Essentials 7 Chapter 10 Firefighting Techniques

Questions and Answers

Where should the end of the search line be tied when using the wide-area search method?

At a point directly adjacent to the RIC unit

About 10 feet (3 m) outside the entry point to the search area (correct)

At the entrance to each room

At the entrance of the structure

What is the purpose of tying knots along the search line when using the wide-area search method?

To attach to anchor points inside of the search area

To indicate distance to the entrance (correct)

To attach hand tools during the search

To make it easier to hold onto the line

In what type of situation would the VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search) method likely be used?

The structure is fully involved and operations must shift to defensive mode

The entire structure needs to be searched quickly

A room on the ground floor must be searched but can only be accessed from the exterior (correct)

The search team must clear several similar rooms as they work from an interior hallway

When using the VEIS method, the second firefighter:

Remains at the entrance of the room and remains in communication with the first firefighter Signup and view all the answers

What would be a reason for having victims shelter in place during a structure fire?

There is a limited amount of personnel available to assist in evacuation Signup and view all the answers

Injured victims should not be moved until they have been assessed and treated, unless:

They (or you) are in immediate danger Signup and view all the answers

Which type of victim carry or drag requires two rescuers?

Extremities carry Signup and view all the answers

You should call for a MAYDAY whenever:

You think your life is in immediate danger Signup and view all the answers

When MAYDAY is broadcast, what action must immediately be taken?

All radio traffic not related to the MAYDAY must cease Signup and view all the answers

When the Incident Commander gives an order for all personnel to exit the structure:

All units on scene must give a personnel accountability report Signup and view all the answers

What is an immediate action to improve survivability that can buy you more time to escape or improve your situation?

Using your hose stream for protection Signup and view all the answers

What would typically be an action that you would take when escaping to a safe haven?

Follow your hoseline or search line back to the entrance if your team is intact Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about using hoseline couplings to find your way out of structure is correct?

The male coupling is on the water source side Signup and view all the answers

When crawling rather than walking through the area while smoke is dense and low, you:

May be cooler than crouching or duck walking Signup and view all the answers

When searching for an exit in heavy smoke conditions, you should locate a wall, crawl along it, and:

Sweep the floor ahead of you with one hand and sweep the wall with the other Signup and view all the answers

Breaching an interior wall while searching for a safe haven will:

Require additional strength Signup and view all the answers

What statement about breaching interior walls while looking for a safe haven is true?

You can exit SCBA-first through walls with standard 16-inch (405 mm) stud spaces Signup and view all the answers

A rapid intervention crew (RIC) consists of:

At least two firefighters who are prepared to rescue injured or trapped firefighters Signup and view all the answers

Mandatory RIC equipment can be described using the acronym:

AWARE Signup and view all the answers

After receiving a MAYDAY transmission, why might the Incident Commander order a brief shutdown of all pumps, generators, and fans?

To better hear the downed firefighter's PASS device sounding Signup and view all the answers

What BEST describes the capabilities of digital radio transceivers that help locate lost or disoriented firefighters?

Unlike PASS devices, walls, floors, or other solid objects do not block tracking devices' low frequency signal Signup and view all the answers

What actions should you NEVER take after locating a downed firefighter inside a structure?

Remove your facepiece to share your air supply Signup and view all the answers

What is a basic skill of fire fighting that is also an essential survival technique during search and rescue operations?

Forcible entry used as a means of escape Signup and view all the answers

To prepare yourself for survival during rapid fire development or structural collapse, knowing your personal physical limitations will help you:

Monitor your stress level and air consumption Signup and view all the answers

Disorientation, fear, and claustrophobia are:

Psychological effects of obscured vision conditions Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to overcome psychological effects of obscured vision conditions?

Stay in contact with your partner(s) Signup and view all the answers

What would generally be considered a MAYDAY situation?

Firefighter loses contact with hoseline or search line Signup and view all the answers

What BEST describes the process of determining tenability of interior fire environments?

Signs of structural collapse make interior operations untenable even for firefighters in full PPE and SCBA Signup and view all the answers

When identifying safe havens during search and rescue operations, firefighters should identify areas:

Where the door can be closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a key principle of air management during structural search and rescue operations?

Stay in the structure until the low-pressure alarm activates Signup and view all the answers

When using SCBA, your point of no return is based on:

Your team's physical and mental condition Signup and view all the answers

An air cylinder's rated operating time is:

Not an indicator of actual operating time Signup and view all the answers

Knowing how to react in an air emergency requires effective air management, which includes:

Remaining calm, following procedures to determine a cause and implementing a solution Signup and view all the answers

What action should you take if you are lost and sheltering in place during interior fire fighting operations?

Get to an uninvolved room if possible and close the door Signup and view all the answers

During what type of incident would firefighters likely perform air monitoring?

Search and rescue calls with no fire present Signup and view all the answers

What would NOT be a typical reason for conducting air monitoring?

Identify the point of origin during arson investigations Signup and view all the answers

How can the instrument reaction time of an air monitor affect the safety of firefighters?

If firefighters move too quickly, they may find themselves in a situation where the toxic gas concentration is much higher than the meter indicates Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about oxygen-enriched atmospheres is true?

An oxygen-enriched atmosphere greatly increases the flammability or explosive potential Signup and view all the answers

If an air monitor determines that the atmosphere is 20.7% oxygen, the:

Oxygen has been displaced by some type of contaminant Signup and view all the answers

An atmosphere containing a flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower explosive limit (LEL) is considered:

Hazardous Signup and view all the answers

What do most combustible gas indicators (CGIs) measure?

Lower explosive limit (LEL) Signup and view all the answers

When using an air monitor, which resource can responders use to find the safe exposure limits of a particular toxic material?

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Hazardous Chemicals Signup and view all the answers

Often the only clue to the presence of a gas other than what the air monitor is designed for is:

A decrease in the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

Before an incident, a gas monitor is typically calibrated by using:

A known quantity of a manufacturer-approved calibration gas Signup and view all the answers

Once at the incident, the firefighter responsible for air monitoring should perform a:

Fresh-air calibration also known as a zero cal Signup and view all the answers

What is a step in staying safe during air monitoring operations?

Remove any damaged device from service immediately Signup and view all the answers

What are action levels in the context of performing air monitoring?

Responses to chemicals or products that will trigger some action Signup and view all the answers

When preparing yourself to search an area that is immediately dangerous to life and health, it is NOT important for:

Your PASS device to be working properly but turned off Signup and view all the answers

To conduct an effective structural search, firefighters must:

Know the layout or floor plan Signup and view all the answers

To learn the layout of buildings in the community in preparation for search and rescue, it is ideal to tour _______ while they are under construction.

residential dwellings Signup and view all the answers

How should firefighters estimate the floor plans of structures in their response area?

Attend local zoning meetings, open houses, and get to know local building officials to gain knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using a thermal imager for a structural search?

They can see that a surface or area is hotter than the surrounding area Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using a thermal imager for a structural search?

May not be able to detect fires on a lower floor if a structure is carpeted Signup and view all the answers

What is a safety guideline for conducting searches in a structural fire?

Be aware of your entry point and the secondary means of egress from the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a safety guideline for conducting searches in a structural fire?

Monitor radio traffic for important information or changes in orders Signup and view all the answers

What must be a priority before any search?

Locating and isolating the fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a general guideline for marking rooms that have been searched?

Marks can be made in the landing of the stairs adjacent to the door Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a primary search?

Rapidly determine the location of victims Signup and view all the answers

What describes a secondary search conducted during a structure fire?

It is just as systematic as a primary search and is conducted after the fire is under control Signup and view all the answers

If your officer tells you to begin a left-hand primary search of the interior, you should:

Turn left and follow the walls, searching until you return to your starting point Signup and view all the answers

When searching the fire floor, where should you search first?

As close to the fire as possible Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method of performing a search in minimal smoke and heat?

Walking upright Signup and view all the answers

If you are crawling up stairs during search and rescue operations:

Proceed head first while ascending Signup and view all the answers

It is particularly important to always check behind doors and on the floor below the windows during primary search because:

Smoke may overcome occupants while they are trying to escape Signup and view all the answers

What BEST describes the steps for conducting a primary search within a room?

Search the perimeter of the room and then place a tool against the wall and reach out to search the middle of the room Signup and view all the answers

Keeping doors and windows open while conducting primary searches:

Can draw fire toward the opening Signup and view all the answers

What is the oriented-search method used in primary search?

The team leader remains anchored while others search the room; the crew remains in constant communication Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Search and Rescue Fundamentals

Forcible entry is a crucial skill in firefighting and essential for escape during search and rescue.
Physical awareness of limitations aids in managing stress levels and air consumption during rapid fire development.

Psychological Responses

Disorientation, fear, and claustrophobia stem from obscured vision and can impair performance in high-pressure situations.
Maintaining contact with partners helps mitigate psychological effects of reduced visibility.

Emergency Situations

A MAYDAY situation typically occurs when a firefighter loses contact with a hoseline or search line.
The tenor of a fire environment determines tenability; if unsafe for unprotected victims, it's also unsafe for firefighters in full PPE.

Air Management

Key principles include recognizing the point of no return and constant air level awareness.
Calmly determining a cause in an air emergency is essential for effective air management.

Shelter Actions

If lost during firefighting, moving to an uninvolved room and closing the door is the best course of action.

Air Monitoring

Search and rescue calls without fire present may require air monitoring for toxic gas levels.
Conduct air monitoring to identify hazards and establish appropriate response levels.

Equipment Calibration

Calibration of gas monitors should use known calibration gas for accuracy.
Perform a fresh-air calibration before entering a contaminated atmosphere.

Safety Protocols

It's critical to check behind doors and under windows during primary searches to ensure thorough victim location.
Communicating with dispatch and remaining aware of entry and exit points are vital for safety.

Search Techniques

Primary searches focus on quickly determining victim locations.
Secondary searches are more thorough and systematic, conducted after securing fire control.

Search Strategies

When instructed to perform a left-hand primary search, keep the left side of the structure in contact while searching.
The largest enclosed area near the fire should be prioritized during searches.

Utilizing Technology

Thermal imagers identify hotspots and potentially trapped victims.
Limitations include difficulties detecting lower floor fires if carpets mask heat signatures.

Priority Procedures

Locating and isolating the fire is the first priority before conducting any search operations.
Mark rooms that have been searched to avoid double-checking, using distinct indicators for clarity.

VEIS Method

The VEIS technique is effective for searching spaces requiring outside access.
A second firefighter should ensure the door remains closed while the first firefighter conducts the search.

Victim Safety

Sometimes, sheltering in place is safer for victims than fleeing a structure filled with smoke.### Victim Handling and Safety Protocols
Injured victims should remain in place until assessed and treated unless there is imminent danger or more victims than rescuers.
Confusion or lack of awareness in victims may necessitate moving them; additional personnel can assist in rescues.

Types of Victim Carries

The Extremities carry is the only method that requires the assistance of two rescuers.

MAYDAY Protocol

A MAYDAY call is required when life is in immediate danger or a critical victim is discovered during a search.
Upon broadcasting a MAYDAY, all radio traffic unrelated to the situation must stop, and all fire control activities should be paused.

Evacuation Signals

Incident Commanders' orders to exit structures must be treated with urgency, similar to a MAYDAY; accountability reports from all units are required.

Actions to Improve Survivability

Utilizing a hose stream for protection is a crucial immediate action that can enhance chances of survival during dangerous situations.

Safe Haven Strategies

Following a hoseline back to the entrance is a recommended action when escaping to safety.

Hoseline Couplings

The male coupling is located on the water source side of a hoseline and lacks lugs on its shank, aiding in identifying the direction.

Crawling in Smoke Environments

Crawling through smoke can improve temporary visibility and contribute to cooler body conditions compared to crouching.

Method for Searching Exits

When seeking exits in smoke, keep hands on the wall while sweeping the floor ahead with one hand to identify potential hazards.

Breaching Walls

Breaching an interior wall may require additional strength and can complicate escape, but allows for movement to a safer location.

Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)

A RIC consists of at least two firefighters ready to rescue trapped colleagues, emphasizing teamwork in emergencies.

RIC Equipment Acronym

AWARE is the acronym for mandatory Rapid Intervention Crew equipment, crucial for effective operations during rescues.

Incident Commander Actions

After a MAYDAY, the Incident Commander may temporarily shut down pumps or generators to improve communication and minimize distractions, enabling the tracking of downed firefighters’ PASS devices.

Digital Radio Transceivers

Digital tracking devices are effective in locating lost or disoriented firefighters, as their low-frequency signals are not obstructed by physical barriers.

Critical Don’ts After Locating Downed Firefighters

Never remove your facepiece to share air with a downed firefighter, as this jeopardizes safety; other safety measures include maintaining the PASS device functionality.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of structural search and rescue operations highlighted in Essentials 7 Chapter 10. This quiz focuses on basic firefighting skills and essential survival techniques necessary during emergencies. Test your knowledge and preparation skills for effective response in critical situations.