Hoffman Estates Fire Department Search and Rescue Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the company officer during a rope assisted search?

To deploy the rope bag

To determine the type of tools to be used

To ensure the safety of the team (correct)

To operate the thermal camera

What should the officer consider when determining the rope assisted search procedure to be used?

The experience level of the team members

The type of tools available

The weather conditions outside

The safe entry/exit point and the direction of the search (correct)

Why is it important for the officer to keep the rope in their hand during deployment?

To reduce the weight of the rope bag

To guide the team members

To control the tension of the rope (correct)

To ensure the rope is properly anchored

What should the officer do when making an inside turn during a rope assisted search?

Anchor the rope to ensure a safe exit route Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using the scan-and-release method with the thermal camera?

To eliminate tunnel vision and prevent user fatigue Signup and view all the answers

How should the officer use the thermal camera to assist the team members?

To interpret the room contents and provide guidance Signup and view all the answers

What should the officer do with the rope bag during a rope assisted search?

Anchor it in an area of safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the kernmantle rope in the rope bag?

200' Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Irons position?

Forcible entry and exit, wall breach, and ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of leaving the bag tied off in the area where the victim was found?

To direct another company back to where the search was left off Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the H-Tool position during a search operation?

To use the H-Tool to open doors as necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a rope during a search operation?

It provides a direct exit route, reducing the time necessary to get out Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the SCBA position?

To carry the RIT SCBA unit to supply air to the company Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would the company officer pick up their rope on the way out with no reason for haste?

During a routine exit after a primary search Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the RASP exit?

To provide a direct exit route, reducing the time necessary to get out Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the safety person stationed at the doorway?

To ensure the safety of the company during the search Signup and view all the answers

During a primary search in a complex building, what equipment should be used for life-safety purposes?

A lifeline, rope, and carabiners Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of personnel required for a Rope Assisted Search Procedure (R.A.S.P.) team?

Three Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of leaving a medium-sized object across the doorway of a room that has been searched?

To indicate to other personnel that the room is clear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended tool for Position 3 in a R.A.S.P. team, according to the text?

Hydraulic door tool Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the individual in Position 4 in a R.A.S.P. team?

Providing emergency air supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Rope Assisted Search Procedures' (R.A.S.P.) in complex building searches?

To ensure the safe and efficient search of complex buildings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'primary search kit' mentioned in the text?

To equip search teams with necessary equipment for complex building searches Signup and view all the answers

Why is a medium-sized object used to mark a cleared room in a simple building search instead of a smaller object?

A larger object is more visible and less likely to be disturbed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest tactical priority once a fire is confirmed during firefighting operations?

Completing primary search operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the primary search process?

Is a rapid, thorough and systematic search for victims Signup and view all the answers

Why is strong accountability of members' whereabouts critical during primary search operations?

It addresses the high life-safety risks involved Signup and view all the answers

What should Company Officers prioritize during primary search operations?

Ensuring a strong accountability and effective communication Signup and view all the answers

As building size and complexity increase, what also increases according to the guidelines?

The life-safety risks to personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about primary search operations is true?

They can occur at any point during a firefighting operation Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of primary search as described in the guidelines?

Should be rapid and systematic for efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What does the effective communication during primary search operations ensure?

Safety and coordination among team members Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the company officer during an emergency exit situation?

To maintain accountability by being the last person out of the building. Signup and view all the answers

When should the company make an immediate withdrawal from a search?

If conditions no longer allow a safe search or upon command for evacuation. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated when a medium-sized room object is placed in a doorway?

The searcher has no indicating equipment to signal their progress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of a secondary search?

To conduct a thorough search for any victims not discovered in the primary search. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions should the company members position themselves during an emergency exit?

They should kneel if height restrictions in the building warrant it. Signup and view all the answers

What role do primary search kits serve in an emergency situation?

They help indicate when an area has been searched, reducing confusion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Search and Rescue Guidelines

The primary search is the top tactical priority during fireground operations, aiming to locate victims in the fire-affected area.

Primary Search Guidelines

Primary search occurs simultaneously with initial fire control operations, with Company Officers maintaining strong accountability of their members' whereabouts and effective communication.
In single-family dwellings and simple layouts, rescuers work in teams of two, communicating frequently and leaving a medium-sized object in the doorway to indicate a cleared room.
In complex buildings, lifelines and equipment are used due to increased life-safety risks, with each engine, squad, and tower equipped with a primary search kit containing 200' of kernmantle rope, carabiners, and a company nametag.

Rope Assisted Search Procedures (RASP)

A minimum of three personnel are required, with four being the preferred number.
Team positions include:
- Company Officer: Rope bag, TIC, Radio, Light, and team leader.
- Irons: Forcible entry/exit tools and wall breach.
- H-Tool: Hydraulic door tool (may be substituted by Company Officer depending on building construction).
- SCBA: RIT SCBA emergency air system.
The Company Officer is responsible for:
- Safety and accountability of the team.
- Determining the rope assisted search procedure, including entry/exit point, search pattern, and tool usage.
- Deploying the rope, ensuring it is anchored in a safe area and maintaining control during deployment.
- Using the thermal camera to interpret room contents, eliminate open areas, and track company members.

Search Team Positioning

See Diagram A and B on pages five and six for search team positioning.

RASP Exit

The search team exits the building using the rope to direct them back to the entry point.
There are three types of exits:
- Routine Exit: After completing the primary search with no victims found.
- Victim Found: Leaving the rope bag tied off in the area where the victim was found to direct another company back to the search area.
- Emergency Exit: Immediate withdrawal due to unsafe conditions or building evacuation, with the Company Officer directing the team out while maintaining accountability.

Secondary Search

Secondary search occurs after fire control has been completed and the Incident Command has reported the fire under control.
The purpose is to provide a complete and thorough search of the fire area for any victims that may have been missed during the primary search.

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Description

This quiz tests knowledge of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's Standard Operating Guidelines for search and rescue operations, including NIMS compliance.