420-02 Primary-Secondary Search

Primary focus is on ensuring the safety of people and rescuing them until the initial, quick search is complete.

Resources and efforts are prioritized for rescue operations when there's a chance of survivors and no immediate danger from the structure itself.

A thorough search should not be conducted in buildings that are engulfed in flames due to the low probability of finding survivors.

Even if information from bystanders might not be completely accurate, a calculated risk can be taken for searches when there's no obvious danger.

Initial rescue and engine units can work together to execute rescue operations effectively.

Thermal imaging cameras (TIC) are recommended tools for guiding searches and firefighting activities.

Emergency responders must follow the rules of personal accountability and ensure that two people enter and exit a hazardous area together.

The primary search is a rapid and focused search that prioritizes reported victim locations, areas at greatest risk, and areas with the most potential victims, as well as remaining fire-affected zones and exposed areas.

The primary search aims to be fast and efficient, covering: reported victim locations, most threatened areas, areas with the largest number of potential victims, remaining fire-affected zones, and exposed areas.

Closing doors of rooms not involved in the fire helps to minimize smoke damage, conserve resources, and contribute to fire containment.

Victims can be removed using various methods depending on their location. First floor: dragging, carrying, or assisting. Second floor: ladders or aerial units.

The incident commander must be immediately informed upon encountering victims, providing details about their location, number, and how they can be safely evacuated.

The completion of the primary search must be communicated according to established protocols.

A thorough secondary search is conducted when conditions allow, with the objective being to ensure all potential victims have been located.

It is ideal for a different team to perform the secondary search to avoid any assumptions about the layout.

The incident commander must be informed about any victims located during the secondary search, reporting their location and number.

Visibly deceased victims should not be moved unless absolutely necessary.

A specific procedure is followed for requesting the involvement of fire investigators.

The guidelines outlined in the SOG (Standard Operating Guideline) have evolved over time, with traceable updates and revisions from 2005 to 2018.

The purpose of the SOG is to ensure timely performance of primary and secondary searches for victims in safe structures.

The Fire Rescue Administrator is the authority responsible for implementing and overseeing the SOG.

The SOG applies to all Emergency Operations personnel working for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

The most important aspect of an incident is protecting lives (life safety), and rescue efforts are a top priority in tactics until the initial, quick search for victims is complete.

When there's a chance of surviving victims in a structure, and there's no imminent danger from the building itself, rescue efforts take precedence over putting out the fire.

It's never safe to perform a thorough search in a building engulfed in fire, as the chance of finding survivors is extremely low.

The areas with the highest potential for finding victims during a primary search, including locations of reported victims (if known), areas most threatened by fire, and areas containing groups of people.

Firefighters should move through each room during a primary search, closing doors behind them. This helps contain the fire, prevent smoke spreading, and conserves resources.

During a primary search, the incident commander must be alerted immediately whenever a victim is found, providing details about their location, number, and how they can be rescued.

The secondary search is best conducted by a different team than the primary search team. This minimizes assumptions and ensures a fresh perspective on the layout.

In a primary search, closing doors of uninvolved rooms minimizes smoke damage, conserves resources, and helps contain the fire.

A Secondary Search team is typically different from the Primary Search team to ensure a fresh perspective and avoid assumptions.

A Secondary Search is conducted after the Primary Search, aiming to find any remaining victims, but only when conditions allow.

Closing the doors of rooms not directly involved in a fire can help limit the spread of smoke, conserve resources, and contribute to fire containment.

A thorough search performed when the primary search is complete and conditions allow, aimed at locating any remaining victims.

A separate team should conduct the secondary search to ensure a fresh perspective and avoid assumptions about the building's layout.

The decision to close doors during a fire depends on the severity of the fire and the extent of control firefighters have over the situation.

The goal is to ensure that all potential victims are found, even if the primary search was thorough.

Closing doors during a primary search not only minimizes smoke damage, but also preserves resources and helps to contain the fire. It's a crucial step towards controlling the situation.

A secondary search is conducted when conditions allow after the primary search is complete. Its aim is to make sure no victims have been overlooked, ensuring a thorough sweep.