Search Procedures and Casualty Handling

Question 1

What are the 2 search techniques and their purpose?

Answer 1

1. Primary search - Rapid and systematic search- Ensure firey’s maintain their own safety - Look for fire and for casualties - Whatever you find first you deal with. e.g. casualty rescue 2. Secondary search - Slow and thorough, undertaken once hazard is under control - Ideally done with fresh set of eyes but not always possible - if you come across a deceased person, do not move them- Always check nobody has collapsed after exiting the structure

Question 2

What is the Method of searching?

Answer 2

• Always have 2 persons - Entry should be made from a low position to minimise heat exposure and best chance of visibility- Always test each stair prior to placing weight. Ascend stairs head first, descend stairs feet first- Use back of hand, waving arm in sweeping motions in front of person to determine obstructions - can use entry tool to sweep e.g. halligan tool- carry a charged hose- entry tools- a tic (if available)

Question 3

What are the Search patterns?

Answer 3

have a systematic search pattern - Work way around perimeter of room clockwise or anti clockwise i.e. left or right hand search.- Orientation should be maintained by ensuring contact with the outer wall- Keep contact with partner verbally, physically or with a line - feel for victims, search on and under furniture- Once a room has been searched close the door to show its been checked

Question 4

what are the rescue techniques?

Answer 4

Backwards drags- Cradle, Human Crutch- Fore and Aft Carry- the two handed seat and - removing using every day items e.g. blanket/chair/bed drag.

Question 5

Techniques when searching for casualties

Answer 5

Listen for sounds ie. Crying, screaming, shouting, tapping, coughing - Always finish searching a room before moving on, even if you can hear signs of life in the next room Adults - Will try to escape, look towards exits, outside the house Children - Will hide, look under blankets, in cupboards, under beds - Younger siblings Will follow older siblings lead so look for multiple Children

Question 6

What are the 3 Fire Tactics

Answer 6

Offensive - Fight close to the hazard Defensive - Fight away from the hazard e.g. Outside the house - Always check if the environment is safe Marginal - Defensive strategy established but upon info on casualties inside structure, change to offensive

Question 7

Safe work practices when conducting search procedures and rescue

Answer 7

PPE and BA are worn- Scene size up before committing crew- where possible, isolate utilities- BA Control in place- Remain in contact, visible, verbal, physical at all times- be alert for changing conditions that may present any dangers- Good communications on fire ground e.g. changing conditions, radio chatter