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Chapter 16Rescue Procedures

IntroductionRescue has many meanings.Firefighters must be aware of

existing dangers and minimize the risks.

Consistent training is required to keep up to date.

Chapter only scratches the surface of rescue situations.

Chapter focus is on building search and victim removal.

16.2

Hazards Associatedwith Rescue Operations

Hazards associated with every type of rescue operationTunnel visionRisk/benefit analysis

Establish safe havens.Minimize psychological effects.

Search of Burning StructuresTwo-in/two-out rule Perform rescue profile before

entering.Maintain awareness of position

within a building.Mark doors.

16.4

During an interior search, firefighters should stay in contact with a wall. If visibility is hampered, firefighters can reach into the center of the room using a tool or a “human chain” technique.

Crawling, holding on to one another in a straight line (A) is not very productive when searching. Extending off one another toward the center of an area being searched (B) will allow more area to be covered in a quick manner.

(A)

(B)

Primary SearchSearch for both life and fire.One of the most dangerous

activitiesGo to fire area and search

backward toward entry point.Obscured visibilityPause occasionally.

Secondary SearchConducted when fire is out or

under controlSearch through debris.Search building exterior.Different crews perform

secondary search.Secondary search must be

thorough.

Thermal Imaging Camerasand Search

Thermal imaging cameras (TICs)Infrared energy has three types of

emitters:Passive emittersActive emittersDirect source emitters

Drawbacks and limitations:ExpensiveDo not replace basic search techniquesDo not see through glass or water

Infrared energy is not visible but is part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Visual representation on a TIC screen.

Visualizing convected heat currents on the TIC can help firefighters determine the location and extent of a fire.

Large Area or Rope-AssistedTeam Search

Rope anchored to stationary point outside IDLH

Firefighters lead out the search line

Five to seven firefighters requiredTeam leaderControl/Entry supervisorRemaining firefighters

Large area occupancies generally have not only large open spaces but may also incorporate obstructions (shelf units, machines, displays, etc.) at various and random locations within the open spaces.

Firefighters should work from a search rope bag that can be shouldered while controlling the rope as it is deployed from the bag.

Semicircular main line search pattern.

Rapid Intervention TeamsAverage of 12 firefighters to

remove one downed firefighterFive goals:

Locate firefighter.Assess condition and

environment.Provide emergency air supply.Call for additional teams and

resources.Attempt to remove firefighter.

Victim Removal, Drags,and Carries

Victims removed carefully and expeditiously

Rescue situations prevent rescuer from using all the care a person would like.

All carries and drags place additional stress on rescuer’s musculoskeletal system.

CarriesExtremity carry

Conscious and unconscious patients

Requires two rescuersSeat carry

Conscious patientsRequires two rescuers

DragsBlanket drag

Uses blanket or salvage coverRequires one rescuer

Lift and dragConditions must allow standing upRequires one rescuer

Push and pull drag - firefighter wearing SCBAWorks well for removing unconscious

firefighterRequires two rescuers

Webbing and pre-manufactured slings can be valuable for dragging a victim.

Ladder RemovalsBringing a victim down a ground

ladder requires four to six team members.Headfirst or feet first Facing toward from the rescuer or

facing away from the rescuerCommunication between teams is

important.If rescuer feels loss of control,

leaning into ladder will stop the victim from moving.

Backboard, Stretcher,and Litter Uses

Preferable to use a backboard, stretcher, or litter

Spinal immobilizationPatient placed on stretcher:

Extremity carryUtilizing backboardHaving patient lie directly

Patient must be secured as soon as possible.

Scene Assessment (Size-Up)

Predetermined sequence of steps or actions

Carried out by the officerScene safety considerations:

TrafficNumber and type of vehicles involvedPotential number and extent of injuriesHazardous conditionsDegree of entrapment

Assessment determines need for additional resources

Establishment of Work Areas

All traffic in and around area should be shut down.Resulting congestion can cause

secondary hazards.Fire apparatus can create traffic

barrier.Traffic calming: Warn approaching

traffic about upcoming hazard.Hazards zoning: Create exclusion

zones around identified hazards.

The first-arriving large fire apparatus should be positioned to create a traffic barrier and work zone. Cones and a spotter/flagger can help re-route traffic.

Lessons LearnedMuch greater variety of rescue

situations than covered in this chapter

Rescue situations are low-frequency events.

Risk/benefit analysis must be ongoing.

Firefighter should not be put in hazardous situation to save something already lost.

Stay aware of “big picture” to stay safe and avoid tunnel vision.