B-120 Search and Rescue at Fires

Question 1

Although they are always one of the first priorities at a fire scene, they should not be conducted until personnel complete an adequate search and rescue size-up. At minimum, this size-up shall include:

Answer 1

(1) a risk-benefit analysis; (2) occupancy/building information; and (3) scene observations.

Question 2

Bedroom window location - indicates areas where victims are typically found. Since most windows that ____ are bedrooms, identifying these areas helps determine the search team’s initial search pattern (e.g. left or right hand pattern).

Answer 2

are not immediately adjacent to the front door

Question 3

Roof vent location - indicates ____ in older construction . Roof vents in modern construction do not necessarily identify specific room locations since ____.

Answer 3

• the probable location of bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens
  (bedrooms are typically located adjacent to or across from bathroom areas)
• contractors now run vent pipes from several different locations into one or more central vent stacks

Question 4

Window size/shape - indicates ____

Answer 4

probable room type.

Question 5

Before initiating these operations, personnel should consider and answer the following questions prior to making entry:

Answer 5

• Building Characteristics
• Fire Factors
• Risk to Building Occupants
• Firefighting Capabilities

Question 6

Typical areas that potential victims will likely be found include:

Answer 6

bedrooms, beds, cribs, chairs, sofas, bathrooms, hallways and closets.

Question 7

Prior to entry, search personnel should gather as much information as possible from escaping occupants and/or witnesses so that ____

Answer 7

the amount of victims and their probable locations can be identified

Question 8

During the primary search, personnel should constantly be aware of their surroundings/location and report ____ to Command.

Answer 8

all pertinent information

Question 9

Primary search teams have seven (7) specific responsibilities:

Answer 9

1. Determine probable victim location by properly “reading” the building.
2. Carry the proper tools for the operation (i.e. portable radio, forcible entry tools, 6’ hook, water extinguisher, Thermal Imaging Camera, hand lights, search rope, webbing, and door chocks).
3. Locate and remove trapped victims (look, listen and feel).
4. Confine fire and prevent fire extension by closing all doors; advise location of fire and call for charged line as needed.
5. Search all priority areas checking for victims around doors, inside closets and bathrooms, and under and/or behind furniture.
6. Ventilate each room (vent for life vs. vent for fire).
7. Indicate/mark all searched rooms.

Question 10

Generally, primary search teams are equipped with the following equipment:

Answer 10

1. One (1) portable radio per person - allows personnel to monitor fire attack progress and inform the IC of their location.
2. One (1) 6’ hook (pike pole) - allows personnel to: (1) check for overhead extension; (2) extend search reach; and (3) identify the means of egress should interior conditions start to deteriorate.
3. One (1) set of irons (axe and Halligan tool) - allows personnel to conduct forcible entry operations and helps extend search reach.
4. One (1) water extinguisher - helps extinguish/control fire. Fire studies indicate that a 2 1⁄2 gallon water extinguisher will produce 4,250 gallons of steam at 212°F
   (NOTE: The average residential bedroom is 1,200 cubic feet).
5. One (1) Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) - assists in determining victim, fire and
   search team member location.