nfpa compliant operators training & certification -...

www.DIMERSAR.com 1 USAR / CSSR Certification

DIMERSAR

NFPA COMPLIANT OPERATORS

TRAINING & CERTIFICATION Offered in 2 components: Awareness and then Operator: 5 days

14 to 18 MAY 2012 – TORONTO, CANADA

INSTRUCTORS: DAMIAN CAMERON & GARY FOO

(Medical Components with Doctors Rocco Lombardi & Paramedic Darren DeVos)

URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE | EARTHQUAKES | LANDSLIDES | COLLAPSED STRUCTURES | INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS |

HAITI EARTHQUAKE 2010: Photo by Gary Foo

“How would you Approach? How would you Search? How do you Rescue? ...

Learn how & practise! Get certified using actual rescue kit carried by rescue teams.”


CREDITS There are too many people and organisations to thank here to do this justice but most pertinently we want to

thank the contributions to this training in materials or those who made this programme a success.

This includes support for through reduced pricing, discounts, donations and / or use of kit or equipment.

DIMERSAR would like to thank

RONA Hardware

www.rona.ca

The Reilly Group of Companies

www.paratech.us

www.con-space.com

The Instructors Gary Foo Damian Cameron Dr Rocco Lombardi Darren DeVos Management / Support Nick Migliore Virginia Foo Josh Foo Jason McLoughlin

Executive Directors Deputy Chief (Ret’d) Kim Derry Nick Migliore, BA, MBA, CFS, Carmen Panero Gary Foo Virginia Foo, BA (Hons)

SOURCE / CREDITS This course and this workbook is supported by the textbook: Emergency Response and Search and Rescue, By Gary Foo (2nd Edition) – ISBN: 978-0-9563988-5-7 and important text and pictures provided by Instructor and Technical Rescue Specialist Damian Cameron. Other noteworthy contributing material for this course came from the UN INSARAG standard, the Office Of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, Miami - Dade Fire Rescue Department CSSR training and the Emergency Management Australia skills for emergency services personal general and disaster rescue manual.


DIMERSAR

USAR Operator

Course Notes

16th – 18th May 2012

Instructors

Gary Foo

Damian Cameron

Medical Officer: Dr. Rocco Lombardi

Advanced Level 3 Paramedic Darren DeVos


Index CREDITS ................................................................................................................................................................. 2

DIMERSAR would like to thank ............................................................................................................................. 2

Index ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction to DIMERSAR ................................................................................................................................... 6

INTRODUCTION TO THIS USAR /CSSR COURSE .................................................................................................... 7

Safety .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

PPE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8

LCES....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Operational Phases ............................................................................................................................................. 10

Team Roles and Duties and First Duties ............................................................................................................. 11

Tools, Equipment and Accessories (TEA) ............................................................................................................ 13

Construction Types ............................................................................................................................................. 14

Hazards Recognition ........................................................................................................................................... 15

Types of Collapse ................................................................................................................................................ 15

Types of USAR ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

Surface Rescue .................................................................................................................................................... 16

Initial First Aid / Medical Considerations............................................................................................................ 16

Site Identification Marking System ..................................................................................................................... 17

Audible Communication Signals ......................................................................................................................... 20

Building / Site Assessment Markings .................................................................................................................. 21

Victim Markings .................................................................................................................................................. 22

REPEAT ................................................................................................................................................................ 23

Stage One – Reconnaissance & Survey ............................................................................................................... 23

Stage Two – Elimination of Utilities .................................................................................................................... 23

Stage Three – Primary Surface Search ................................................................................................................ 24

Stage Four – Exploration of Voids ...................................................................................................................... 24

Stage Five – Access by Selected Debris Removal ............................................................................................... 24

Stage Six – Terminate by General Debris Removal............................................................................................. 24

Search & Technical Search .................................................................................................................................. 25

Canine Search ..................................................................................................................................................... 26

DELSAR – Acoustic & Seismic Listening Device ................................................................................................... 27

Search Cameras .................................................................................................................................................. 27

Steps for initial contact with a located victim .................................................................................................... 28

Lifting & Moving ................................................................................................................................................. 29

Levers .................................................................................................................................................................. 30


............................................................................................................................................................................ 30

Friction ................................................................................................................................................................ 31

Rope Working ..................................................................................................................................................... 32

Mechanical Advantage ....................................................................................................................................... 33

Change of Direction / Redirection Effects .......................................................................................................... 34

............................................................................................................................................................................ 34

Vector Force Effect ............................................................................................................................................. 34

Cribbing ............................................................................................................................................................... 35

Shoring ................................................................................................................................................................ 36

Class One T-Spot Shore ....................................................................................................................................... 37

Class Two Shores ................................................................................................................................................ 38

Vertical Shore ..................................................................................................................................................... 38

Horizontal Shore ................................................................................................................................................. 39

Class Three Shores .............................................................................................................................................. 40

Raker Shores ....................................................................................................................................................... 41

Breaking & Breaching ......................................................................................................................................... 42

Clean & Dirty Breach........................................................................................................................................... 42

Dirty Breach ........................................................................................................................................................ 43

Stitch Cut – Clean Breach ................................................................................................................................... 44

Clean Breach – Disc Cut ...................................................................................................................................... 45

Vertical Breach .................................................................................................................................................... 46

Hollow Floor Slab Breaching ............................................................................................................................... 47

Step Cut .............................................................................................................................................................. 48

Chainsaw Techniques ......................................................................................................................................... 49

Chainsaw - Compression and Tension Cuts ........................................................................................................ 50

Chainsaw – Step Cuts .......................................................................................................................................... 51

Chainsaw – Sink Cuts .......................................................................................................................................... 52

Candidate Invitation Letter ................................................................................................................................. 53

Health, Safety & Medical Issues ......................................................................................................................... 56

Liability Release and Medical Declaration Form ................................................................................................ 57


Introduction to DIMERSAR

DIMERSAR is a specialist organisation that provides training and certification in subjects pertaining to

Disaster Management, Emergency Response, Search and Rescue, Medical and Protection subjects. It also

provides some complementary operational services such as stand by rescue, disaster risk reduction, medical

or protection details nationally and internationally.

Training and Certification comes with Certificates and Wallet Cards. There are various levels of training and

certification and the ‘higher’ levels of training come with it a plastic card wallet card or even a photo ID

wallet card.

Different subjects in Technical Rescue may be termed Training courses, workshops, seminars, exercises and

certification – usually to a prescribed standard.

NFPA Compliant training or similar is usually rated

Level 1 for AWARENESS

Level 2 for OPERATOR

Level 3 for TECHNICIAN

Level 4 for ADVANCED TECHNICAL

Level 5 for INSTRUCTOR

In-House DIMERSAR INSTRUCTOR, after an extensive background and set of qualifications and experience

and they will usually also have a title that is STAFF INSTRUCTOR or similar.

Some certification training requires on-going updates and re-certification and will often come with a start

and end date, when a student should recertify. (Plastic cards are awarded on FULL CERTIFICATION courses,

usually of at least 2 or 3 days and Technicians and Instructors will be Photo ID Cards.)

NOTE: It is possible for Certified Candidates to order and purchase their own photo ID Plastic wallet

certification card or upgrade to one.

DIMERSAR CLOTHING / UNIFORM

Anyone can purchase DIMERSAR branded clothing but it is not expected that non-instructors will wear

INSTRUCTOR branded materials and especially not purport to be one during a course by wearing the gear

during training – if not qualified to do so. However, unlike some uniforms, DIMERSAR branded clothing is not

restricted only to DIMERSAR activities and people can purchase them to wear casually or where they like as

normal practise. (There are a few exceptions are specific instructor uniform and gear usually reserved by

Instructor for specific training.)

COURSES AND COURSE CONDUCT

STUDENTS at DIMERSAR courses are unlikely to drink alcoholic beverages during any physical training,

smoke near the group and will treat other students and people in a civil and professional manner.

DIMERSAR STAFF INSTRUCTORS AND INSTRUCTORS are educated to a high level and very professional and

will NOT adopt certain practises such as drinking in uniform, during training, behaving in an unprofessional or

disreputable manner.


INTRODUCTION TO THIS USAR /CSSR COURSE Urban Search and Rescue or USAR (sometimes known as CSSR or Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue) is a

specialist Technical Rescue discipline. The material in this course document comes from several sources

including the list Instructors many years of training and practical experience as well as predominantly sources

from

The United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (UN INSARAG)

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) – Standards for Technical Rescue

The United States – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The United Kingdom Home Office and USAR Standards

The Australian Emergency Management Organisation

The Canadian SAR Secretariat

The Australian Task Force on USAR define it as:

“[USAR is] … a specialised technical rescue capability for the location and rescue of entrapped people

following a structural collapse.”

The Australian Emergency USAR Manual states:

USAR training is based on the collapsed structure rescue training developed in the United Kingdom during the

blitz of World War II, and documented in the Home Office rescue manuals of that time.

In recent years USAR training has advanced to keep pace with technological developments, particularly

relating to reinforced, pre and post-stressed concrete and tilt slab construction. These developments have

necessitated training in, and use of electronic listening devices, fibre optics, mini cameras and reinforced

concrete penetration tools as well as the need for atmospheric monitoring prior to entry, and

decontamination procedures on exit from voids.

USAR is a system that amalgamates the specific requirements of:

a) Confined Space Rescue;

b) Vertical Rescue;

c) Trench Rescue;

d) Building Collapse Rescue;

e) Tunnelling;

f) Shoring;

g) Atmospheric Monitoring;

h) Concrete Breaching;

i) Electronic/Optical Search;

j) Long-Duration Operations; And

k) Field Living Skills.

Ostensibly it (USAR) is known as Collapse Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) and sometimes synonymous

with International Disaster Response – SAR – although that is not always correct because that could be, Flood

response after a storm, monsoon or tsunami and not really anything to do with USAR. On that note on

“Medium” or “Heavy” teams are expected to travel internationally to respond to disasters and not light or

basic teams.


Safety The NUMBER 1 RULE OF RESCUE IS SAFETY!

Constantly monitor each other and the situation. It is fluid and unfamiliar and your experience and training

will tell you to ‘listen’ and ‘watch’ for certain clues. Do not be complacent. Stand by established SOPs –you

may still be in a ‘disaster zone’ so protect yourself and do not take unnecessary risks. That includes not fully

unpacking, always be ready to evacuate, use PPE, NEVER Drink or take excessive medication that may impair

your judgement or ability, etc.

You should have established SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) as to what to do in certain situations. For

example – on international disaster operations, team members do not move around on their own. Always

accompanied / in twos or teams. Assign a Safety Officer – BUT Safety is EVERYONE’s responsibility.

PPE Remember to take and USE your PPE. It is not enough to have it – Keep it with you and USE IT!

• Hardhat (industrial or Rescuer) • Eye protection • Ear protection • Safety steel-toe boots • Safety whistle • Knee pads • Work gloves • Work clothes • Cap or hat • water bottle, min. 1-litre capacity • Waterproof flashlight (mounted or

handheld) with spare batteries

Other Considerations • Overalls or jumpsuit • Harness / body Harness • Sunscreen lotion • Insect repellent • Raincoat or poncho

• Inoculations?


LCES LCES is explained here by Paul Gleeson. It is in

context to FireFighters but as many fire

fighters train in USAR and Rescue Response –

the concepts are transferable.

LCES is built on two basic guidelines:

Before safety is threatened, each firefighter

must be informed how the LCES system will be

used.

The LCES system must be continuously re-

evaluated as fire conditions change.

Train lookouts to observe the wildland fire

environment and to anticipate and recognize

fire behavior changes.

Position lookouts where both the hazard and

the firefighters can be seen. Terrain, cover, and

fire size determine the number of lookouts

needed; every firefighter has the authority and

the responsibility to warn others of threats to

safety.

Set up communications system - radio, voice, or

both – by which the lookout warns firefighters

promptly and clearly of approaching threat. It

is paramount that every firefighter receive the correct message in a timely manner.

Establish at least two escape routes and make them known. (In the 1976 Battlement Creek Fire, three

firefighters lost their lives after their only escape route was cut off by the advancing fire.) Re-establish escape

routes as their effectiveness decreases. (As firefighters work along the perimeter, fatigue and distance

increase the time required to reach a safety zone.)

Establish safety zones - locations where the threatened firefighter may find adequate refuge from the danger.

(Fireline intensity, air flow, and topographic location determine safety zone effectiveness. Shelter deployment

sites have sometimes been termed, improperly and unfortunately, "safety zones". Safety zones should be

planned as locations where no shelter will be needed. This does not imply that a shelter should not be

deployed if needed, only that if there is a deployment, the safety zone location was not truly a safety zone.)

The LCES system approach to fireline safety is an outgrowth of my analysis of fatalities and near misses for

over 20 years of active fireline suppression duties. LCES simply focuses on the essential elements of the

standard FIRE ORDERS. Its use should be automatic in fireline operations, and all firefighters should know the

LCES interconnection.

Paul Gleason

Scene Management


Operational Phases

SET PRIORITIES AND TASKS and Important Items

Gather Intelligence and Information

Know the Mission

Decide on resources available

Established Leadership and Incident Command

Brief and assign roles and property etc

Communication and Admin.

Transport and Routes


Team Roles and Duties and First Duties

Preamble: You may hear of the term “Task Force” used or “Rescue Squads” or “SAR Team” etc. to describe localise UNITS of USAR

members on deployment. We do not say you should use one term or another but for Generic Purposes we shall use the

term “Rescue Squad.” Here are some generally important and agreed practises.

If you are there soon enough, you will find that you are working alongside the victims and witnesses.

However, in general, you should have access to specialised SAR equipment, tools, accessories and training as

well as other resources. Also, if you have local people present, gather intelligence and information. You can

gain a lot of advantages by asking the right questions of the right people.

Team Roles In general Rescue Organisations group themselves into Rescuers on USAR deployments and work together

with given tasks and roles and duties.

The RESCUE SQUAD is about 4 to 6 members in size. A span of control of no more than 5 is recommended in

such situations. In less urgent more day to day operations – then 7 it 8 is possible.

It comprises of RESCUERS with a TEAM LEADER in charge.

Including those two mentioned, teams assignments and dedicated functions will include, but not be limited

to:

TEAM LEADER

RESUER

SAFETY OFFICER

MEDIC (Often Doctor or Paramedic)

LOGISTICS

Squad Leader The duties of the Squad Team Leader primary focus around three things:

Safety and Welfare

Mission Achievement

Ensuring standards kept / maintained

In detail, the Rescue Squad Leader would know where they are going and the plan of what they are doing

and communicate that to the team before they deploy via a briefing. They would:

1. Communicate with the Command Post (CP) or Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

2. Receive work instructions.

3. Assign tasks to the rescuers.

4. Decide which tools should be used to perform specific tasks.

5. Monitor work rotations.

6. Update the CP on progress and completed tasks.

7. Safety officer for the squad.

8. Maintain a log of all events, actions, and expenditures.

9. Bring the team back safely and monitor ‘higher level’ activity from a leadership vantage.


Rescuer The duties of the Technical Rescue Specialists, AKA Rescuer, is to fulfil the objective of the mission or

deployment and work together as a team under the leadership or management of the Team Leader.

In detail, the Rescuers would understand the mission objectives and maintain the team SOPs and standards

to achieve them observing the Number One rule of Rescue (!)

1. Know the mission or objective and understand it

2. Be prepared and diligent for the mission

3. Keep yourself and your team mate/s well

4. Carry out work instructions from the Squad Leader.

5. Use the tools, equipment and accessories correctly and safely.

6. Take local notes at the group level and update the Squad Leader on task progress.

7. Complete necessary tasks to advance the mission or objective.

8. Perform rescues and casualty / victim management and transport as needed

9. Request from the Squad Leader the resources necessary to complete the task.

10. Conclude each ‘phase’ in a professional and effective manner.

Other Roles and duties are often rotated (or shared) such as Safety Officer or Logistics Officer.

Familiarity with an INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM is also recommended. Different countries adopt different

models but they all have a Leader known as an Incident Commander (IC)


Tools, Equipment and Accessories (TEA) Sometimes the terms for “kit” used by SAR teams on USAR missions is lookely terms “equipment or tools but

often there is a differemce. The following explanation comes from The Office Of U.S. Foreign Disaster

Assistance, Miami - Dade Fire Rescue Department CSSR training programmes. They explain that for the

safety, efficiency, effectiveness and fulfilment of the CSSR Team mission, it is fundamental that it be

supported by a number of components that we will designate as tools, equipment and accessories, which,

among other things, will ensure the rescuer’s protection, his best task performance, a better output, and a

more productive effort/achievement ratio. The distinctions between tools, equipment and accessories must

be quite clear for the rescuer, and in that sense we will now describe each one of them.

EQUIPMENT:

A piece of equipment is a machine or device that performs a physical task,

whose operation depends on an outside power source in order to increase

work capacity.

TOOLS:

A device that is used to perform or facilitate manual or

mechanical work, and uses only the strength of the operator.

ACCESSORY:

An object that supplements or completes a tool or piece of equipment, and which

increases or expands the operator's ability to perform a task.

In summary, we can say that tools, equipment and accessories, within the context of CSSR, include all devices

used by a rescue team in the various stages of a collapsed structure search and rescue operation. These

devices are the operational foundation for all CSSR teams.

Though many ETA are sophisticated or complex, not all of them are. They are in large part familiar to most of

us as tools and equipment for the house and automobile. However, due to their versatility they are

frequently used in rescue operations and are accepted by CSSR as standard equipment. Because there are so

many types of tools, equipment and accessories that are used in CSSR operations we use the following tool-

rule:

“A place for every tool and every tool in its place.”

This slogan reflects the importance of being organised for a CSSR team to function effectively. Having every

tool in its proper place will avoid wasting time searching for it when it is needed. It also simplifies the process

of maintaining all tools and equipment. Maintaining a strict inventory of all ETA is also critical, and having

them well organised also helps to do this. It is necessary to develop a database for all ETA containing their

features/characteristics, components, serial numbers and replacement parts. This will enable the team to

monitor exactly which items are being used, who is using them, and where they are, during every rescue

mission.


Construction Types

Construction Materials Buildings come in all forms of size, shape and make up. Materials used to fabricate these buildings also vary.

Different parts of the world, even parts of the country, may have a tendancy to favour one type over

another. Natural materials processed by man and used in the construction of buildings, which consist of

structural and non-structural elements.

Classification by Composition

a) Stone: Marble, granite.

b) Organic materials: Wood, plywood, paper, particleboard

c) Metal: iron, steel, aluminium.

d) Conglomerates: concrete, plaster, adobe, clay

e) Ceramics: tiles

f) Glass: windows, glass block

g) Plastics: polyurethane, polyethylene, thermosetting adhesive

Classification by Use in the Structure

a) Structural/load-bearing elements

b) Decorative elements and façades or veneers

c) Non-structural walls and partitions

d) Covering elements (roofing)

More Common Construction Materials are listed and expanded below:

Concrete Characteristics A construction material consisting of a mix of cement, rock, sand and/or other inert materials, water and a

small amount of air.

• Resistant to fire and compression

• Weak under tension and shear

• Continues to harden with time

• Very heavy: one cubic meter (m3) weighs almost 3,000 kg

Steel Characteristics • Can be bent without breaking (malleable)

• Resistant to fire and compression

• Easily conducts heat, sound and electricity

Wood Characteristics • Easy to cut

• Light

• Not fire-resistant

• Good insulator (will not transmit electricity)

• Provides warning — creaks before breaking


Hazards Recognition There are several types of possible hazards in a disaster zone which requires your rescue skills. These include

but are not limited to further risk from the original incident – such as aftershocks / more earthquakes or

medical and healthcare issues that created safety or welfare hazards etc.

In the context of USAR we often recognise 3 main types of Hazards. That means in damaged, partially and

fully collapsed structures, we can identify three types of hazards:

• Falling: Part of the structure or its contents are in danger of falling.

• Collapse: The volume of enclosed space made by the structure will be reduced as stability is lost.

• Other types: Electricity, water, fuels, toxic gases (carbon monoxide), hazardous materials (asbestos),

biohazards (blood), etc.

Types of Collapse There are 5 to 10 main types of collapse,

or combinations thereof, that are often

listed in a USAR incident.

This will be covered in class from

existing materials and literature such as

Gary Foo’s book on Emergency

Response & Search and Rescue.

Types of USAR There are 5 commonly exchanged terms in Urban Search and Rescue although they may mean different

things to different groups. One well known proponent of most these terms is the United Nations –

International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (UN – INSARAG).

As different groups and countries often use these terms with slight variances we shall focus on the UN

INSARAH as our common standard but this will be explored in class during the programme.

BSAR: Basic Search and Rescue

LUSAR: Light Urban Search and Rescue

MUSAR: Medium Urban Search and Rescue

HUSAR: Heavy Urban Search and Rescue

International USAR: USAR for International Deployments / International Assistance to other countries


Surface Rescue As part of your initial “Hasty Search” (Primary Surface Search you may find victims and casualties needing

your immediate assistance. They may even be calling out to you.)

This type of search is conducted to quickly detect the presence of survivors on the surface or easily accessible

void spaces. Hasty search accomplishes the following:

• Rapid detection of victims

• Scene assessment (information gathered as a result aids in size-up of the rescue problem)

• Sets priorities & Secondary Collapse

Try not to disturb the area around them too much and be aware for the likelihood of certain Medical

conditions such as fracture or C-Spine Immobilisation.

Initial First Aid / Medical Considerations It is often said that in the first place, the Medical needs after Triage may be any or all of the following

condition. Remember to follow local protocols and watch for the 3 killers:

1. Airway

2. Bleeding

3. Shock

After that, your training and treatment should be to care for the casualty as you find them and remember to

be aware of:

Spinal immobilization.

Administration of oxygen.

Use proper packaging techniques.

Be conscious of the possibility of crush injury syndrome.

Treat Massive Haemorrhage / internal / external

Treat Orthopaedic Injuries / Breaks and Dislocations

Transportation / Ambulance to next stage care – including being given food and water

More advanced Medical Interventions will include the use of cannulation and IV therapy, I/O (Intraosseous

routes) Airway intubation, medicine and drug therapy as well as various surgical options.

Products used will also be considered such as quikclot / blood clotting bandages and compounds, Israeli

dressing, Tourniquets, CAT Tourniquets, and so on.

At the most simple level the concept is to remove the victim of the disaster from the area and recover them

to a place of safety for further treatment and monitoring. There needs to be a smooth transition through the

stages of care – for example whenbeing able to feed and water them after rescue. That’s often a big

consideration in a disaster zone and something we have seen in our Emergency Response / SAR missions.

Sometimes Team Members also need treatment or care for everything from dehydration to infections or

even injury. The need for medical capability on a mission cannot be over stressed and is a fundamental pillar

of the capability of the deploying rescue team.


Site Identification Marking System Upon arrival at a structure collapse scene, act quickly to identify each structure involved and secure the

incident scene.

This involves

• assigning geographical areas and numbers of each structure

• numbering the sides of each structure

• identifying and marking individual sections within each structure, and

• designating hot, warm and cold zones for incident operations.

Once this is achieved, use the site identification marking system to mark, record and communicate this

information to all personnel. The site identification marking system is particularly useful to the incident

controller. It is an operational briefing tool as well as a tool to ensure that all structures involved in the

collapse are systematically assessed, hazards are controlled and surface search and rescue operations are

conducted safety and effectively.


Audible Communication Signals These include the use of whistles and air horns.


Building / Site Assessment Markings

The following markings are INSARAG building or site assessment markings and must be placed at the

entrance to the site. These provide a record of the risk assessment and information relative to the search &

rescue operations.

Completed Version


Victim Markings

Exer

cise:

VV

VVL-# of Live Victims

D- # of Dead Victims

L-1

D-2D-3

L-2

VExtricated Dead VictimExtricated Live Victim

Potential Victim Location Confirmed Victim Location Dead Victim(s) only

Location

Victim Marking System


REPEAT The acronym REPEAT is used to provide a systematic process of assessing, planning and responding to a

USAR incident. It is also known as the 6 stages of Rescue in a USAR Operation. These are:

Reconnaissance and survey

Elimination of utilities

Primary surface search and rescue

Exploration of voids and spaces

Access by selected debris removal

Terminate by general debris removal

Stage One – Reconnaissance & Survey

Structural Assessment

What is extent of collapse?

How many floors?

How large is structure?

What occupancy type?

What construction type?

What collapse type?

Assess the site

Make sketch plan + notes

Safety aspects

Talk to witnesses

Consider structure - materials, substrate, debris pattern

Surface or structure search

Check accessible voids

Stimulate response from a casualty

Hasty search

Listen to major structural parts

Go for most probable locations

Stage Two – Elimination of Utilities

All utilities must be evaluated and controlled for safety.

Control measures:

Remove risk - isolation of services – water, gas, and electricity

Separate personnel from hazard areas - use of cordons and barriers


Stage Three – Primary Surface Search

The idea of Stage 3 is to clear the site of visible casualties, develop the larger picture and prepare for a

planned and prolonged search & rescue.

Line & Hail Search utilising technical search equipment.

Stage Four – Exploration of Voids

Identification of Voids – visual search & marking - document areas for further search

Search for casualties in known voids – use of visual, audio and thermal search equipment

Breaching into voids – care taken to prevent collapse on to casualties

Stage Five – Access by Selected Debris Removal

The aim of Stage 5 is to rescue persons whilst exposing rescuers only to carefully calculated risk.

Selected debris removal – concentrate on areas where person are known to be (with information from

Stages one to three)

Explore voids more fully - Sub-surface search:

Risk assess

Test for gas and unstable debris

Use search cameras and listening equipment

Maintain egress in case of secondary collapse

Use of rope access equipment if required

Stage Six – Terminate by General Debris Removal

The aim of Stage 6 is to systematically remove debris to gain access to the remaining casualties

Limit personnel in risk area– safety is paramount

Heavy lift equipment required- vertical lift only – NO SMUDGING!!

Re-assess stability regularly

Use of substantial shoring to maintain stability is justified


Search & Technical Search

Physical Search Patterns Occasionally you will encounter structures that have not totally collapsed and contain large, open areas or a

building with many intact rooms, in which live victims, unable to remove themselves or communicate, will be

found. An organized approach will yield the best opportunity to locate a victim, and to declare the area

searched.

Multiple Rooms The basic instruction for searching multiple rooms is “go right, stay

right.”

1. After entering the structure, turn to the right, stay in contact with

the right wall, either visually or physically, until the entire accessible

area has been searched and the team returns to the starting point.

2. If the search team needs to exit and cannot remember the

direction they entered, simply turn around and stay in contact with

the same wall, either physically or visually, keeping it on your left.

Large Open Areas (Line Search) Use the line search method in auditoriums, cafeterias, and offices with multiple partitions.

1. Spread search team members in a straight line across the open

area, 3 to 4 metres apart.

2. Slowly walk through the entire open area to the other side.

3. Team members on the ends of the line search perimeter rooms

using the go right-stay right method.

4. The procedure may be repeated in the opposite direction.

Perimeter Search This search pattern can be used when it is not possible or unsafe to search a rubble pile from on top.

1. Four search team members take positions equally spaced around the search area.

2. After using an appropriate search method, all searchers rotate 90 degrees

clockwise.

This process can be repeated until all searches complete four rotations

(returning to their original positions).


Hasty Search A quick ‘first strike’ search to find casualties, trapped persons or suitable areas to begin

work. A hasty search is usually carried out whilst crews are preparing a thorough co-ordinated search and

mapping of the incident.

Line & Hail A systematic search and mapping of an area to identify the location of trapped persons or

areas that may have survivable voids.

An all quiet on scene must be called and observed. Rescuers form a line and move slowly over an area

stopping frequently. Whilst stopped the first person in the line shouts out into the collapsed building / rubble

in an attempt to stimulate a response. All persons listen for 30 seconds to a minute. If any person in the line

hears a response they indicate by raising their arm.

The next person in the line repeats the process and so on down the line before moving on.

Search cameras and listening equipment should be used during a line and hail to identify any sounds or sights

that are undetectable by the human eye or ears.

Once this is complete the area will have been mapped and areas of work identified. This will assist with

calculating the resources required to effectively search and manage the incident.

Improvised Search Equipment Acoustic detection (use to amplify sound through a crack or opening in a building)

• Stethoscope

• Recorder with microphone mounted on a pole

Visual detection

• Telescopic mirror with illumination

• Common video camera

Sound transmission

• Loudspeaker mounted on an extension, with microphone

• Portable radios

Other

In Haiti, we found a lot of groups informing us that they were getting phone calls and SMS .

Text messages from people under rubble piles or in voids of collapsed structures.

Canine Search Dogs use the acute sense of smell. Certified canine teams with highly specialized dogs provide the best way

to locate trapped victims in a large area in the shortest amount of time. They are able to access areas too

small or too unstable for humans to enter. Canines can be used for hasty and extensive operations. A

thorough site search with two well-qualified search dogs has a high probability of conclusive results. The

disaster trained search canine is trained to detect those victims that are still alive. Unless trained to do so,

rescuers should not attempt to handle the dogs, but coordinate the activities of those who are trained as

handlers.


DELSAR – Acoustic & Seismic Listening Device

Test before use

Two persons listening if possible

Calibrate and listen to background noise

Call for ‘all quiet’

Map area and record placement of

sensors

Detection phase first then location phase

once a sound is identified

Record on map the sound heard utilising

‘tick’ system

Using triangulation identify area to be

excavated

Search Cameras • Search must be systematic

• 360 degree search

• Always work in the same direction

• Can only view a portion of void at any one time

• Orientation must be maintained during visual search

• “Landmark” should be selected in void space

• If no landmark can be found, use light stick

• If orientation is lost refer to nearest landmark to clarify position in the void

• Interior volume of building reduced in collapse

• Familiar features become unfamiliar

• Use eyes, search cameras and thermal imagers


Steps for initial contact with a located victim

1. Identify and overcome language barriers.

2. Identify yourself as a rescuer, projecting confidence and calm in your voice and choice of words.

3. Obtain the following information:

− Name

− Adult or child (approximate age)

− Type of injury and extent

− Hydration status

− Warmth

− Degree of confinement

4. Provide emergency medical treatment as quickly as possible.

5. Ask about other potential victims and their condition.

6. Inform the victim of rescue operations.

7. Inform the victim if you have to leave for short periods.

8. Provide protection from the environment as much as possible.

9. Consider direct or indirect intervention of a relative or friend, etc.


Lifting & Moving

Simple lifting and moving techniques will be taught during this course. These techniques enable us to move

objects and access by selected debris removal, the 5th stage of REPEAT.

Before we lift or move any object we must calculate its weight. This will determine what technique and what

equipment is appropriate.

Generic Calculations for building materials

• Reinforced Concrete = 2400kgs m3

• Timber = 500-800kgs m3

• Brick = 2100kgs m3

• Steel = 7700kgs m3

• Rubble – treat as Concrete / Brick

To calculate the weight of an object or floor - calculate the volume

Then multiply by the generic figure for the relative material e.g. 2.4 for concrete:

L x B x D x 2.4 = tonnes

A 150mm thick reinforced concrete floor measuring 6m x 6m has a weight of:

6 x 6 x 0.15 x 2.4 = 12.96 tonnes

Additional Imposed Loads can include weight of debris pile, rescuers and rescue equipment.


Levers

A Lever or pry-bar is a simple machine that provides mechanical advantage.

Levers can be used to lift a load vertically and move a load horizontally. It all depends upon where the load

fulcrum and force are applied

Class One Class Two Class Three

Class One lever lifts a load vertically

Class Two lever moves a load horizontally

Class Three lever sacrifices mechanical advantage for distance e.g. a shovel or fishing rod.

Levers being used to lift a floor slab vertically


Friction

Friction can be controlled. It can be reduced in order to move an object with less effort or can be used as a

natural brake when moving a load.

Friction can be overcome by:

Applying a lubricant or liquid

Use of rollers

Reduce the surface contact of the object

This picture shows a large floor slab being moved using rollers, levers and a timber rail system


Rope Working

Ropes and pulleys are a simple way of creating mechanical advantage. During the course we will build simple

and compound pulley systems.

Simple system – Pulleys are added within the system to create mechanical advantage.

Compound system – Where a simple system is attached to the hauling line of another simple system creating

a multiplication of mechanical advantage.

Useful knots:

Figure Eight on the Bight – Provides a means of connecting to a rope

Re-tied Figure of Eight – Connects a line to an anchor / object

Alpine Butterfly – Used to form a fixed loop in the middle of a rope

Italian Hitch (aka Munter Hitch) – A friction knot used to control the speed that rope is payed out

Clove Hitch – An adjustable knot used to secure a rope to an object

Bowline - Used to form a fixed loop in the end of a rope


Mechanical Advantage

Only pulleys attached to the load provide

mechanical advantage.

Pulleys attached to the anchor act purely as a

re-direction.

An odd numbered mechanical advantage

system has the terminal end of the rope tied

to the load.

An even numbered system has the terminal

end of the line tied off on the anchor as

shown in the diagram opposite.

As mechanical advantage is increased the

anchor takes progressively more parts of the

load.

The brake should be attached to the length of

the rope nearest the load.

As mechanical advantage is increased the

amount of rope required to move the load

increases relative to the advantage created.

For example with a 2:1 system we need to haul 2metres of rope to move the load 1 metre

For a 3:1 system we need to haul 3 metres of rope to move the load 1 metre

Systems to be built during the course are 2:1 3:1 4:1 5:1 simple systems and a 9:1 compound (piggy back)

system

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Change of Direction / Redirection Effects

When introducing a redirection into a rope system the load upon the redirection increases by the following

factors:

Vector Force Effect The diagram below displays the vector forces applied to anchors at various angles:


Cribbing

Cribbing is a simple and quick method of supporting an object. Timber should be laid cross grain ensuring

there is an overhang equal to the diameter of the timber on each piece laid.

Through tests in the UK using structurally graded white spruce timber the working load limit of each contact

point is 1250kg.

The diagram opposite shows a 4 point crib stack.

The contact points are highlighted by the red

arrows. In this configuration the whole crib stack

can support 5000kg (4 x 1250kg).

This diagram illustrates a 9 point crib stack. As

there is 9 contact points this configuration can

support 11250kg.

Wedges can be introduced to help support an

object that is angled. The maximum angle a crib

stack should be built to is 30 degrees.

If the ground is soft a solid base of timber should

be laid to spread the load and prevent the crib

stack from sinking.

It is not always possible to build a crib stack due to restricted space or working area. In this case timber can

be cut to size and stacked cross grain creating a solid stack of timber.


Shoring

Shoring in a USAR environment is the temporary support of only that part of the damaged structure that is

required for search and rescue operations providing a reduced risk to rescuers and casualties

Shoring works on the ‘double funnel’ principle


Class One T-Spot Shore

The first shore put in place is called a T-Spot shore. This is a

Class One shore as it is only one dimensional and is inherently

unstable.

This is a ‘Temporary’ shore that gives us some protection to

clear the area and make room for a more substantial shore.

Shoring can be metal adjustable struts such as Paratech or

Acrow Props or they can be constructed from timber as shown

in the picture below.


Class Two Shores

Vertical Shore

A Class two shore it two dimensional and has cross bracing to give it lateral stability. A minimum of a class

two shore should be in place where prolonged activity is taking place.

This picture shows two - class two shores built from Paratech shoring. They have cross bracing which makes

them two dimensional.

They are both vertical and have two struts / posts so we call them a ‘two post vertical shore’


Horizontal Shore

The same principle is adopted for a Horizontal shore. The picture below is another class two shore as it has

cross bracing, however this shore has 3 struts / posts so we would call this a ‘ Three post horizontal shore’.


Class Three Shores

A class three shore is a three dimensional shore created by

‘lacing’ (joining) one shore to another.

The pictures below show vertical shores that have been laced

together and cross-braced across all aspects creating the most

stable shore we can construct.

As with all the other shores, they can be built from timber of

metal shoring.


Raker Shores

Vertical walls can be supported by the construction of a ‘Raker Shore’. These shores are built to support the

intersection of the floor joist with the wall.


Breaking & Breaching

Before any breach is made a thorough assessment of the structure should be made. A hole should be drilled

or cored and the atmosphere should be tested. The area immediately behind the section to be breached

should be checked for casualties and other hazards.

Any breach should avoid the strengths of structural parts e.g. pillars and beams if possible and attack the

weaknesses such as cracks in walls etc.

The shape height and size of any breach should be considered.

Triangular cut:

Used in vertical walls

Spreads load / load bearing

Only 3 cuts not 4

Quicker than a square

Doesn’t need shoring

Must be wide enough for a stretcher

Square cut:

Used when cutting through floors

Not load bearing

If cut in walls – needs shoring/support

Easier to get equipment through

Clean & Dirty Breach

The position of the casualty as well as the construction of the building determines what technique is used.

A Clean breach is where a minimal amount of debris penetrates into the void we are breaking into. The vast

majority of debris is brought outwards ensuring the casualty is not injured by building materials falling

though.

A Dirty breach is where the debris created from breaching falls through the breach into the void. This

technique will be used when the area behind the breach is clear of casualties and there is no risk of causing

further injury or any detrimental impact on the structure.


Dirty Breach

This picture shows a team using a large

breaker to breach through a collapse floor.

A dirty breach is often the quickest way to

breach a wall or floor but is the most

aggressive technique.

The structure needs to be assessed to

ensure it is suitable for this technique.

Once a concrete wall has been breached by

a dirty breach, there will be a framework of

re-bar to cut away. This can be done by

recip saw, bolt croppers, disc cutter or bar

cutter.


Stitch Cut – Clean Breach

A Stitch Cut is a simple technique which can be done using a Combi-Hammer Drill/Breaker.

Relief cuts are made by drilling holes through the concrete. The chipping/breaker chisels are then used to

attack the relief cuts leaving a central piece of concrete held by the re-bar.

The rebar can then be cut using a reciprocating saw and the main concrete section removed.


Clean Breach – Disc Cut

Another option if a clean breach is required is the use of a disc cutter or other concrete cutting tool. This

ensures that no debris penetrates into the void.

However a drill or core hole should be made and a camera used to monitor the casualties location and the

depth of disc/blade penetration into the void.

It is possible for an unconscious casualty to gain consciousness and move into the area where cutting is

taking place. It cannot be presumed that the situation will remain the same as your first visual appraisal.

It is also good practice to cut an inwards bevel one side of the breach to prevent the block from falling

through into the void.

NB: The bottom cut must not be made last as the block will trap the cutting tool.


Vertical Breach

Any upwards vertical breach will be a ‘Clean Breach’ as all the debris will fall down regardless of the tool

used.


Hollow Floor Slab Breaching

Hollow floor slabs are laid side by side to create a lightweight floor in modern building construction. Often

they are laid resting on a steel skeletal frame work, if a slab is damaged and broken in the middle there is a

chance they will fold and collapse.

If a breach is required through a hollow floor slab care must be taken. A Breaker/Chipping hammer or any

other impact tool must not be used.

If a breaker is used the floor slab will break into pieces beneath the operator causing the slab and the

operator to fall to the floor below.

The recognised technique to cut through a hollow floor slab is to use a disc cutting tool and to cut a square

where two floor slabs overlap.

This technique keeps as much strength as possible in both of the floor slabs.


Step Cut

A step cut is used where the depth of the floor is greater than the cutting depth of our cutting tools. This

means we have carry out a two stage cut to reduce the depth of the floor to enable our tools to breach

through.

The depth of the floor is found by drilling a hole.

The floor is marked into a grid of ‘cut lines’

A disc cutter then cuts along those lines in both directions leaving a central square

Once the lines are cut the small squares are chiselled out using a breaker reducing the depth of the

floor slab leaving the central square proud

An eye bolt is then fixed into the central square and the square is secured to a suitable anchor (a

length of timber through a nylon tape sling attached to the eyebolt is a simple solution)

A disc cutter is then used to cut through the area that has been reduced in depth

A bevel cut is made on two opposing sides

Once all 4 sides are cut the central square is lifted clear


Chainsaw Techniques

Many buildings are constructed utilising timber. A chainsaw is a vital tool that assists with breaching through

a timber construction.

Making entry through timber sheet wall, floor or roof

This diagram shows the technique used when cutting through sheet timber.

A core hole is made to assess the situation.

Cuts are made leaving tabs on either side.

The cut section is then twisted causing the tabs to break and the section is lifted away.


Chainsaw - Compression and Tension Cuts

Before any timber is cut an assessment should be made

to identify the compression and tension forces.

The compression cut MUST be the first cut with the

tension cut being the last. This prevents the saw from

getting trapped.

The next two diagrams show the cuts made for a ‘cross-

cut’ but the forces are different in both circumstances. REMEMBER the compression cut is the first cut.

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Chainsaw – Step Cuts


Chainsaw – Sink Cuts


Candidate Invitation Letter Dear Candidate: Thank you for applying to attend the Urban Search and Rescue / Collapsed Structure Search

and Rescue Certification course next week (Monday 14th to Friday 18th May 2012). Please note

PRE-REGISTRATION By now, all interested parties should have registered online at:

https://www.elbowspace.com/forms/20120229201747822435.htm

PRE-COURSE You may also be required to complete certain forms such as medical waivers or Course Critiques

VENUE The Venue of the course is at the Rear of the REILLY’s / EXECUTEK building at 1120 Caledonia Road, Unit 11,

Toronto, Ontario, M6A 2W5, Canada. Most of the course will br offered here or within a mile or so.

TIMINGS Every day will start at 9:00am. Lunch will be about 12:30 for 30 to 60 minutes. The days will conclude around

5:00pm. There may be a night / dark exercise and later training on Wednesday and/or Thursday.

HEALTH / MEDICAL ISSUES If you have any medical or health issues or become unwell during the training you are asked to inform the

organisers / Instructors forthwith. DIIMERSAR needs to protect your welfare and avoid unnecessary liability.

A Fuller list of conditions is at the end for your review.

FOOD Food is not provided during the course and you are expected to ensure that you are adequately hydrated and

fed to ensure healthy participation and energy levels. There are coffee shops and food shops in the area and

equally you may take lunch “on-site.”

DRINKS Some water and hot drinks (Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, etc.) will be available with the first one free and the

subsequent portions / cups / bottles at $2 per person (hot drinks) of $1 (cold) on an honour system.

Consumption of any Alcoholic Beverages are NOT permitted during the course and anyone who drinks will

not be allowed to participate in the practical / training portion of the course.

INSURANCE DIMERSAR, and the RED Recon group of companies are fully insured for global training and operations for the

public and it’s staff. However if you are concerned about your own personal cover, liabilities, theft, loss due

to injury, death etc., we advise you look into your personal level of cover accordingly.

WEATHER This course will continue regardless of Weather. In the unlikely event of extreme and disasterous weather

conditions DIMERSAR will explore the options on a case by case basis. In the case of the The first two days –

these are held in class in a room / building so weather is not likely to affect training. The last three days in

outside and undercover / inside so all candidates are required to bring clothing appropriate to the weather

for the day. (See Clothing.)

CLOTHING / ORGANISATION UNIFORM LEVEL – 1 The first two days (Monday and Tuesday) are in-class and require no PPE.

They also do not require any uniform. You may wear whatever you are comfortable with.

https://www.elbowspace.com/forms/20120229201747822435.htm


If you like to wear DIMERSAR clothing or ERT Search and Rescue Clothing or other shirts, uniforms, or civilian

attire – the decision is yours.

LEVEL – 2 The following three days (Wednesday to Friday) include physical and practical exercises involving

certain potential hazards. You are required to possess PPE and have certain clothing available.

You are welcome to wear the uniform of your team, if you belong to one or wish, or your employer, or

DIMERSAR etc. as long at it is appropriate and we ask you follow the ‘Outermost’ rule that your final layer

shows something of your team – if / when we are outside and in public.

Coats, boots, gloves, Helmets and other PPE should be appropriate and will be addressed below.

PPE DRESS: One piece USAR style overalls are preferred or

Two Piece (trousers and shirt) with the ability to go “long sleeved”.

Other PPE is required including:

Helmet (builder’s helmet is fine. Chin straps.)

Goggles / Eye protection

Dust mask (N95 min.)

Ear plugs / ear defenders

riggers gloves

knee pads

Boots with proper sole and toe protection (Boots do not need polishing!)

EQUIPMENT / KIT You will be provided with all tools, construction / destruction hardware, technical search kit etc.

COURSE MATERIALS / HANDOUTS You will also be provided with pens and paper / hand-outs you can write on.

You will also receive for FREE (a $49 value) the latest edition Number 2, of Gary Foo’s book on Emergency

Response and Search and Rescue.

USB / SOFTCOPY Please bring a USB stick and we shall give you other useful USAR related papers and documents. We are not

selling them and ask you contact all respective authors before using them in a way that may breach their

copyright or original ownership of the material.

PAYMENT Please ensure you have made arrangements to pay before so as to reduce administration at the course.

However, we appreciate many have given their credit cards online to reserve their position and we ask you

bring the original credit card or debit / interact etc. to the course so we can process the payment manually

(as we have to pay more commission when we do not have the card in front of us!) Any cheques should be

made payable to DIMERSAR (Corp) and cash put in an envelope, if possible.

Receipts can / will be sent or given personally.


ATTENDANCE Your complete attendance and active participation is required to successfully complete this course. If an

and urgent situation requires your attendance, such as a family emergency, we shall address retaking the

course, credits for other courses or attempts to ‘fill in the blanks’ on a case by case basis.

TESTING / EVALUATION The Awareness (Level 1) requires attendance and the completion of a written test. Pass mark is 75%

The Operations (Level 2) requires attendance and the completion of a written test. Pass mark is 75%

It also requires the completion of practical and physical tests and the participation in a team exercise.

There will be NO FITNESS TEST but it is assumed that you are fit enough to complete all physical exercises

and do not have any medical conditions that may prevent your completion of the course.

CERTIFICATES Upon successful completion you will receive your Certificates within 14 days of the course.

In some cases you will receive them on the day of completion.

PAYMENT & ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATION Before Certificates are awarded, it is known by many that DIMERSAR’s standing policy is that Payment in full,

is expected or at least 50% deposit paid to ensure certain costs and expenses are covered.

In the case of the USAR Course – Certification is NOT going to be withheld due to payment but we ask all

accounts are settled promptly.

CERTIFICATION WALLET CARDS DIMERSAR offers the convenience of a Proof of Training or Certification via a smaller Certification Card

The Level 2 and higher, TECHNICAL RESCUE Certification courses also comes with it a PLASTIC PHOTO ID

Wallet Certification Card. Photos and personal information will need to be collected for this to happen.

SCHEDULE / BREAKS A schedule will be given on Monday but plan for some flexibility as portions sometimes require more practise

and also due to the experience and acumen of the group, some portions allocated more time, are covered

quickly. Please plan to be on-time (by 8:30am) and we shall finish approx. 5pm everyday except Wednesday

and Thursday.

COURSES AND COURSE CONDUCT STUDENTS at DIMERSAR courses are unlikely to drink alcoholic beverages during any physical training,

smoke near the group and will treat other students and people in a civil and professional manner.

DIMERSAR STAFF INSTRUCTORS AND INSTRUCTORS are educated to a high level and very professional and

will NOT adopt certain practises such as drinking in uniform, during training, behaving in an unprofessional or

disreputable manner.

NOTES: We may have the occasional guests during the week – probably at the beginning. They are not being tested

nor certified but may be in attendance.

STORE / SALES


DIMERSAR will have a small display area of items available for sale during some days of the course. These

may be of interest for DIMERSAR, ERT SAR or general Emergency Services. Please pay for the item before you

take it and please do not hold it without paying as invariably people with the best intentions often forget.

QUESTIONS If you have any questions, issues, thoughts, ideas – please bring them up. You can address these at the time

or if appropriate in email or letter. Any suggestions to improve future courses will be gratefully received!

Health, Safety & Medical Issues You are expected to be fit enough to perform active tasks pertaining to the expected requirements of the

course including the carriage and use of tools, and machinery. HOWEVER, you should not over extend

yourself nor perform solitary tasks that would be better plans with aid or assistance.

The usual rules of manual handling and kinetic lifting apply such as bending your knees and lifting with the

legs or keeping the item close to the body and not over reaching when lifting or moving.

Also best practise for safety including the use of safeties, shutting off power tools when not use of

appropriate, the use of guards and protective covers and other

MEDICAL CONDITIONS should be declared such as:

No history of fits, blackouts or fainting attacks.

History of heart disease or heart disorders.

High blood pressure.

Severe asthma, bronchitis or shortness of breath on exertion.

Deafness.

Any illness causing dizziness or loss of balance

Claustrophobia or other nervous or mental disorder.

Back pain or joint trouble limiting mobility in cramped spaces.

Deformity or disease of lower limbs limiting movement.

Chronic skin disease.

Serious defect in eye sight.

Lack of a sense of smell.

Also you Should be able to lift 25kg safely above head.


URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE (USAR) Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) Course

Liability Release and Medical Declaration Form All non-staff individuals involved in any part of the USAR Course must complete and sign this form and submit it to the Course Coordinator by the beginning of the first day of class. Please print clearly or type.

COURSE LOCATION COURSE DATES

START: END:

PARTICIPANT’S FULL NAME (PRINTED) LIABILITY RELEASE I hereby acknowledge that I am fully aware of the risks to which I may be exposed during the USAR Course, with potential minor and major accidents that may cause me or other persons bodily harm and/or illness. I fully understand and accept that the RED Recon Group of Companies, DIMERSAR Corp., The Reilly Group of Companies, The Emergency Response Team – Search and Rescue (ERT SAR), as well as the course coordinator, instructors and assistant personnel, have taken every precaution possible to prevent accidents, injuries and illness during the course. I agree to comply strictly with each and every safety standard of the USAR Course. These safety standards have been made available to me in the Course Pre-Work and will be explained to me during the first lesson and throughout the course. I furthermore pledge to ensure my own safety and the safety of all other course participants to the best of my ability. On the basis of the aforesaid, in the event of any accident that may cause me bodily injury or illness during or after the USAR Course, I hereby release the RED Recon Group of Companies, DIMERSAR Corp., The Reilly Group of Companies, The Emergency Response Team – Search and Rescue (ERT SAR), as well as the course coordinator, instructors and assistant personnel, from all legal liability thereof. MEDICAL CONDITIONS & DECLARATION I am fit enough to perform active tasks pertaining to the expected requirements of the course including the carriage and use of tools, and machinery. I will not over extend myself nor perform solitary tasks that would be better plans with aid or assistance. I will observe the usual rules of manual handling and kinetic lifting apply such as bending your knees and lifting with the legs or keeping the item close to the body and not over reaching when lifting or moving. Also I understand the best practise for safety including the use of safeties, shutting off power tools when not use of appropriate, the use of guards and protective covers and other such SOPs. I understand and am aware of the Medical issues and agree that it will not be a problem for me to participate in this training course. I also acknowledge

• No history of fits, blackouts or fainting attacks. • History of heart disease or heart disorders. • High blood pressure. • Severe asthma, bronchitis or shortness of breath on

exertion. • Deafness. • Any illness causing dizziness or loss of balance • Chronic skin disease.

Claustrophobia or other nervous or mental disorder.

Back pain or joint trouble limiting mobility in cramped spaces.

Deformity or disease of lower limbs limiting movement.

Serious defect in eye sight.

Lack of a sense of smell. Also you should be able to lift 25kg safely above head.

I understand and Agree and with sign and date this form. SIGNATURE: DATE:

nfpa compliant operators training & certification -...

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