CVFD Training – Rescue Operations SFFMA Training Objectives: 9-01.06.

CVFD Training – Rescue Operations

SFFMA Training Objectives:9-01.06

Firefighter I 8–2

Primary Search

Rapid but thorough search performed before or during fire suppression

Often carried out under extremely adverse conditionsCheck known/likely locations of victimsConfirm fire conditions

Firefighter I 8–3

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 I 8–4

Primary Search Operations

• Standard search priorities• Use buddy system• Appropriate equipment– Radio– TIC– Flashlight– Forcible entry tools– Search rope (Continued)

Firefighter I 8–5


• Search may be conducted by– Walking upright– Crawling on hands/knees

(Continued)

Firefighter I 8–6


• 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 I 8–7


• 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 I 8–8


• Visibility– May be limited; use

TIC– May be obscured by

smoke; report to IC

(Continued)

Firefighter I 8–9


• Making reports– Report essentials to supervisor/Command– Maintain radio contact with supervisor– Negative information also important– Inform IC of unsearched areas

(Continued)

Firefighter I 8–10


• 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.



• 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.


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)


Secondary Search Operations

• Conducted more slowly, carefully than primary search

• Any negative information should be reported immediately


DISCUSSION QUESTION

When is it safe to remove your SCBA during a secondary search?


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)


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


Search Methods

• When rooms, offices, apartments extend from center hallway, search line system can be used

(Continued)


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)


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)


Search Methods

• In some departments, small rooms are searched by using a thermal imaging camera (TIC)


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)


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


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)


Marking Systems

• Marks should be placed on lower third of door• Some departments train teams to use a two-

part system


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are some examples of marking systems used by your department?


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)


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


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)


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


If in Imminent Life-Threatening Danger

• Transmit Mayday!• Activate PASS device• Communicate situation to

supervisor/Command• Actions when contact made


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


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)


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


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


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


If Exit Through Door/Window Not Possible

• Break through interior or exterior wall

• Follow guidelines for attempting to breach interior wall


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done if the space between studs is not enough to escape through?


• 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


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


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)



• 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)



• May be more than one at a given fire, especially if interior crews entered building at different points


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)


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


Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located

• Air supply should be checked• Firefighter should be medically evaluated• Level of consciousness, vital signs should be

checked

(Continued)



• If unable to walk, use any safe means possible to move

(Continued)



• 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)



• If no functioning SCBA, connect mask to functioning SCBA from RIC kit or quickly remove victim from hazardous atmosphere


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.


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.


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

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CVFD Training – Rescue Operations SFFMA Training Objectives: 9-01.06.

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