Firefighting SOG 420-02: Search Procedures

• This Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) 420-02, concerns primary and secondary search procedures.
• Ensures firefighters perform searches when structures are deemed safe, and to complete secondary searches for victims.
• The authority is the Fire Rescue Administrator.
• This SOG applies to all Emergency Operations personnel.
• The issue date for this document is 05/21/2018, and the effective date is 06/21/2018.

Rescue Profile

• The Incident Commander and operating units must recognize that Life Safety is the highest incident priority.
• Rescue is the highest tactical priority until the Primary Search is complete, as per SOG 200-02 Incident Command Sequence.
• If there's a chance of saving a life and no imminent structural failure or hostile fire event, Rescue becomes the tactical priority.
• Rescue takes priority over Extinguishment, meaning Primary Search takes priority over Fire Attack, when the right conditions exist.
• A salvageable life is defined as a person inside the structure under conditions a person could survive in, without protective gear.
• Primary Search should not be conducted in fully involved structures because occupant survival is unlikely.
• A calculated risk may be taken to perform Primary Search when there isn't evidence of structural failure or a hostile fire event, to check for victims.
• First arriving Rescue may need to team with the first arriving Engine to perform Rescue, based on the conditions.
• SOG 410-03 Thermal Imaging Camera states a Thermal Imaging Camera should be used to direct Search and Rescue and Fire Attack.

Primary Search

• All Fire Rescue personnel must follow SOG 220-01 Personal Accountability and SOG 220-02 Two In-Two Out Rule.
• A Primary Search is a fast search for possible victims.
• The Incident Commander is responsible for ensuring a Primary Search is performed.
• During a Primary Search, firefighters should focus on areas such as the location of reported victims, and the most threatened areas.
• Firefighters should focus on searching the areas with the largest number of victims, the remainder of the fire area, and exposed areas.
• During a Primary Search, firefighters should shut doors to uninvolved rooms to minimize smoke damage, enhance property conservation and assist with confinement.
• Deciding to shut doors depends on how well the fire is controlled in the structure.

Victims

• Victims can be removed through windows and doorways.
• On the first floor, victims can be removed by dragging, carrying or assisting them.
• On the second floor, victims can be removed by using ladders, or by using the aerial portion of an Aerial unit.
• Primary Search personnel must immediately notify the Incident Commander by radio if they find a victim.
• They should report their location, the number of victims, and means of egress.
• The Incident Commander must ensure enough resources are available for treatment and transport of any victims.
• Completion of the Primary Search must be reported to the Incident Commander according to SOG 210-01 Communications.
• For large areas, refer to SOG 420-03 Large Area Search.

Secondary Search

• A Secondary Search of the structure should be performed when conditions permit.
• A Secondary Search is more thorough and methodical than a Primary Search, ensuring all potential victims have been located.
• If possible, a different company should conduct the Secondary Search than the company that completed the Primary Search.
• This prevents companies from assuming the layout and bypassing pertinent areas.
• Secondary Search personnel must notify the Incident Commander by radio if they find a victim and report the location and the number of victims.
• Victims that are obviously deceased due to fire should not be disturbed or moved.

Investigator Requests

• For Fire Investigator requests and notifications, refer to the Investigator Call Out Procedure (PPM FR-B-101).