attempt to determine last known location TIC should be used RIC should stop frequently to listen Crew members may hold breath for complete silence

Firefighter I8–45 Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located Air supply should be checked Firefighter should be medically evaluated Level of consciousness, vital signs should be checked (Continued)

Firefighter I8–46 Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located If unable to walk, use any safe means possible to move (Continued)

Firefighter I8–47 Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located Need to exit hostile atmosphere usually overrides need to stabilize injuries prior to moving If firefighter has functioning SCBA, carefully move him/her so as not to dislodge mask (Continued)

Firefighter I8–48 Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located If no functioning SCBA, connect mask to functioning SCBA from RIC kit or quickly remove victim from hazardous atmosphere

Firefighter I8–49 Tracking Devices Some departments equip firefighters with digital radio transceivers Approximately same size as PASS device and mounted on SCBA harness (Continued) Courtesy of Exit Technologies.

Firefighter I8–50 Tracking Devices Have range of approximately 100 feet (30 m) and do not interfere with radios Operate on 457 kHz Always turned on when entering burning building (Continued) Courtesy of Exit Technologies.

Firefighter I8–51 Tracking Devices Signal allows fellow team members or RIC to locate downed firefighter If firefighter becomes separated from team, his/her transceiver can be switched from standby to search mode