Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 8 Rescue and Extrication Firefighter I

Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition

Chapter 8 — Rescue and Extrication

Firefighter I

Firefighter I8–2

Chapter 8 Lesson Goal

• After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to summarize procedures and guidelines for rescue operations and perform basic victim removal following the policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Firefighter I8–3

Specific Objectives

1.Distinguish between rescue and extrication operations. 2.Summarize safety guidelines for search and rescue personnel operating within a burning building3.Explain the objectives of a building search. (Continued)

Firefighter I8–4

Specific Objectives

4.Describe primary search and secondary search. 5.Discuss conducting search operations. 6.Explain what actions a firefighter should take when in distress.

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–5

Specific Objectives

7.Describe actions that should be taken by a rapid intervention crew (RIC) when a firefighter is in distress. 8.Discuss victim removal methods.9.Discuss emergency power and lighting equipment. (Continued)

Firefighter I8–6

Specific Objectives

10.Conduct a primary and secondary search. (Skill Sheet 8-I-1)11. Exit a hazardous area. (Skill Sheet 8-I-2)12. Demonstrate the incline drag. (Skill Sheet 8-I-3)

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–7

Specific Objectives

13.Demonstrate the blanket drag. (Skill Sheet 8-I-4)

14.Demonstrate the webbing drag. (Skill Sheet 8-I-5)15. Demonstrate the cradle-in-arms lift/carry — One-rescuer method. (Skill Sheet 8-I-6)

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–8

Specific Objectives

16.Demonstrate the seat lift/carry — Two-rescuer method. (Skill Sheet 8-I-7)17. Demonstrate the extremities lift/carry — Two-rescuer method. (Skill Sheet 8-I-8)

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–9

Specific Objectives

18.Demonstrate the chair lift/carry method 1 — Two rescuers. (Skill Sheet 8-I-9)19. Demonstrate the chair lift/carry method 2 — Two rescuers. (Skill Sheet 8-I-10)20. Illuminate the emergency scene. (Skill Sheet 8-I-11)

Firefighter I8–10

Rescue and Extrication Operations

• Rescue — Involves removal of victims from entrapment by– Fires – Terrain features– Structural collapse– Elevation differences– Confined spaces– Non-extrication situations (Continued)

Firefighter I8–11

Rescue and Extrication Operations

• Extrication — Involves disentanglement, removal of victims from vehicles

• Differences between rescue and body recovery operation– Rescues involve risk to life– Body recoveries should not involve

risk to life

Firefighter I8–12

Safety Guidelines for Search and Rescue Personnel

• Do not enter building in which fire has progressed to point where viable victims are unlikely to be found

• If backdraft conditions are apparent, attempt entry only after ventilation

• Work according to IAP (Continued)

Firefighter I8–13


• Maintain radio contact with supervisor; monitor radio contact

• Continuously monitor fire conditions that might affect search team safety

• Use established personnel accountability system

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–14


• Be aware of secondary means of egress

• Wear full PPE, including SCBA, PASS device

• Work in teams of two or more, stay in contact with each other

• Search systematically(Continued)

Firefighter I8–15


• Stay low, move cautiously• Stay alert• Continuously monitor structure’s

integrity• Check doors for excessive heat

before opening

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–16


• Mark entry doors into rooms• Maintain contact with wall,

hoseline, or tagline• Have charged hoseline at hand• Coordinate with ventilation teams

before opening windows

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–17


• Close door, report condition, follow supervisor’s orders if fire encountered

• Inform supervisor of inability to search any rooms

• Report to supervisor when search complete

Firefighter I8–18

Building Search Objectives

• Locating victims– Primary search– Secondary search– Rapid intervention

• Obtaining information about location/extent of fire

Firefighter I8–19

Primary Search

• Rapid but thorough search performed before or during fire suppression

• Often carried out under extremely adverse conditions

• Check known/likely locations of victims

• Confirm fire conditions

Firefighter I8–20

Secondary Search

• Conducted after fire under control• Conducted by personnel other than

primary search personnel• Slower, more thorough search to

ensure no occupants overlooked during primary search

Firefighter I8–21

Primary Search Operations

• Standard search priorities• Use buddy system• Appropriate equipment

– Radio– TIC– Flashlight– Forcible entry tools– Search rope

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–22


• Search may be conducted by– Walking upright– Crawling on hands/knees

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–23


• When searching– Move systematically– Search each room completely– Listen for sounds from victims– Start as close to fire as possible– Proceed as directly as possible from

entry and pay out tagline(Continued)

Firefighter I8–24


• When searching– Search bathrooms, bathtubs, etc.– Search perimeter of rooms– Extend arms/legs or use handle of

tool to reach under furniture– After perimeter searched, search

middle of room

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–25


• Visibility– May be limited; use TIC– May be obscured by smoke; report to

IC

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–26


• Making reports– Report essentials to

supervisor/Command– Maintain radio contact with supervisor– Negative information also important– Inform IC of unsearched areas

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–27


• Search line system– Consists of 200 feet (60 m) of ⅜-inch

(10 mm) rope with Kevlar™ sheath– Every 20 feet (6 m) along length, 2-

inch (50 mm) steel ring tied into line

(Continued)

Courtesy of Jeff Seaton

Firefighter I8–28


• Search line system– Rings also provide anchor point for

lateral tethers– Implementing search line system– May become necessary to search

areas perpendicular to search line– Navigator keeps Command informed

of progress

Firefighter I8–29

Secondary Search Operations

• Assigned to personnel other than primary search personnel

• Speed not as important as thoroughness

• Conducted as systematically as primary search to ensure no spaces missed

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–30

Secondary Search Operations

• Conducted more slowly, carefully than primary search

• Any negative information should be reported immediately

Firefighter I8–31

Searching Multistory Buildings

• Most critical areas are fire floor, floor directly above fire, and topmost floor

• Once critical areas searched, intervening floors should be checked

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–32

Searching Multistory Buildings

• During primary search, unless a part of ventilation, doors to uninvolved rooms should be closed

• Exits, hallways, stairs should be kept clear as possible

Firefighter I8–33

Search Methods

• When rooms, offices, apartments extend from center hallway, search line system can be used

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–34

Search Methods

• If search line system cannot be used– Teams should be assigned to search

both sides of hallway– Critically important to control

access/egress– Entering first room, searchers turn

right or left and follow walls around room

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–35

Search Methods

• If search line system cannot be used– As rescuers leave room, turn in same

direction used to enter room– When removing victims to safety or

exiting, rescuers must turn opposite direction used to enter

– Important that rescuers exit through same doorway entered

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–36

Search Methods

• In some departments, small rooms are searched by using a thermal imaging camera (TIC)

Firefighter I8–37

If No TIC Available

• One member stays at door while other searches

• Searcher remains oriented by maintaining constant dialogue with member at door

• Searcher keeps member at door informed of progress

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–38

If No TIC Available

• When search completed, two rejoin at doorway, close and mark door, proceed to next room

• When searching next room, exchange roles

Firefighter I8–39

Marking Systems

• Several methods used• Latch straps serve function of

preventing other rescuers from being locked out of room

• Departmental SOPs usually dictate accepted method

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–40

Marking Systems

• Marks should be placed on lower third of door

• Some departments train teams to use a two-part system

Firefighter I8–41

Building Search Safety

• Search initiated on arrival• Guidelines for rescuers

– Work quickly, operate safely– Always be alert for

weakened/hazardous structural conditions

– Feel floor to be sure intact(Continued)

Firefighter I8–42

Building Search Safety

• Firefighters on or directly below fire floor should be alert for sagging floors, etc. to indicate floor/ceiling above or below has weakened

Firefighter I8–43

When Searching Within A Burning Building

• Open doors cautiously• Feel top of door and door knob to

determine heat level• Do not remain in front of door

while being opened

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–44

When Searching Within A Burning Building

• Stay on hinge side of outward-opening doors

• If inward-opening door difficult to open, do not kick door; place strap behind knob to maintain control while opening

Firefighter I8–45

If in Imminent Life-Threatening Danger

• Transmit Mayday!• Activate PASS device• Communicate situation to

supervisor/Command• Actions when contact made

Firefighter I8–46

If Hoseline Can Be Located

• Crawl along and feel for couplings– Female – Toward nozzle, has smaller

lugs– Male – Toward water source, has

lungs on shank

• Follow hoseline to exit or nozzle team

Firefighter I8–47

If Unable to Retrace Steps

• Look for exit from building • Search by locating wall and

crawling along while sweeping floor with one hand and sweeping wall as high as possible without standing up

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–48

If Unable to Retrace Steps

• Sweeping hand back and forth on floor will help avoid holes, other openings into which fall may be possible

• Sweep walls while crawling to help locate window

• Take appropriate actions if outside window found

Firefighter I8–49

If Possible to Escape Without Assistance

• Take appropriate action if equipped with escape rope

• If not equipped with escape rope, safely drop from second story window by removing SCBA and hanging from windowsill by hands

Firefighter I8–50

If Door Can Be Found

• Secure door with rope/strap attached to knob so can be closed quickly

• Check door for heat before opening• If cool to touch, open slowly, carefully• If door leads to closet or fire on other

side, continue along wall in same direction

Firefighter I8–51

If Exit Through Door/Window Not Possible

• Break through interior or exterior wall

• Follow guidelines for attempting to breach interior wall

Firefighter I8–52

• Activate PASS device and move close to wall

• If exhausted, sit on floor and lean against wall

• If unable to reach wall, position flashlight toward ceiling

If Unable to Exit

Firefighter I8–53

When Trapped Suffering Injury

• Find place of relative safety and activate PASS device

• If against wall, tap or pound on wall with tool or hard object

• Try to maintain composure to maximize air supply

Firefighter I8–54

Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)

• Must be standing by when firefighters are in hazard zone inside burning building

• Composed of at least two firefighters equipped to enter hazard zone to locate/rescue firefighter in distress

• IC may decide RIC needs more than two firefighters

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–55


• Members may be assigned nonessential duties as long as they can be abandoned

• Other allowable assignments– Location relatively close to hazard

zone– Must not require much physical

exertion (Continued)

Firefighter I8–56


• May be more than one at a given fire, especially if interior crews entered building at different points

Firefighter I8–57

Actions by Rescuers Searching for Firefighter in Distress

• Remember firefighter will probably be wearing SCBA

• Try to establish radio contact• IC may order noise-producing

devices be shut down

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–58

Actions by Rescuers Searching for Firefighter in Distress

• If actions unsuccessful, attempt to determine last known location

• TIC should be used• RIC should stop frequently to listen• Crew members may hold breath

for complete silence

Firefighter I8–59

Actions Once Downed Firefighter Located

• Air supply should be checked• Firefighter should be medically

evaluated• Level of consciousness, vital signs

should be checked• If unable to walk, use any safe

means possible to move(Continued)

Firefighter I8–60


• Need to exit hostile atmosphere usually overrides need to stabilize injuries prior to moving

• If firefighter has functioning SCBA, carefully move him/her so as not to dislodge mask

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–61


• If no functioning SCBA, connect mask to functioning SCBA from RIC kit or quickly remove victim from hazardous atmosphere

Firefighter I8–62

Tracking Devices

• Some departments equip firefighters with digital radio transceivers

• Approximately same size as PASS device and mounted on SCBA harness

(Continued)

Courtesy of Exit Technologies

Firefighter I8–63

Tracking Devices

• Have range of approximately 100 feet (30 m) and do not interfere with radios

• Operate on 457 kHz• Always turned on when entering

burning building

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–64

Tracking Devices

• Signal allows fellow team members or RIC to locate downed firefighter

• If firefighter becomes separated from team, his/her transceiver can be switched from standby to search mode

Firefighter I8–65

Removing Located Firefighters

• Even though a two-firefighter RIC can locate a firefighter in distress, unlikely to be able to remove him/her from hazard zone

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–66

Removing Located Firefighters

• If firefighter in distress waited until low-air alarm sounded before calling Mayday, firefighter will almost certainly be out of air

• RIC must take specific actions when searching for missing firefighters

Firefighter I8–67

Victim Removal

• Injured victims should not be moved unless in immediate danger

• Situations where emergency moves are necessary

Firefighter I8–68

Remember During Victim Removal

• Chief danger is possibly aggravating spinal injury

• If necessary to perform emergency move, pull victim in direction of long axis of body

• Better to have two or more rescuers when lifting/carrying adult

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–69

Remember During Victim Removal

• Unconscious victim always more difficult to lift

• Rescuers helping carry victim should guard against losing balance

• Lifting incorrectly is one of the most common causes of injury to rescuers

Firefighter I8–70

Carries and Drags

• Incline drag• Blanket drag• Webbing drag• Cradle-in-arms lift/carry• Seat lift/carry

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–71

Carries and Drags

• Three-person lift/carry• Moving victim onto long backboard

or litter• Extremities lift/carry• Chair lift/carry

Firefighter I8–72

Emergency Power/Lighting Equipment

• Many rescue/extrication incidents occur in poor lighting conditions

• Conditions create need to artificially light scene

• Firefighters must know how to operate available emergency power/lighting equipment

Firefighter I8–73

Power Plants

• Inverter– Step-up transformer– Used on emergency

vehicles when small amounts of power needed

– Advantages/disadvantages

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–74

Power Plants

• Generators– Most common power source for

emergency services– Portable – Vehicle-mounted

Firefighter I8–75

Portable Lighting Equipment

• Can be carried to/used in areas where vehicle-mounted lights cannot illuminate

• Range from 300 to 1,000 watts

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–76

Portable Lighting Equipment

• Supplied with power by cord from vehicle-mounted or portable power plant

• Usually have handles and large bases

• Mounted on telescoping stands

Firefighter I8–77

Fixed Lighting Equipment

• Mounted to vehicle• Usually mounted so it

can be raised, lowered, turned

• Often mounted on telescoping poles

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–78

Fixed Lighting Equipment

• Some larger units include hydraulically operated boom with bank of lights

• Amount of lighting should be matched with amount of power available

• Overtaxing power plant has consequences

Firefighter I8–79

Auxiliary Electrical Equipment

• Electrical cables or extension cords• Junction boxes• Adapters

Firefighter I8–80

Summary

• Firefighters must be capable of performing basic rescue and extrication operations as a member of a team.

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–81

Summary

• As firefighters progress in their careers, they must be willing to pursue specialized training in each of the rescue areas, including fireground search and rescue operations, vehicle extrication operations, and a variety of technical rescue operations.

Firefighter I8–82

Review Questions

1.List four guidelines that should be used by search and rescue personnel operating within a building.2.What is a primary search?3.What should primary search teams carry with them?

(Continued)

Firefighter I8–83

Review Questions

4. How can firefighters help operate safely while conducting building searches? 5.What should a firefighter in distress do?

Documents

Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 8 Rescue and Extrication Firefighter I