Essentials 6th Ed

1. Essentials of Fire Fighting
6th Edition
Firefighter I
Chapter 9 — Structural Search,
Victim Removal, and Firefighter
Survival

2. Summarize the impact of building
construction and floor plans on
structural search techniques.
Learning Objective 1
9–1

3. Explain size-up and situational
awareness considerations during
structural searches.
Learning Objective 2
9–2

4. Helps
predict
Direction Speed Collapse
Firefighters must know how building
construction affects fire development.
9–3
Alerts
firefighters
to
Safe
areas
Obstacles
to exit
Escape

5. Knowledge
Inspections
Preincident
surveys
Architectural
plans
Personal
observation
Firefighters must know layout or floor
plan to search structure effectively.
9–4

6. Residential dwellings
Other structures in
response area
Zoning meetings, open
houses, and building
officials
Firefighters should take every
opportunity to observe building layout.
9–5

7. REVIEW QUESTION
How do building construction and
floor plans impact structural search
techniques?
9–6

8. Officer in Charge
All personnel
First Firefighter on scene
What has
happened?
What is
happening?
What is going
to happen?
Size-up is a matter of safety for all
personnel at an emergency incident.
9–7

9. Begins at arrival Communication
Use situational awareness at all
times to keep all firefighters safe.
9–8
CourtesyofBobEsposito

10. Listen to sounds
that indicate fire
becoming more
intense
Watch for color of
smoke
Feel wall, door
with back of hand
Sound floor before
advancing
Use your senses after entering a
structure to increase your
situational awareness.
9–9

11. Be aware of key indicators of
structural instability.
9–10
Listen for sounds of
structural movement
Look for sagging
support elements,
obvious structural
displacement

12. REVIEW QUESTION
What information can size-up and
situational awareness provide during
structural searches?
9–11

13. Summarize safety guidelines for
structural search and rescue.
Learning Objective 3
9–12

14. Do not enter
structures when
survivors unlikely
Avoid extreme
fire behavior
Do not freelance
Maintain contact
with IC
Monitor radio
traffic, fire
conditions
Continuously
monitor fire
conditions
Follow these general safety guidelines
for structural search and rescue.
9–13
(Cont.)

15. Accountability
system
Be aware of
entry/egress
Full PPE,
SCBA, PASS
Work in
teams, keep
in contact
Use strap to
control door
Close door to
fire, report
condition
Follow these general safety guidelines
for structural search and rescue.
9–14
(Cont.)

16. Search
systematically
Stay low, move
cautiously
Monitor and
communicate
changes
Mark entry,
remember
direction
Maintain contact
with wall and
lines in low
visibility
Have staffed,
charged hoselines
whenever
possible
Follow these general safety guidelines
for structural search and rescue.
9–15
(Cont.)

17. Coordinate with
IC and ventilation
teams
Report rooms not
searched
Report completed
searches
Keep supervisor
informed of
progress of fire
Follow these general safety guidelines
for structural search and rescue.
9–16

18. Firefighters must be prepared before
entering any area immediately
dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
9–17

19. REVIEW QUESTION
What are five safety guidelines that
should be followed during structural
search and rescue?
9–18

20. Differentiate between primary and
secondary search techniques.
Learning Objective 4
9–19

21. Recognize basic search methods.
Learning Objective 5
9–20

22. Witnesses can provide information
about occupants still inside structure.
9–21
Are there witnesses,
escaped occupants?
Yes
No
Assume structure
is occupied until
searched
Are there witnesses,
escaped occupants?
Question
witnesses,
escaped
occupants
Relay info
to IC and
incoming
units
Verify
information
if possible

23. Fire attack
Tactical
ventilation
Survivable
conditions
and
improved
visibility
Fire attack and ventilation improves
conditions when done simultaneously
with search.
9–22

24. The decision of when to begin
search procedures will depend on
the circumstances.
9–23
Fire control
before search Search while
advancing
hoseline

25. Searching
for life
Assessing fire
conditions
Structural search and rescue
has two main objectives.
9–24

26. Primary searches are conducted in
the most critical areas first.
9–25

27. Secondary searches are conducted after
initial suppression and ventilation.
9–26
Different personnel,
“fresh eyes”
Slower, thorough
systematic search
Report any changes
Do not remove
SCBA

28. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the main differences
between primary and secondary
search techniques?
9–27

29. General methods for primary and
secondary searches follow a
systematic pattern.
9–28

30. Once on fire floor, start the search as
close to the fire as possible.
9–29
Click
image to
play

31. Use oriented-search method for
rooms that extend from hallway.
9–30

32. Perform a quick survey by getting
low to the ground.
9–31

33. Walk if possible
Crawl in extreme
heat and smoke
Using stairs
How firefighters move during search
depends on conditions.
9–32

34. Victims may seek shelter from fire or
be found in paths of egress.
9–33

35. Search the perimeter and check where
occupants may be overcome with
smoke while attempting escape.
9–34
Floor below windowsUnder beds and furnitureBehind doorsOn top of beds and furniture

36. Place a tool against the wall and
extend with arm or leg to search the
middle of the room.
9–35

37. Take the following actions if visibility is
limited during a primary search.
9–36
Identify
objects by
touch
Do not move
objects, can be
disorienting
Search all
sides of any
object
Report to IC if
smoke
obscures vision

38. Maintain radio contact with supervisor, IC
Report progress and new information
Close doors unless ventilating
Clear unused equipment from exit paths
Remember the following actions while
conducting structural searches.
9–37

39. REVIEW QUESTION
What is the general search method
used during structural search?
9–38

40. Use the oriented-search method
when working in teams.
9–39

41. Identifying tag
Lead and
navigator
Steel ring tied to
search line
Use the wide-area-search method
for large or complex areas filled
with smoke.
9–40

42. Knots tied after each ring indicate
distance and direction.
9–41

43. Rings provide anchor points for lateral
tethers used for searching areas
perpendicular to search line.
9–42

44. Maintain voice contact
when off main search line
Navigator provides
constant updates to the IC
Communication is essential when
using search lines and tethers.
9–43

45. Thermal imagers help firefighters see
through darkness and thick smoke, but
also have disadvantages.
9–44

46. REVIEW QUESTION
When is the appropriate time to use
the oriented-search method, wide-
area-search method, and thermal-
imager-search method?
9–45

47. Consistent marking systems help
firefighters conduct effective searches.
9–46

48. Some departments use Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s
Urban Search and Rescue System.
9–47

49. Additional marks can be made to add
important information.
9–48

50. Describe victim removal methods.
Learning Objective 6
9–49

51. Many occupants can evacuate with little
or no assistance from firefighters.
9–50

52. Use shelter-in-place method only in
certain circumstances.
9–51

53. Extinguish
fires
preventing
exit
Provide
alternate
exit
Remove
debris
Carry
injured
victims
When rescue efforts are required,
firefighters may have to take
specific actions.
9–52

54. Improper lifting techniques can result
in both victim and firefighter injury.
9–53
Straight
back, lift
with legs
One or
more
rescuers
Follow
safety
guidelines
Avoid
hazard
zones
while with
victim

55. Use the drag or lift/carry technique
appropriate to the situation.
9–54
Incline drag
Webbing
drag
Cradle-in-
arms
lift/carry
Seat lift/carry
Moving
victims onto
a litter
Extremities
lift/carry

56. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the main differences in the
three types of victim removal
methods?
9–55

57. Explain firefighter survival methods.
Learning Objective 7
9–56

58. Must
learn to
Escape unavoidable
hazards
Rescue lost/trapped
firefighters
Recognize/avoid
potential hazards
The lives of all firefighters depend
on survival skills.
9–57

59. Read fire, anticipate development
Anticipate location, extent of fire
Identify construction type and potential collapse
Locate entry and alternate exits
Prevention-based survival is the
most important survival technique.
9–58
(Cont.)

60. Perform risk/benefit analysis
Anticipate interior changes
Determine resources needed to finish quickly
Check your own and team’s air supply
Determine “two in, two out” rule
Prevention-based survival is the
most important survival technique.
9–59

61. Consider current
and projected fire
behavior and structural
stability
Anticipate effect of
ventilation and
environmental conditions
on fire behavior
Follow these other important guidelines
before and during interiors operations.
9–60
Always have plan and a backup plan

62. Know how to
survive
hazardous
situations
Know how
basic fire
fighting skills
are also
essential for
survival
Use situational
awareness
Be aware of
your
surroundings
Remember the following guidelines
when practicing survival preparation.
9–61

63. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the three behaviors
firefighters must learn and follow to
ensure their own survival and that of
fellow firefighters?
9–62

64. Air
emergencies
Lost or
disoriented
Entanglement
Recognizing MAYDAY situations is
vital to firefighter survival.
9–63
(Cont.)
CourtesyofIowaState
FireTrainingBureau

65. Thermal
emergencies
Collapse/
trapped
Recognizing MAYDAY situations is
the next step in firefighter survival.
9–64
CourtesyofRhettStrain/OSU-FST

66. 1. Describe problem
2. Give location
3. Remain in place
If in immediate danger:
1. Transmit MAYDAY
2. Activate PASS
3. Communicate with IC
Immediate communication increases
the chance of survival.
9–65

67. Use the acronym LUNARS to remember
what information to communicate.
9–66
Location
Unit
Name
Assignment
Resources needed
Situation

68. 1. MAYDAY
radio traffic
only
2. Radio
channel
allocated for
MAYDAY
3.
Nonessential
activities
cease and
search begins
4. RIC/RIT
dispatched
Take the following actions whenever
a MAYDAY is broadcast.
9–67

69. May be able to
assist downed
firefighter nearby
Follow orders, do
not freelance
IC may order
personnel to exit
Must recognize
department
evacuation
signals
Listen closely to radio transmissions
being made.
9–68

70. Key
principles
Know point of no
return
Inform IC if must
exit
Know how much is
left
Proper air management allows
firefighters to exit IDLH areas safely.
9–69

71. Check air gauge regularly and know
your point of no return.
9–70

72. • Only if separated or
catastrophic event
As an
individual
• If receive a command
from IC or supervisor
As a
team
Individual firefighters can decide to
leave only under special circumstances.
9–71

73. Stay calm,
follow
procedures
Practice
until second
nature
Conserve
air, improve
chances
Knowing how to react in an air
emergency is essential.
9–72

74. Explain what survival actions
firefighters can take when needed.
Learning Objective 8
9–73

75. Describe the actions of a rapid
intervention crew or team (RIC/RIT)
when locating a downed firefighter.
Learning Objective 9
9–74

76. Choose a
course of
action:
Remain in place
Seek safe
shelter
Escape
To survive a MAYDAY event, monitor
your surroundings and use
situational awareness.
9–75

77. 1.
Communicate
with radio
2. Activate
PASS
3. Tap floor,
make noise
4. Shine light
directly
overhead
5.
Temporarily
turn off
PASS, listen
When remaining in place, stay calm,
breath slowly, and stay low.
9–76

78. Stay low
Use hose stream, but this can also be dangerous
Close doors to fire
Shore building materials with tools
Filter toxic air with protective hood as last resort
Seeking safe shelter means taking
action to improve the situation or
buying time for escape.
9–77

79.  Imminent threat of collapse
 No safe shelter
 Air supply exhausted
 Extreme fire conditions imminent
 Receive order to abandon structure
Escape is the best survival option in the
following circumstances.
9–78

80. Team intact
Escape as unit
using search
line or hoseline
Do not leave
nozzle
Separated from
team
Follow hoseline
or wall
Use couplings
to determine
directions
Escape requires teamwork and practice
to know roles and responsibilities.
9–79

81. Follow these general safety
guidelines when escaping a structure.
9–80
Stay calm
Maintain
control of
nozzle
Use
points of
reference
Stay low
(Cont.)

82. Follow these general safety
guidelines when escaping a structure.
9–81
Keep
contact
with wall
Stay in
radio
contact
Remember
which level
of
structure
you’re on
Control
your
breathing
Check and
report on
air supply

83. Crawling Duck walking
Use duck walk or low profile
maneuver in thick, dense smoke.
9–82

84. Follow these steps to search
for an exit.
9–83
1. Locate wall, crawl
2. Sweep floor with
one hand
3. Sweep wall with
other hand for
window
4. Determine if
window allows exit
5. Notify Command,
ask about conditions

85. If on the ground floor, follow these
steps to exit a window.
9–84
1. Open window or
break with tool
2. Clear shards
3. Climb through,
feet first to
ground

86. If on an upper story, follow these
steps to exit a window.
9–85
CourtesyofChrisMickal/DistrictChief,New
Orleans(LA)FDPhotoUnit
1. Find out if
aerial or ground
ladder is nearby
2. If not, report
location and
need for egress
3. Escape rope
system if
trained

87. Breaching an interior wall may provide
an exit route, but should be used only
as a last resort.
9–86

88. Always broadcast MAYDAY before
attempting to disentangle yourself.
9–87
CourtesyofIowaStateFireTrainingBureau

89. REVIEW QUESTION
How does a firefighter decide on the
best survival action to take if a
MAYDAY event does occur?
9–88

90. A rapid intervention team or crew
(RIT/RIC) is required by NFPA® 1500
and OSHA at any hazard zone.
9–89
Two firefighters
prepared for
rescue
• Must be trained
• Full PPE
• More than one team
may be assigned

91. CAUTION!
Do not underestimate the time and
personnel required to rescue a downed
firefighter. Carrying one unconscious
firefighter can require four rescuers,
and fully removing the firefighter from
the hazard zone can require up to
twelve rescuers. This process can take
as long as 20 minutes to complete.
9–90

92. Mandatory equipment for RIC/RIT is
described by AWARE acronym.
9–91
Air
Water
A
Extrication
Radio

93. RIC/RIT carry a variety of tools
with them.
9–92

94. Establish radio contact
IC may order brief shutdown to
listen
If unsuccessful, follow hoseline,
last known location
Stop frequently to listen for sound
of PASS device or calls for help
RIC/RIT follow these steps
after a MAYDAY transmission
has been received.
9–93

95. Digital radio transceivers can help
locate disoriented or lost firefighters.
9–94

96. 1. Check air
supply
2. Deactivate
PASS device
3. Confirm
identity
After locating a downed firefighter,
RIC/RIT take the following actions.
9–95

97. 4. Request assistance
if necessary
5. Mitigate any
hazards
6. Move to safe
shelter if necessary
RIC/RIT then notifies Command of
the location and status of downed
firefighter.
9–96

98. Exiting IDLH area usually takes
priority over stabilizing injuries.
9–97

99. Make sure that SCBA is functioning
or remove firefighter from
hazardous atmosphere.
9–98

100. WARNING!
Never remove your facepiece or
compromise the proper operation of
your SCBA to share your air supply—
not even with another firefighter.
9–99

101. REVIEW QUESTION
When does a rapid intervention crew
or team (RIC/RIT) begin work on an
incident scene?
9–100

102. • The first priority at any structural fire is
that of survival, both for the individual
and of fellow firefighters.
• In order to meet this goal firefighters
must learn to size up a situation,
practice situational awareness, manage
air supply, and remove victims to
safety.
Summary
9–101
(Cont.)

103. • Firefighters also must know MAYDAY
procedures, master self-rescue
techniques, and be able to locate and
rescue downed firefighters as part of a
rapid intervention crew or team.
Summary
9–102

104. Demonstrate the procedure for
conducting a primary search.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-1.
Learning Objective 10
9–103

105. Demonstrate the procedure for
conducting a secondary search.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-2.
Learning Objective 11
9–104

106. Demonstrate the incline drag.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-3.
Learning Objective 12
9–105

107. Demonstrate the webbing drag.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-4.
Learning Objective 13
9–106

108. Demonstrate the cradle-in-arms
lift/carry — One-rescuer method.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-5.
Learning Objective 14
9–107

109. Demonstrate the seat lift/carry —
Two-rescuer method.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-6.
Learning Objective 15
9–108

110. Demonstrate the extremities lift/carry
— Two-rescuer method.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-7.
Learning Objective 16
9–109

111. Demonstrate the actions required for
transmitting a MAYDAY report.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-8.
Learning Objective 17
9–110

112. Demonstrate the proper procedures
for an SCBA air emergency.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-9.
Learning Objective 18
9–111

113. Demonstrate the actions required for
withdrawing from a hostile
environment with a hoseline.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-10.
Learning Objective 19
9–112

114. Demonstrate the side technique for
low profile maneuvers without
removing SCBA.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-11.
Learning Objective 20
9–113

115. Perform the SCBA-first technique for
low profile maneuvers without
removing SCBA.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-12.
Learning Objective 21
9–114

116. Demonstrate the method for
breaching an interior wall.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-13.
Learning Objective 22
9–115

117. Demonstrate the steps for
disentangling from debris or wires.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 9-I-14.
Learning Objective 23
9–116