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# Early Establishment of an EMS Sector Severe challenge a department has to face, and as a result, drastic actions may be necessary. ## Early Establishment of an EMS Sector Early establishment of an EMS (emergency medical services) sector within the staging area is a must. Realize that using the...

# Early Establishment of an EMS Sector Severe challenge a department has to face, and as a result, drastic actions may be necessary. ## Early Establishment of an EMS Sector Early establishment of an EMS (emergency medical services) sector within the staging area is a must. Realize that using the elevator may be curtailed at any moment by water in the shafts. Be prepared to treat life-threatening injuries (primarily cardiac-related) on the upper floors until the victims can be carried downstairs, if necessary. That means getting an advanced life support unit to staging as early as possible. ## Third Major Sector: The Search and Evacuation Post (SAE) You should also establish a third major sector at serious high-rise fires. Dubbed the search and evacuation post (SAE), it should be established in a reasonably safe area above the fire. Also staffed by two members, similar to the operations post, its duties are to direct and control the activities of all fire forces operating above the fire floor and the floor immediately above. ## Establish Same Communication Network These members should establish the same communications network with the CP as the operations post and the staging area, and they should also have communications with the units under their command, preferably on a different frequency from that being used for attack on the fire floor. These members must verify and record the results of searches made on every floor above the fire. ## Inform of Any Reports of Victims They should be informed of any reports of the location of victims still unaccounted for so as to direct search teams to each location. Being above the fire, they must be prepared to operate in smoky conditions. They should consider bringing spare SCBA cylinders with them when setting up. ## Excellent Choice of Floor An excellent choice of floor for the location of the SAE is a sky lobby or other floor not served by an elevator that also serves the fire floor, thus allowing passage past the fire floor by elevator with reasonable security. Constant communication must be maintained between the SAE and its operating forces, as well as between the SAE and the operations post, to allow all members above the fire to retreat in the event that the situation gets out of control. ## Despite Advances in Construction Technology Despite all of the advances in construction technology and fire protection in recent years, the inferno remains real.