Snohomish County Training Snohomish County Training Officers Officers

2014 22014 2ndnd Quarter Quarter

VES is an aggressive search technique where firefighters gain access to an area where there is a high probability of trapped victims

Halligan Bar 6’ Hook or Pike Pole 24’ Extension Ladder Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

VES is performed where there is a high probability of life hazard

Sleeping areas must be given the highest priority

Consider bystanders information When fire conditions allow

Go Situations Viable rescue No impending flashover Compartment can be isolated from the fire

area No Go Situations

No Viable Rescue Impending or post flashover conditions Loss of the compartmentalization or the room

can’t be isolated from the fire area PPV is being used

Identify window Break window with closet hook Clear window completely Sound and sweep floor with closet hook Enter window by

Jumping up on window sill Getting a boost from firefighter #2 Using the halligan bar as a step

Enter window head first Get down to the floor and look for

victims, the room layout, and where the bedroom door is

Firefighter #2 stay outside with Thermal camera

Firefighter #1 make way to the bedroom door look out in hallway if tenable

Close door and look back to window Perform quick primary search

Identify bedroom windows Victim information Fire conditions Height of ladder needed to get to window

sill Break out window with tips of ladder Set ladder at exaggerated “rescue angle”

with fly section out Hang closet hook and halligan bar up on

rungs of ladder

Firefighter #1 mask up before going up ladder- OFF air

Using your hook or halligan completely clear window

Check conditions before entering window. That window is now a ventilation hole!

Firefighter #1 go ON air and enter window

Firefighter #2 mask up and climb up to window

Firefighter #1 sweep and sound floor with tool before entering window

Hang hook from window sill to the floor for a reference point

Take halligan bar with you to search Enter window head first or feet first

staying low in the window After getting to the floor, get low and

scan the room for victims and the bedroom door

Go directly to the bedroom door If there is 0 visibility then follow the wall as

a reference point When you get to the door look out in the

hallway for fire conditions and potential victims

Close the door to compartmentalize the room

Look back at window to know your way out if things go bad

Perform a quick primary search of bedroom

If victim is found notify Command and Firefighter #2

Take victim to window and transfer to Firefighter #2. If you need assistance have Firefighter #2 enter room

If victim is conscious, have them walk down ladder with Firefighter #2 behind them and up close

If victim unconscious, place one arm under the armpit and the other arm between the legs and slide them down ladder utilizing the beams. DO NOT use rungs!

If victim is unconscious, place arms under armpits and straddle victim on the thigh of one leg

Through practice, training, and experience VES can be a very valuable and lifesaving skill. All firefighters should strive to be proficient in VES