202.05 SEARCH AND RESCUE

Search and Rescue Procedures

• Search and rescue operations must prioritize the safety of personnel while effectively locating victims.
• Key objective is victim recovery, avoiding actions that may lead to additional casualties among the search crew.
• Fire victims face threats from thermal exposure (heat) and toxic exposure (smoke and combustion products).
• Proximity to the fire increases thermal exposure risk; toxic exposure risk is linked to smoke presence rather than distance from the fire.
• The safest area to find potential survivors in a structure is typically at floor level due to heat rising.

Search Team Preparation

• All team members must understand the specific search plan before entering the search area, including objectives, assigned areas, and individual responsibilities.
• A pre-search meeting among crew members enhances communication and operational clarity.

Search Operations Guidelines

• It is advisable for individual search activities to involve two or more members for safety.
• During residential searches, firefighters may operate away from the hoseline; for non-residential structures, adherence to hoseline use is critical for safety.
• Conducting a brief survey of the floor below the fire can assist with orientation and strategy, as multi-story buildings often share similar layouts.

Safety Measures

• In environments with potential fire conditions (especially above the fire floor), search teams should be protected by a charged hose line to mitigate risks during operations.
• Company Officers should maintain awareness of each crew member's position and function to ensure cohesive and safe operations during the search.

Search and Rescue Procedures

• Search and rescue operations must prioritize the safety of personnel while effectively locating victims.
• Key objective is victim recovery, avoiding actions that may lead to additional casualties among the search crew.
• Fire victims face threats from thermal exposure (heat) and toxic exposure (smoke and combustion products).
• Proximity to the fire increases thermal exposure risk; toxic exposure risk is linked to smoke presence rather than distance from the fire.
• The safest area to find potential survivors in a structure is typically at floor level due to heat rising.

Search Team Preparation

• All team members must understand the specific search plan before entering the search area, including objectives, assigned areas, and individual responsibilities.
• A pre-search meeting among crew members enhances communication and operational clarity.

Search Operations Guidelines

• It is advisable for individual search activities to involve two or more members for safety.
• During residential searches, firefighters may operate away from the hoseline; for non-residential structures, adherence to hoseline use is critical for safety.
• Conducting a brief survey of the floor below the fire can assist with orientation and strategy, as multi-story buildings often share similar layouts.

Safety Measures

• In environments with potential fire conditions (especially above the fire floor), search teams should be protected by a charged hose line to mitigate risks during operations.
• Company Officers should maintain awareness of each crew member's position and function to ensure cohesive and safe operations during the search.

This quiz focuses on the essential protocols and safety measures involved in search and rescue operations. It emphasizes the importance of crew safety and the identification of victims, while also explaining the dangers of thermal and toxic exposure in fire scenarios. Test your knowledge on efficient planning and execution of rescue efforts.