Searching and Rescue

Searching and Rescue: Explore essential methods, from basic techniques to advanced tools and rescue dogs, for efficient disaster response.

When a disaster occurs, it becomes crucial to locate victims buried under rubble and identify their exact locations for rescue. The search process is critical in any rescue operation. If victims cannot be identified efficiently, all the training and preparations may be rendered useless.

Successful rescues depend on finding victims promptly. A well-executed search lays the foundation for every rescue operation. Basic search techniques help rescuers pinpoint victim locations and determine how to safely extract them.

Effective search activities require systematic organization and proper tools. These methods range from basic physical searches by rescue personnel to technical searches using specialized equipment or trained rescue dogs.

Information Collection for Victim Searches

To organize the search process, collecting relevant information is essential. Knowing the type of building (e.g., hospital, school, or factory) provides valuable clues about the likely number of occupants.

This information can be further refined based on time and day. For instance, schools are unlikely to be full if the incident occurs outside regular school hours or on weekends.

Before and during the search, rescue teams should analyze the patterns of building collapse. This analysis helps identify areas where victims are most likely to have survived.

Two Types of Search Methods

Rescue operations employ two primary search methods:

Basic Search: Using human senses such as sight and hearing without specialized equipment.
Technical Search: Utilizing advanced tools or trained rescue dogs for more precise searches.

Basic Search

1. Situational Assessment

Upon arriving at the scene, the first step is to assess the situation. Gather information from witnesses and analyze the building structure to define the search area.

2. Calling Out to Victims

Once the search area is determined, rescuers conduct a calling-out process. Teams of 3 to 10 personnel align in a line or circle formation, spaced approximately 5 meters apart. Moving slowly in the same direction, one team member uses a megaphone to call out to potential victims:
“This is the fire department. If you can hear me, please respond by making a sound or tapping on something.”

If no response is heard, the team advances 3 meters and repeats the process.

3. Silent Time

When a response is detected, all team members maintain complete silence to better focus on any sounds or movements. If a team member hears something, they silently raise their hand and point in the direction of the sound. The process continues until three or more team members confirm the same direction.

Technical Search

1. Acoustic Detection Devices

These devices detect sounds or movements from victims trapped under rubble.

2. Visual Search Equipment (Type-1)

Using fiber scopes, rescuers can inspect the interiors of collapsed structures and rubble. These devices also measure temperature, detect gas levels, amplify sounds, and supply air to trapped victims.

Building Searches

Procedure for Building Search

Form search teams with a leader and establish communication with Incident Command (IC).
Assign at least two people per team, using the “buddy system” for safety.
Use existing building blueprints or create a sketch of the structure layout.

Begin by searching the building’s perimeter for visible victims. Notify IC about any severely trapped victims or hazardous areas.

Before entering a structure, ensure its stability and mark it using the search marking system. During the search, use the victim marking system to identify possible locations of unseen victims.

Key Points to Remember:

Avoid moving debris haphazardly to prevent further collapses.
Maintain contact with discovered victims, reassuring them until rescue is possible.
Gather information about other potential victims in the structure.

Continue searching until all victims are found, and ensure the entire structure is thoroughly inspected for hidden casualties.

Disaster Rescue Dogs

Disaster rescue dogs are specially trained to locate missing persons during disasters such as earthquakes or avalanches. Their extraordinary sense of smell allows them to detect stress-related odors or faint human scents, even if the victim cannot call for help.

Rescue dogs’ superior mobility and sensory capabilities significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of search operations, enabling the rescue of more victims in less time.

By employing a combination of these methods, rescue teams can maximize their chances of saving lives in disaster situations.

Reference page: “Key fire characteristics: combustion elements, smoke risks, toxic gases, and safe firefighting techniques.”

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

FIRE RESCUE CLUB