Mine Rescue Team Standard Search Procedures

Secondary searches are conducted before initial fire suppression/ventilation.

Search teams consist of a maximum of two personnel.

The Primary Search focuses on the least threatened areas first.

Different personnel should be used for secondary searches to provide new perspectives.

Search patterns are used to ensure rescuers get lost or disoriented during a search.

The team captain determines the search direction after entering a structure.

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is not important for emergency response.

It is essential to simulate every possible fire scenario before using a fire extinguisher.

To ensure the extinguishing agent reaches the base of the fire, use a slow sweeping motion.

Before using a fire extinguisher, one should check for external damage by inspecting the color of the extinguisher.

Structural search and rescue involves ensuring the safety of those outside the building.

When approaching a fire, it is recommended to advance quickly and get as close as possible for effective extinguishing.

Basic door entry involves opening doors quickly to assess the situation inside.

One should aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the top of the flames when attempting to put out a fire.

Monitoring wind direction is not necessary when using a fire extinguisher.

Primary searches during interior search and rescue are conducted in the least critical areas first.

Before entering a room, rescuers must check door handles for heat and thermal line.

One of the purposes of structural search and rescue is to identify and apply controls, such as ventilation and fire suppression.

Stabilization is primarily focused on preventing horizontal movement of an entrapping object.

Lifting bags are not used for stabilization purposes in vehicle extrication scenarios.

Access to a casualty can be gained through a stove in a vehicle extrication scenario.

Rescuers are advised to keep the keys in the ignition when shutting down electrical systems in a vehicle.

Extrication always requires the use of power tools and not basic hand tools.

Casualties must be properly packaged after extrication, regardless of their condition.

Rescuers should maintain visual, tactile, or verbal communication to keep track of each other during the search.

In smoke conditions, rescuers would stand up and move quickly to cover more ground.

Rescuers should not check closets and bathrooms during the search.

If a room has been searched, rescuers can mark an 'x' on the door to indicate it.

Locating, retrieving, and tending to casualties is not considered a fundamental principal of mine rescue operations.

If rescuers encounter a problem during the search, they should continue in the same direction they used upon entry.