Terminology

• Search (Primary Search): A systematic and organized process of checking a building or area to locate missing individuals or identify fire locations.
• Searchable Space: Any space within a structure that trained personnel can access using their experience and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Primary Search: A swift, thorough, and systematic initial search.
• Secondary Search: A detailed and exhaustive search of all areas, including the building’s perimeter, shafts, elevators, rooftops, and any space where people might be found.
• Targeted Search: Starting the search in areas where civilians are most likely to be, such as bedrooms, escape routes, or within 2 meters of exterior doors.
• All Clear: Declared by the incident commander once both the primary and secondary searches of the entire structure are complete.

Awareness of Environment

Team members must remain aware of the hose line’s condition, position, and operational status, as well as the surrounding environment at all times.

Information Gathering

Gather Relevant Information:

• Focus on positive reports indicating people are inside. Examples:
  • “Someone is trapped inside.”
  • “The family was sleeping in their bedroom.”

Key Questions to Ask:

• How many individuals?
• What are their ages?

Efficient Information Use:

• Avoid wasting time; gather essential details and proceed inside.
• Move informants to a safety zone or delegate someone else to collect additional information.
• Announce “person trapped” over the radio.

Negative Reports Are Unreliable:

• Examples: “Nobody is inside,” “Everyone is out,” “The building is abandoned.”
• Do not rely on such reports, even if given by police, owners, neighbors, or family members. Stress often leads people to provide inaccurate information.

Equipment

Priority Areas:
Bedrooms are the most common location for victims. Searches should prioritize these spaces.

Key Tools:

• Flashlights: Adapt to visibility in smoky environments. Avoid overuse of helmet lights, which can worsen visibility.
• Axes: Leave at the entry after forced entry is complete.
• Halligan Tools: Share among team members. These tools assist in door entry and breaking glass. Place tools securely in walls or sills during searches to free your hands.
• Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs): Essential for locating victims in dense smoke.
• Fire Extinguishers: Useful for small fires when hose lines are not available. Control small fires to facilitate rescues.
• Search Rope: Generally not recommended for indoor searches due to inefficiency and potential hazards.

Search Techniques

Room Assessment:

• Begin by sweeping walls and the floor with your hands to identify obstacles or victims.
• Check behind doors that might be obstructed by victims.

Call Out and Listen:

• Shout, “Fire department! Is anyone here?”
• Pause to listen for responses or sounds of fire.

Prioritizing Searches:

• 42% of victims are found in bedrooms.
• 11.5% are in hallways.
• 10% are within 2 meters of exterior doors.

Room Search Tips:

• Search beds thoroughly, starting from the top bunk and ending beneath the bed.
• Prioritize closed-door rooms; victims in these areas have higher survival chances.

Efficient Search Practices

Mobility:

• Avoid relying excessively on walls or ropes for guidance; this slows searches and may compromise rescues.
• Keep low to avoid dense smoke and improve communication and visibility.

Using Senses:

• Employ sight, hearing, and touch to locate victims effectively.
• Avoid swinging tools, as this could harm civilians.

Maintain Direction:

• Understand building layouts and consistently check furniture, exits, and room size.

Multiple Entrances:

• Familiarize yourself with alternative exits, such as windows or back doors, to ensure safety in emergencies.

Additional Considerations

Behavior of Adults and Children:

• Adults often attempt to escape through hallways, doorways, or behind doors.
• If children are involved, adults may try to rescue them. Always check for hidden children when locating adults.

Detailed Search Areas:

• Beds: Check underneath and between walls and beds.
• Closets: Examine floors and spaces behind objects.

Smoke and Fire Dynamics:

• Understand how fire spreads and affects building escape routes. Stairways and openings may become impassable.

Avoiding Missteps:

• Firefighters must not step on potential victims, even in zero-visibility conditions. Keep close to the floor and scan thoroughly.

By adhering to these guidelines, search teams can optimize their efforts and improve rescue outcomes efficiently.

Related posts:

Basic Search Techniques for Firefighters: Primary Search Search and Rescue Manual: Part 1 Escape Using a Hose Line Vehicle Rescue Techniques: Creating Rescue Points Part 4 Fire Fighting Mental Toughness in Firefighting Fire Safety Measures for Electrical Facilities Immediate Fire Extinguishing Tactics Forest and Wildland Firefighting Fire Protection Equipment (PPE) Door Control in Firefighting Pushing Fire: Understanding the Phenomenon and Its Implications