Search and Rescue

So I just read a pretty good article on search and rescue that talks about some of the bad habits crews have on the fire scene when they search. I think back to when I first went to Fire School a few years back (I've gone twice, once in 2007 at Akron U and once this past Spring at OFA) I've learned some from the then to now.  I've been trying to put a shift training that covers this topic together but EMS calls keep getting in the way. So to the blog, I go. There's a lot of things that I strive for and try to think of during a search that weren't covered in school. Keep in mind though, that search and rescue can be done a hundred different ways and as long as you have rooms cleared and possible victims removed, you've done your job. We all need to keep it efficient and safe for ourselves and the people we're helping. Here' some tips.

-If you can see your feet, you can walk. Don't waste time on the ground if you don't need to be there. On a similar note, if you can't see your feet, you shouldn't be on them. Get low.

-If you are low, don't focus on trying to make up walking time by crawling faster. You'll get more tired, use more air and miss important things like doors, windows and victims. Then you're not doing your job. You're just another body in a burning building. Be efficient but THOROUGH. Use a right-handed or left-handed search pattern and stick with it.

-I'm a huge fan of a three point stance as opposed to the crawling on all fours method that's shown in all the IFSTA books. With a three-point, you keep your head up, which is quite helpful on a fire scene. It also helps you cover a more substantial area in your search because you physically take up more space. Finally, its never good to be on a knee on the fireground. Getting out of the way is your best defense from heavy falling objects. Your better chance stands with the three-point than on your knees.

-Try not to move objects in your way around too much. It's frustrating not being able to stay right against the wall, but you have to stay the course for the sake of safety. Moving possible landmarks puts you on the fast track to being disoriented.

-Don't rely too heavily on the TIC. It's a tool, not a fix-all. If the batteries shit out on you and that's the primary source of orientation, you're screwed. That said, the TIC is a fantastic orientation aid. But using a TIC to judge rooms can be troublesome due to its limitations. A room is not effectively searched until a firefighter's hand or tool have touched it.

-Avoid what is called Circus Elephant Syndrome, as the trail. That is to say, don't hug your partner's boot in a way that makes the search less effective. You need to fan out and search your area to the max. This requires experience, practice and trust in your partner as the lead.

-When searching, don't swing your tool. Try and think more of reaching with it. Tired firemen swing tools during searches like baseball bats sometimes. If you are a victim that's on the recieving end of a flying Denver Tool, you'll be pissed... and probably bleeding.

-If you find a victim, immediately notify the IC and remove them. They are in grave danger. Which technique will you use for retrieval? The webbing drag? A tool drag? Do you know how to use a DRD? Also, go back the way you came in. If you find a new means of egress along them way, take it.

-We go in and out of buildings in groups of two, at least. A good search team has a systematic approach with two positions known as the lead and the trail.
-The Lead
-The lead is responsible for the primary orientation of the team. This member keeps the search pattern consistant. It's also the lead's job to create a mental map of the area being searched. The lead needs to remember doors, windows, landmarks, bathrooms, etc. Maybe most importantly, the lead is in contact with the IC and other members of brass. The lead should be giving the IC updates, letting them know about changes in conditions, victims found and what is needed for further interior operations.
-The Trail
-The trail is the workhorse of the search team. Initially, the trail extends the search team off the boot of the lead. From a good lead, a trail should be able to cover 8-10 feet from the wall with a tool. Also, when the lead finds rooms that need searched with a regular doorway, the lead anchors at the door while the trail searches the room alone. This compartmentalizes the mental map for the lead and limits confusion. Upon finding a victim, a trail is the one that pulls the victim out.

Everything comes down to finalizing the search. It is unacceptable to miss a room, an exit or a victim due to shitty search patterns. It is equally unacceptable to not let the IC know what has not been searched if you have to exit.