Unit 5: Light Search & Rescue

Unit 5: L ight Search & Rescue

Unit 5: Light Search & Rescue• Goals and Safety Considerations• Hazards• Tools and Resources• Search Operations• Rescue Operations• Size-Up

Search and RescueGoals and Safety Considerations

Search and Rescue DefinedA systematic approach for locating, rescuing (extricating), and providing initial medical treatment to victims trapped.


Safety•Stay aware of your surroundings•Assume all downed wires are live•Stay coordinated and in communication with your team•Do not exceed your capabilities or training•Stay hydrated-take breaks•Watch for fatigue in yourself and your crew


LCES•Lookout or safety person•Communication•Escape routes•Safety zones

Search and RescueHazards

Scene HazardsAbove Ground:• Electrical wires• Walls/cornices• Unreinforced chimneys

Ground Level:• Glass and debris

Below Grade:• Earth• Water• Hazardous Materials/sewage• Manmade structures• Propane


Damage ClassificationStudy the outward signs!!Light Damage• Superficial to exterior,

mostly interiorModerate Damage• More apparent – cracking

but no leanHeavy Damage• Partial/total collapse


Light, medium, or heavy???


Signs of Structural Instability•Uneven windows•Cracked foundation and/or walls•Distinct lack of plumbness•Wood frames do well in earthquakes, but…

Search and RescueTools and Resources

Basic Tools Should Include

•PPE•Go – bag•Duct tape•Extinguisher•Axe•Prying and various carpentry tools


Forcing Doors and Windows•Feel doors for heat•Break a glass panel in a door, reach in, unlock…much easier•Pound directly on lock with sledge•Windows:oSee if they’re openoToolsoBreakoGlass types•Announce yourself•Try before you pry!


Points of Entry

•Front dooroOpen?oKeys?•Any window or glass door•Upper floor deck•Garage door…caution!


Breaking Glass

•Stand to one side•Keep hands above tool’s contact point•Start at top of window and work down•Clear frame of all glass and debris

*Different glass


Garage Doors•Same techniques as windows•Jam the door OPEN when going inside garage


Ladder Safety•Ten feet from wires•Secure ladder•Correct ladder angle


Box Cribbing

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

*Improvised resources?


Mechanical Advantage and Lifting•Levers•Jacks•Cribbing•Wedges and Shims


Lifting Heavy Objects•See if you can lift the item without mechanical advantage•Use proper body mechanics

1. BEND KNEES AND SQUAT2. KEEP BACK STRAIGHT3. KEEP LOAD NEXT TO BODY4. PUSH UP WITH LEGS


Lifting Procedure•Have all materials ready•Everyone aware of plan including victim•Crib to object being lifted•Lift height of 1 piece of cribbing•Slide cribbing under object•Set object down on cribbing•Keep hands out from underneath object

Repeat this process until victim can be removed


Know Your Limits

•Physical Condition•Mental Condition

DON’T OVEREXTEND YOURSELFDON’T BECOME A VICTIM

Search and RescueSearch Operations

Search and Rescue Survival Rates

Survival Rate99.3%81.0%33.7%36.7%19.0%7.4%

Time of Rescue30 Minutes

1 Day2 Days3 Days4 Days5 Days


Search Overview•Two teams of two•Exterior controls scene outside•Interior completes the search•Both should have utility shutoff tools, documentation items, and PPE


Types of Collapses and VoidsVoids form due to collapsePrimary concern is your safetyFour basic collapses in order of least to most hazardous:• Lean-to• V-shape• Pancake• Cantilever


V-Shape Collapse


Pancake Collapse


Cantilever Collapse (after support)


Some Search Tips•Preplan the search•Be systematic – follow the same direction all the way around rooms•Have prearranged signal system with exterior team•Always stay in pairs!•Don’t become a victim! Play it safe and get out if you hear creaking, sense movement, or smell gas!


Before Entering Building•Mark the outside of the building a diagonal line with paint or pen •Write the time and date•Write the CERT team name


After Exiting Building

•Write the time and date the search team left structure•Write hazards found and conditions found

•Mark the outside of the building another diagonal line forming an “X”


Building Marking Sample

Search and RescueRescue Operations

Rescue•Starts once victim is located•Size-up•Assess needed resources•Have a good plan and make sure all understand it!•Plan escape routes•Determine medical needs•Keep it simple


Rescue


General Rules•Always form a plan everyone understands•Designate a team leader and a safety officer•Full PPE•Have equipment ready for your assigned task•Always crib up to your object•Be ready to adapt if your plan is not working

Search and RescueSize-Up

Size-Up

1. Gather facts.2. Assess and communicate damage.3. Assess your resources.4. Establish priorities.5. Develop a rescue plan.6. Take action.7. Evaluate your progress.

Search and RescueReview

Search and Rescue Review•Size-up your scene and know your situation.•Be safe!•Greatest good.•Establish a search process.•Rescue victims and treat as needed.•Teamwork and communications.

Search and RescueSize-up

Size-up Scenario

Unit 5: Light Search & Rescue

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