Untitled Quiz

Search & Rescue Operations

• Safely and efficiently carry out search & rescue operations.
• The firefighter should be aware of the major factors that must be considered: the rescuer, the victim, the search & rescue environment, search and rescue size up, strategic considerations, and tactical procedures.
• The objective of this section is to help firefighters understand the conditions that are generally present when a firefighter is injured, what the results will be, the number of men lost when an injury is incurred, and what steps can be taken to prevent it.

Factors Affecting Search & Rescue Safety

• A firefighter is in poor physical condition.
• Additional firefighters are required to assist the injured firefighter.
• There is a possible overall failure of the search & rescue.
• Injury or death to the firefighter will seriously affect their family and/or others.
• If a firefighter is injured during operations it generally requires three (3) additional firefighters to be committed to assist them.
• Any firefighter is subjected to anxiety and exertion daring an operation.
• The higher level of anxiety and exertion occurs during search & rescue missions.

Steps for Firefighters

• Conditioning: A well-conditioned firefighter is less prone to injury.
• Protective gear: Properly worn and maintained can prevent injury.
• SCBA: Properly worn and maintained, along with proper training.

The Victim in Search & Rescue

• The victim does not have protective gear or SCBAS and, in addition, may be in poor physical condition.
• The victim is suffering the most severe result of the heat, smoke, and other conditions present in a fire situation.
• The rescuer must also take into account other considerations when dealing with a victim, such as their emotional state, and state of consciousness.
• An alert victim will be able to alert you to their location and possibly assist you in their rescue.
• An unconscious victim cannot, and this victim would be considered to be at high risk.

High Risk Groups

• The very young: They have the least understanding of the dangers and in many cases would not be sufficiently developed physically or mentally so they could take actions that would remove themselves from danger.
• The very old: They may not have an understanding of the problem. Their physical abilities may be impaired to the point that even with knowledge of the situation. They might not be able to escape.
• The ill: They may be unaware of their surroundings. They may be restrained in bed or a chair for their own protection. Their health condition may preclude their moving from one point to another.
• Large groups of people in public assembly: It is generally accepted that as the size of a group of people increase, the probability of panic increases tremendously.
  • Seldom will they check the emergency exit locations. Therefore they almost always attempt to leave the area the same way they entered.
  • In these situations they may react irrationally going into danger to get a coat or other belongings.
  • One cry of panic by one person can stampede an extremely large group that previously was under control of itself.