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RESCUE PROCEDURES

Copyright© 2000. Delmar is a division of Thomson Learning.

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Objectives 1 of 2

• Recognize the hazards associated with various rescue operations.

• Describe the difference between primary and secondary searches.

• Demonstrate the proper procedures for victim drags and carries.

• Define proper terminology used during motor vehicle extrication operations.

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Objectives 2 of 2

• Demonstrate proper and safe use of vehicle extrication tools and equipment.

• Explain the various types of specialized rescue situations presented and the hazards associated with them.

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Introduction

• Rescues are performed to remove someone from immediate danger or to extricate them.

• This lesson designed to provide an awareness level of rescue situations.

• Teamwork and safety are the key points to remember.

CHAPTER

16Hazards Associated with Rescue

Operations

• Every rescue operations has hazards.• Tunnel vision is a big hazard.• It is easy to get tunnel vision in a complex and lengthy

rescue.• Tunnel vision can keep rescuers from seeing obvious

solutions and impending danger.

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Search of Burning Structures 1 of 3

• One of the most dangerous rescue situations.• Training, practicing, and planning best way to reduce

danger.• Always enter in teams of two or more.• Two firefighters in full gear and a charged line should

be ready to go in if needed.• Known as two-in/two-out rule.

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Search of Burning Structures 2 of 3

• Perform a quick survey of structure and surroundings.• Always carry a tool, flashlight, and radio when

searching.• Single family structures may be searched using wall as

reference.• Known as “right-handed” or “left-handed” search.

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Search of Burning Structures 3 of 3

• Commercial or industrial structures require use of lifeline or guideline.

• Two operations to searching a building:• Primary search.• Secondary search.

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Search Team

CHAPTER

16Rapid Intervention Team Standing-By

CHAPTER

16Survey Structure Prior to

Entering

CHAPTER

16Searching a Residential

Occupancy

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Commercial Occupancies

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Primary Search

• First and most dangerous of the two.• Search team is often ahead of attack lines.• Often above the fire.• Rapid, but thorough, search.

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Secondary Search

• Conducted after fire is out or well under control.• A more thorough search.• Areas that still need to be extinguished may be found.

CHAPTER

16Victim Removal, Drags and

Carries

• Victims must be removed carefully and expeditiously.• Try and not cause further injury or aggravate existing

injury.• May not be able to give care due to hazardous or

hostile environment.

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Firefighter’s Carry

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Extremity Carry

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Seat Carry

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Blanket Drag

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Clothing Drag

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Webbing Sling Drag

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Sit and Drag

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Firefighter’s Drag

CHAPTER

16Rescue of a Firefighter Wearing

SCBA

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Placing a Patient on a Backboard

CHAPTER

16Placing a Patient on an

Ambulance Cot

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Extrication From Motor Vehicle

• Motor vehicle crashes are common rescue situations.• Knowledge, experience, and skill are most valuable

tools.• Extrication means to free, release, or disentangle a

patient from entrapment.• Operations at an extrication incident should follow a

pre-determined sequence of events.

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Plan Of Action

1. Scene size up.2. Vehicle stabilization.3. Accessing the patient.4. Disentangling the patient.5. Removing the patient.

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Extrication Tools 1 of 3

• Range from basic to specialized tools.• Hydraulic tools are operated by gasoline engine,

motor, or air-driven motor.• Spreaders used to push and pull.• Cutters used for different tasks.• Rams used for pushing.• Combination tools spread and cut.

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Extrication Tools 2 of 3

• Air bags come in high-pressure and low/medium-pressure.

• High-pressure bags operate at a maximum inflation pressure of about 130 psi.

• Bags come in sizes ranging from 6”x 6” to 36”x 36”.• Low/medium-pressure bags can lift very heavy loads.

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Extrication Tools 3 of 3

• Air chisels are valuable tools for rescue operations.• Reciprocating saws are also gaining popularity.

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Gasoline Engines

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Spreaders and Cutters

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Rams and Combination Tools

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High-Pressure Air Bags

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Low-Pressure Air Bags

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Air Chisel and Reciprocating Saw

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Crash Scene Assessment

• Number and types of vehicles involved.• Number and apparent extent of injuries.• Traffic and non-traffic hazards.• Disentanglement requirements.• Support needs.

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Additional Resources

• Additional ambulances.• Specialized extrication equipment.• Additional law enforcement.• Specialized technical rescue equipment.

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16Specialized Rescue Situations and Tools

• There are a variety of other rescues a firefighter may be sent on.

• Specialized training beyond this course is needed.• This is designed as a familiarization.

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Vertical Rescue

• NFPA 1983 deals with rope safety.

• Rescuers must be well-trained.

• All should be familiar with equipment and techniques.

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Water Rescue

• Very dangerous operations.

• All rescuers should wear PFD around water.

• Do not attempt rescue if not trained.

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Structural Collapse Rescue

• Pancake collapse.• Lean-to collapse.• V-type collapse.

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Trench and Below-Grade Rescue

• Most occur at construction, utilities, maintenance or well digging sites.

• Asphyxiation is a major concern.

• Team work is essential.

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Confined Space Rescue

• Come in many different forms.• Oxygen deficient atmosphere is major concern.• Space must be constantly monitored.• Proper PPE and equipment must be used.• Back-up crew must always be ready.

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Other Rescue Situations

• Rescue from electrical situations.• Industrial entrapment rescue.• Elevator and escalator rescue.• Farm equipment rescue.

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WRAP-UP

• Address common rescue situations you may have to deal with.

• Specialized training is required.• Goal was to present broad spectrum of situations and

some concepts to deal with them.• Never attempt a complex rescue without proper

training.