emergency/disaster preparedness essentials of search & rescue george e. hunter disaster...

Emergency/Disaster Preparedness

Essentials of Search & Rescue

George E. HunterDisaster Preparedness Coordinator

MODULE 3

SEARCH & RESCUE

SEARCH and RESCUE

•Effective Size-Up•Damage Assessment•Search & Rescue Basics•Rescuer/Victim Safety•Lifts, Drags, and Carries

GUIDING PRINCIPLES of DISASTER RESPONSE

• Personal Safety is the top priority• Depends on

• Personnel available.• Tools and equipment available.

• Always use the “buddy” system; never work alone.

• Credo of Disaster Responders: Do the most good for the greatest number of people.

Effective Size-Up• Gather/Consider Facts

• Time of day, day of week, type of structure, weather conditions, known hazards

• Assess Damage• Light Damage• Moderate Damage• Heavy Damage

Post-Quake Action Steps• After evacuation and while EOC is being set up and roll is

being taken at Assembly Area:• Site Assessment Team (or Person) Performs Initial “Dashboard”

Inspection of entire site:• Walk exterior of buildings - roughly estimating condition of buildings

(Light to moderate damage)• Extinguish any small fires (smaller than a person)• Leaking gas or water mains? – Shut off valves• Use yellow “Caution” tape to cordon off hazards

Important!!!!• Check Perimeter Fence for Fallen Wires

• Treat fence as “Live” unless otherwise known

Initial Action Steps (Cont.)

• After student roll is taken and status of missing/injured is known:

• Operations Chief forms S&R Teams, assigns call signs and search areas:

• Search areas where injured or missing are known or suspected to be located FIRST

• Search remainder of campus in orderly fashion or pattern, unless all missing/injured accounted for…

• Search & Rescue is an inherently hazardous activity – do not commence/continue unless necessary

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

•Light Damage

• Superficial and/or cosmetic in nature• Spider web cracks to walls or ceilings• Fallen plaster• Most of the damage is to contents (i.e., non-structural).

Light DamageLight Damage

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTDAMAGE ASSESSMENT Moderate DamageModerate Damage

Wall fractures greater than ¼ inch in widthWall fractures greater than ¼ inch in width Structural stability of building is questionableStructural stability of building is questionable Evidence of foundation Evidence of foundation

movement/displacementmovement/displacement Building could be tilting, but still on foundationBuilding could be tilting, but still on foundation

Analyze your risk of injuryAnalyze your risk of injury

before enteringbefore entering

Moderate DamageModerate Damage

Damage AssessmentDamage Assessment

Heavy DamageHeavy Damage Partial or total wall collapsePartial or total wall collapse Ceiling failureCeiling failure Obvious structural instabilityObvious structural instability Building is no longer on foundationBuilding is no longer on foundation Heavy smoke or fireHeavy smoke or fire

No entry should be made under any No entry should be made under any circumstances! Leave to trained USAR Teamscircumstances! Leave to trained USAR Teams

Heavy DamageHeavy Damage

Size Up - ReviewSize Up - Review

Gather Facts.Gather Facts. Assess Damage.Assess Damage. Consider Probabilities.Consider Probabilities. Assess Your Situation.Assess Your Situation. Establish Priorities.Establish Priorities. Make Decisions.Make Decisions. Develop Plan of Action.Develop Plan of Action. Take Action.Take Action. Evaluate Progress.Evaluate Progress.

SafetySafety RescuerRescuer safety is your safety is your PRIMARYPRIMARY concern. concern. Consider probabilities, then possibilities;Consider probabilities, then possibilities; Continue to assess your situation on an Continue to assess your situation on an

ongoing basisongoing basis Always use a “buddy system” – 2-3 per Always use a “buddy system” – 2-3 per

teamteam Look for hazards (holes, wires, hanging Look for hazards (holes, wires, hanging

debris)debris) Use Personal Protective Equipment at all Use Personal Protective Equipment at all

timestimes Rotate S & R teams frequentlyRotate S & R teams frequently

Search & Rescue – BasicsSearch & Rescue – Basics

Draw PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Draw PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) from Logistics Chief. Equipment should from Logistics Chief. Equipment should

consist of:consist of: Hard HatHard Hat GogglesGoggles Reflective VestReflective Vest Leather GlovesLeather Gloves Face Mask (N95 is Face Mask (N95 is

better)better) Flashlight with fresh Flashlight with fresh

batteries batteries Keys (on lanyard)Keys (on lanyard)

Two-Way RadioTwo-Way Radio Clip Board with Map of Clip Board with Map of

Site, Search Plan, & Site, Search Plan, & Pens/PencilsPens/Pencils

Chalk/Grease Pen Chalk/Grease Pen MarkerMarker

Light SticksLight Sticks Whistle w/ lanyardWhistle w/ lanyard Backpack with Medical Backpack with Medical

Supplies or ToolsSupplies or Tools

Search & RescueSearch & RescueChain of CommandChain of Command

Incident Commander

Operations Chief

Search & Rescue Team Leader

Search & Rescue – Blue Team

Search & Rescue Red Team

Site Assessment Team

Search & RescueSearch & RescueTeam Leader (Operations)Team Leader (Operations)

Start-up ActionsStart-up Actions: Obtain all : Obtain all necessary equipment from Disaster Bin necessary equipment from Disaster Bin or from Logistics (See list below) or from Logistics (See list below) Obtain briefing from Operations Chief, Obtain briefing from Operations Chief,

noting known fires, hazards, injuries, or noting known fires, hazards, injuries, or other situations requiring response. other situations requiring response.

Assign teams based on available Assign teams based on available manpower, minimum 2 persons per team manpower, minimum 2 persons per team (Preferably 3). (Preferably 3).


Operational DutiesOperational Duties: Perform visual check : Perform visual check of S&R teams leaving CP; include radio of S&R teams leaving CP; include radio check.check. Teams must wear sturdy shoes and safety Teams must wear sturdy shoes and safety

equipment.equipment. Record names and assignments of team Record names and assignments of team

members members beforebefore deploying teams. deploying teams. Dispatch teams to known hazards or situations Dispatch teams to known hazards or situations

first, then search the remaining campus using first, then search the remaining campus using specific, planned routes. Send a specific map specific, planned routes. Send a specific map assignment with each team. assignment with each team.


Team Leader remains at Command Post Team Leader remains at Command Post (CP) in radio contact with S&R Teams.(CP) in radio contact with S&R Teams.

Record all teams’ progress and reports on Record all teams’ progress and reports on site map, keeping others at CP informed ofsite map, keeping others at CP informed of

problems. When a room is reported clear, problems. When a room is reported clear, mark a “C” on the map. mark a “C” on the map.

If injured students are located, consult Ops If injured students are located, consult Ops Chief for response. Utilize Transport team, Chief for response. Utilize Transport team, or send First Aid Team (depending on or send First Aid Team (depending on injury) injury)


Record exact location of damage and Record exact location of damage and track triage tally on map (i.e., track triage tally on map (i.e., I=immediate, D=delayed, D=dead). I=immediate, D=delayed, D=dead).

Keep radio communications brief and Keep radio communications brief and simple. No codes – use common simple. No codes – use common terminology.terminology.

Search & Rescue Team Search & Rescue Team (Operations)(Operations)

Safety RulesSafety Rules: Buddy system: Minimum : Buddy system: Minimum of 2-3 persons per team. of 2-3 persons per team. Take Take nono action that might endanger you. action that might endanger you.

Rescuers are of no use to victims if they Rescuers are of no use to victims if they become injured themselvesbecome injured themselves. .

Do not work Do not work beyondbeyond your expertise or ability. your expertise or ability. Use appropriate safety/PPE gear at all times.Use appropriate safety/PPE gear at all times. Size up the situation first.Size up the situation first. Follow Follow allall operational and safety procedures. operational and safety procedures.

SEARCH METHODSSEARCH METHODS Determine your search method, based on Determine your search method, based on

initial size-up before commencing search.initial size-up before commencing search. Locate potential victims by starting where Locate potential victims by starting where

known victims are or are likely to be foundknown victims are or are likely to be found Call out to victims:Call out to victims:

““If you can hear me, walk toward the sound of If you can hear me, walk toward the sound of my voice now!”my voice now!”

Stop frequently to LISTEN for responses/criesStop frequently to LISTEN for responses/cries Use a systematic search patternUse a systematic search pattern Concept of “Triangulation”Concept of “Triangulation”

TriangulationTriangulation

When searching larger rooms or When searching larger rooms or areas, it may be difficult to locate areas, it may be difficult to locate victims based on cries for helpvictims based on cries for help

Search team members shine their Search team members shine their flash-lights toward soundsflash-lights toward sounds

Victim should be located near to Victim should be located near to where light beams intersectwhere light beams intersect

TRIANGULATIONTRIANGULATION

Systematic SearchSystematic Search Before team enters room, radio position to Before team enters room, radio position to

Search Team LeaderSearch Team Leader Leave one member outside of roomLeave one member outside of room Mark door or wall with diagonal line/infoMark door or wall with diagonal line/info When searching room, try to maintain When searching room, try to maintain

contact with wall and one handcontact with wall and one hand Search each room thoroughly and carefully, Search each room thoroughly and carefully,

victims may be hiding or trappedvictims may be hiding or trapped When exiting room, complete “X” & move When exiting room, complete “X” & move

onon

SYSTEMATIC SEARCH PATTERNSYSTEMATIC SEARCH PATTERN

CONDUCTING SEARCH CONDUCTING SEARCH OPERATIONSOPERATIONS

““VOIDS” VOIDS” -Areas of Entrapment or Shelter--Areas of Entrapment or Shelter-

Look for Individual VoidsLook for Individual Voids Under a desk or chairs.Under a desk or chairs. In a cabinet or cupboard.In a cabinet or cupboard. Behind or beneath debrisBehind or beneath debris

Remember that victims may be unable Remember that victims may be unable to respond or may be too frightened to to respond or may be too frightened to movemove

SEARCH MARKINGSSEARCH MARKINGS

One slash on door indicates someone is inside currently searching the room or building. If left incomplete, it means they are still in there!

Note initials of searchers (or Team #).

Note the time searchers or team entered.


7:31 am

Gas offBlue

0Completed “X” with necessary information recorded. Only complete upon exiting!

Search Markings Search Markings (Continued)(Continued)

Use Commonly Understood TerminologyUse Commonly Understood Terminology Before Going In, Fill In:Before Going In, Fill In:

Top Quadrant – Time/Date SearchedTop Quadrant – Time/Date Searched Left Quadrant – Team Name(s)Left Quadrant – Team Name(s)

After Completing Search, Fill In:After Completing Search, Fill In: Right Quadrant – Hazards Found in RoomRight Quadrant – Hazards Found in Room Bottom Quadrant - Number of Dead, Bottom Quadrant - Number of Dead,

Injured or Trapped Victims Injured or Trapped Victims Still InsideStill Inside E.G.:E.G.: 2 – Alive2 – Alive

1 – Dead1 – Dead

(Use “0” if no victims are left in room/structure)(Use “0” if no victims are left in room/structure)

Decision to Attempt RescueDecision to Attempt Rescue

Is it safe to proceed/continue operations?Is it safe to proceed/continue operations? What are the risks involved to the rescuer?What are the risks involved to the rescuer? Are those risks acceptable?Are those risks acceptable? What is likelihood that What is likelihood that

situation/environment will deteriorate situation/environment will deteriorate during rescue operation?during rescue operation?

Are you doing the greatest good for the Are you doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people?greatest number of people?

MINIMIZING RISKMINIMIZING RISK

Know Know youryour limitations……be realistic limitations……be realistic

Follow established safety proceduresFollow established safety procedures

Remove debris by leveraging or Remove debris by leveraging or cribbing only – reduce you likelihood of cribbing only – reduce you likelihood of injuryinjury

WHEN CONDUCTING RESCUE WHEN CONDUCTING RESCUE OPERATIONS….OPERATIONS….

Create a safe rescue environmentCreate a safe rescue environment Lift objects out of the way while moving Lift objects out of the way while moving

forwardforward Use tools to move objects, when possibleUse tools to move objects, when possible Carefully remove debris to reduce further Carefully remove debris to reduce further

injuryinjury Triage/stabilize victims (in place, if necessary)Triage/stabilize victims (in place, if necessary) Remove victimsRemove victims

REMOVING VICTIMSREMOVING VICTIMS Self-removal or assisted-removal are Self-removal or assisted-removal are

best (with least chance of further injury)best (with least chance of further injury) Always allow victims to extricate Always allow victims to extricate

themselves whenever possible.themselves whenever possible. Lifts, Drags, and CarriesLifts, Drags, and Carries

Consider nature of victim’s injuries in Consider nature of victim’s injuries in choosing appropriate techniquechoosing appropriate technique

Consider state of victim’s consciousnessConsider state of victim’s consciousness Use proper technique to avoid back injuriesUse proper technique to avoid back injuries

CHOOSING EXTRICATION CHOOSING EXTRICATION METHODMETHOD

Depends upon:Depends upon: General stability of immediate General stability of immediate

environmentenvironment Number of rescuers that are availableNumber of rescuers that are available Strength and abilities of rescuersStrength and abilities of rescuers Condition of the victimCondition of the victim Likelihood of further harm/injury to victimLikelihood of further harm/injury to victim Chances that the situation will worsenChances that the situation will worsen

LIFTS, DRAGS, AND CARRIESLIFTS, DRAGS, AND CARRIES

Walking Assist (Crutch)

WALKING ASSIST (CRUTCH)WALKING ASSIST (CRUTCH)

Use when victim is ambulatory, lightly Use when victim is ambulatory, lightly injured, or disorientedinjured, or disoriented

Place victim’s arm (closest to you) Place victim’s arm (closest to you) around neck and hold wrist with around neck and hold wrist with opposite handopposite hand

Place arm closest to victim around their Place arm closest to victim around their waistwaist

Guide victim to safetyGuide victim to safety

One Person (Honeymoon) One Person (Honeymoon) CarryCarry

Only works with a child or a very light Only works with a child or a very light adultadult

Rescuer crouches down on one knee, Rescuer crouches down on one knee, places one arm under victim’s knees places one arm under victim’s knees and the other arm around their backand the other arm around their back

Rescuer stands back up, being careful Rescuer stands back up, being careful to keep the back straight and aligned to keep the back straight and aligned over their hips, using legs instead of over their hips, using legs instead of back to liftback to lift

One Person Pack-Strap One Person Pack-Strap CarryCarry Better than the “One Person Carry” when Better than the “One Person Carry” when

carrying victim longer distances.carrying victim longer distances. Crouch down and place both victims arms Crouch down and place both victims arms

over your shouldersover your shoulders Cross victim’s arms, grasping the victim’s Cross victim’s arms, grasping the victim’s

opposite wrists opposite wrists with victim’s palms downwith victim’s palms down Pull arms close to chestPull arms close to chest Drive your hips backward into the victim Drive your hips backward into the victim

while bending slightly at the waistwhile bending slightly at the waist Balance the load on your hipsBalance the load on your hips


Fireman’s Carry

FIREMAN’S CARRYFIREMAN’S CARRY Better than other “Better than other “one person” carriesone person” carries when when

one arm needs to be free;one arm needs to be free; Facing head of victim, rescuer crouches down Facing head of victim, rescuer crouches down

and slips arms under victim’s shoulders;and slips arms under victim’s shoulders; Assist victim into semi-standing position, Assist victim into semi-standing position,

pulling victim’s arm closest to you around pulling victim’s arm closest to you around neck; neck;

Put other arm through victim’s legs, drive hips Put other arm through victim’s legs, drive hips under victim and balance victim’s torso on under victim and balance victim’s torso on upper back; stand upupper back; stand up

Hold victim’s wrist with opposite hand (arm Hold victim’s wrist with opposite hand (arm that is through victim’s legs)that is through victim’s legs)


Fireman’s Crawl

FIREMAN’S CRAWLFIREMAN’S CRAWL If victim is unconscious, use a If victim is unconscious, use a

triangular bandage, a torn shirt, etc triangular bandage, a torn shirt, etc to tie the casualty's wrists together.to tie the casualty's wrists together. Knee over victim;Knee over victim; Place loop formed by hands/arms over Place loop formed by hands/arms over

rescuer’s head and around neck;rescuer’s head and around neck; Crawl forward.Crawl forward.

This technique can be used to move This technique can be used to move a person much heavier victim.a person much heavier victim.

Very useful technique in smoky areasVery useful technique in smoky areas


Piggyback Carry

PIGGY-BACK CARRYPIGGY-BACK CARRY

Lift the casualty from a standing or Lift the casualty from a standing or sitting position onto your back by sitting position onto your back by grasping legs. grasping legs.

Victim holds on by putting arms Victim holds on by putting arms around rescuer’s shouldersaround rescuer’s shoulders

Don't use if the casualty is Don't use if the casualty is unconscious or has arm injuries.unconscious or has arm injuries.


Two-Hand Carry

TWO-HAND CARRYTWO-HAND CARRY

A way to carry a conscious casualty who A way to carry a conscious casualty who can’t walk or support their upper body. can’t walk or support their upper body.

Make a hook with your fingers by folding Make a hook with your fingers by folding them towards your palmthem towards your palm

Grab onto your partner's "hook". Grab onto your partner's "hook". If you don't have any gloves, use a piece of If you don't have any gloves, use a piece of

cloth to protect your hand from the other cloth to protect your hand from the other rescuer's nails. rescuer's nails.

This is another good reason to wear This is another good reason to wear gloves!gloves!


Four-Hand Carry

FOUR-HAND CARRYFOUR-HAND CARRY Both rescuers grasp the top of their Both rescuers grasp the top of their

left wrist with their right hand.left wrist with their right hand. Both rescuers then grasp each other’s Both rescuers then grasp each other’s

right wrist with their left handright wrist with their left hand Have victim sit on hands and place Have victim sit on hands and place

their arms around necks of rescuerstheir arms around necks of rescuers This carry is a good carry for a This carry is a good carry for a

conscious casualty who can use hands conscious casualty who can use hands and arms for support, but can’t walk.and arms for support, but can’t walk.

LIFTS, DRAGS AND CARRIESLIFTS, DRAGS AND CARRIES

Two-Person CarryTwo-Person Carry Have victim cross their arms in front of Have victim cross their arms in front of

chestchest Rescuer at head crouches behind victim, Rescuer at head crouches behind victim,

inserts arms through armpits, and grasps inserts arms through armpits, and grasps forearms of victim (do not hold onto chest)forearms of victim (do not hold onto chest)

22ndnd Rescuer stands between victim’s legs Rescuer stands between victim’s legs and grasps legs behind/above kneesand grasps legs behind/above knees

If short distance, 2If short distance, 2ndnd Rescuer faces victim Rescuer faces victim If longer distance, 2If longer distance, 2ndnd Rescuer faces away Rescuer faces away

from victim from victim

CHAIR CARRYCHAIR CARRY The The Chair CarryChair Carry can be used for a can be used for a

conscious or unconscious casualty, but conscious or unconscious casualty, but not for someone with suspected not for someone with suspected head/spinal injuries. head/spinal injuries.

For their protection, secure the casualty's For their protection, secure the casualty's hands across his or her chesthands across his or her chest

If the casualty is unconscious, secure the If the casualty is unconscious, secure the victim to the chairvictim to the chair

Do not try with swivel chairsDo not try with swivel chairs!!

Chair Carry (Cont.)Chair Carry (Cont.) Pick or help victim up and place them or sit Pick or help victim up and place them or sit

them in the chairthem in the chair Rescuer (head) grasps back of chair at sidesRescuer (head) grasps back of chair at sides Rescuer (head) tilts chair back onto rear Rescuer (head) tilts chair back onto rear

legslegs For short distances, 2For short distances, 2ndnd Rescuer faces victim Rescuer faces victim

and grabs front chair legsand grabs front chair legs For long distances, 2For long distances, 2ndnd Rescuer faces away Rescuer faces away Rescuers stand, keeping back straight & Rescuers stand, keeping back straight &

using legs to liftusing legs to lift

Shoulder or Ankle DragShoulder or Ankle Drag Grasp victim by clothing under shouldersGrasp victim by clothing under shoulders Keep your arms on both sides of head, Keep your arms on both sides of head,

supporting headsupporting head Lean back, pulling with legs, not your backLean back, pulling with legs, not your back Be careful not to choke victim with clothingBe careful not to choke victim with clothing

oror Grasp victim by ankles or pants cuffsGrasp victim by ankles or pants cuffs Pull with legs, not backPull with legs, not back Only use when dragging on smooth Only use when dragging on smooth

surfacessurfaces!!

Blanket DragBlanket Drag

Roll victim onto blanket, using three Roll victim onto blanket, using three persons or log-roll technique persons or log-roll technique (keeping back straight and spine (keeping back straight and spine aligned)aligned)

Align victim on blanket with victim’s Align victim on blanket with victim’s head about 2 feet from one cornerhead about 2 feet from one corner

Wrap blanket corners around victimWrap blanket corners around victim Gather up part of blanket nearest Gather up part of blanket nearest

head and keep your back straight head and keep your back straight and use legs to pulland use legs to pull

In Conclusion….In Conclusion….

Threat of disasters are a part of everyday Threat of disasters are a part of everyday life in Southern Californialife in Southern California

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail…Failing to prepare is preparing to fail… Your students, family and neighbors may Your students, family and neighbors may

have to depend on have to depend on youyou to do the right thing to do the right thing in an emergency or disasterin an emergency or disaster

In a major disaster, you are likely to be a In a major disaster, you are likely to be a “first responder”“first responder”

Commitment -Commitment -An Agreement to do Something in the Future

Next Steps:Next Steps:

1.1. Create an Emergency Plan for your home.Create an Emergency Plan for your home.

2.2. Set-up an Out-of-State Contact – Share.Set-up an Out-of-State Contact – Share.

3.3. Assemble an Emergency Kit for home and car.Assemble an Emergency Kit for home and car.

4.4. Familiarize yourself with the Site Safety Plan.Familiarize yourself with the Site Safety Plan.

5.5. Know the location of the Assembly Area and Know the location of the Assembly Area and Disaster Supplies.Disaster Supplies.

6.6. Discuss and run practice drills with children to Discuss and run practice drills with children to reduce fear & anxiety.reduce fear & anxiety.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES of DISASTER RESPONSE

• Personal Safety is the top priority• Depends on

• Personnel available.• Tools and equipment available.

• Always use the “buddy” system; never work alone.

• Credo of Disaster Responders: Do the most good for the greatest number of people.

Effective Size-Up• Gather/Consider Facts

• Time of day, day of week, type of structure, weather conditions, known hazards

• Assess Damage• Light Damage• Moderate Damage• Heavy Damage

Effective Size-Up (Cont)• Consider Probabilities

• What more is likely to happen?

• Assess Your Situation• Personnel• Tools and Equipment

• Establish Priorities• What needs to be done?• In what order?

Post-Quake Action Steps• After evacuation and while EOC is being set up and roll is

being taken at Assembly Area:• Site Assessment Team (or Person) Performs Initial “Dashboard”

Inspection of entire site:• Walk exterior of buildings - roughly estimating condition of buildings

(Light to moderate damage)• Extinguish any small fires (smaller than a person)• Leaking gas or water mains? – Shut off valves• Use yellow “Caution” tape to cordon off hazards

Important!!!!• Check Perimeter Fence for Fallen Wires

• Treat fence as “Live” unless otherwise known

Initial Action Steps (Cont.)

• After student roll is taken and status of missing/injured is known:

• Operations Chief forms S&R Teams, assigns call signs and search areas:

• Search areas where injured or missing are known or suspected to be located FIRST

• Search remainder of campus in orderly fashion or pattern, unless all missing/injured accounted for…

• Search & Rescue is an inherently hazardous activity – do not commence/continue unless necessary

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

•Light Damage

• Superficial and/or cosmetic in nature• Spider web cracks to walls or ceilings• Fallen plaster• Most of the damage is to contents (i.e., non-structural).

Light DamageLight Damage

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTDAMAGE ASSESSMENT Moderate DamageModerate Damage

Wall fractures greater than ¼ inch in widthWall fractures greater than ¼ inch in width Structural stability of building is questionableStructural stability of building is questionable Evidence of foundation Evidence of foundation

movement/displacementmovement/displacement Building could be tilting, but still on foundationBuilding could be tilting, but still on foundation

Analyze your risk of injuryAnalyze your risk of injury

before enteringbefore entering

Moderate DamageModerate Damage

Damage AssessmentDamage Assessment

Heavy DamageHeavy Damage Partial or total wall collapsePartial or total wall collapse Ceiling failureCeiling failure Obvious structural instabilityObvious structural instability Building is no longer on foundationBuilding is no longer on foundation Heavy smoke or fireHeavy smoke or fire

No entry should be made under any No entry should be made under any circumstances! Leave to trained USAR Teamscircumstances! Leave to trained USAR Teams

Heavy DamageHeavy Damage

Size Up - ReviewSize Up - Review

Gather Facts.Gather Facts. Assess Damage.Assess Damage. Consider Probabilities.Consider Probabilities. Assess Your Situation.Assess Your Situation. Establish Priorities.Establish Priorities. Make Decisions.Make Decisions. Develop Plan of Action.Develop Plan of Action. Take Action.Take Action. Evaluate Progress.Evaluate Progress.

SafetySafety RescuerRescuer safety is your safety is your PRIMARYPRIMARY concern. concern. Consider probabilities, then possibilities;Consider probabilities, then possibilities; Continue to assess your situation on an Continue to assess your situation on an

ongoing basisongoing basis Always use a “buddy system” – 2-3 per Always use a “buddy system” – 2-3 per

teamteam Look for hazards (holes, wires, hanging Look for hazards (holes, wires, hanging

debris)debris) Use Personal Protective Equipment at all Use Personal Protective Equipment at all

timestimes Rotate S & R teams frequentlyRotate S & R teams frequently

Search & Rescue – BasicsSearch & Rescue – Basics

Draw PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Draw PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) from Logistics Chief. Equipment should from Logistics Chief. Equipment should

consist of:consist of: Hard HatHard Hat GogglesGoggles Reflective VestReflective Vest Leather GlovesLeather Gloves Face Mask (N95 is Face Mask (N95 is

better)better) Flashlight with fresh Flashlight with fresh

batteries batteries Keys (on lanyard)Keys (on lanyard)

Two-Way RadioTwo-Way Radio Clip Board with Map of Clip Board with Map of

Site, Search Plan, & Site, Search Plan, & Pens/PencilsPens/Pencils

Chalk/Grease Pen Chalk/Grease Pen MarkerMarker

Light SticksLight Sticks Whistle w/ lanyardWhistle w/ lanyard Backpack with Medical Backpack with Medical

Supplies or ToolsSupplies or Tools

Search & RescueSearch & RescueChain of CommandChain of Command

Incident Commander

Operations Chief

Search & Rescue Team Leader

Search & Rescue – Blue Team

Search & Rescue Red Team

Site Assessment Team


Start-up ActionsStart-up Actions: Obtain all : Obtain all necessary equipment from Disaster Bin necessary equipment from Disaster Bin or from Logistics (See list below) or from Logistics (See list below) Obtain briefing from Operations Chief, Obtain briefing from Operations Chief,

noting known fires, hazards, injuries, or noting known fires, hazards, injuries, or other situations requiring response. other situations requiring response.

Assign teams based on available Assign teams based on available manpower, minimum 2 persons per team manpower, minimum 2 persons per team (Preferably 3). (Preferably 3).


Operational DutiesOperational Duties: Perform visual check : Perform visual check of S&R teams leaving CP; include radio of S&R teams leaving CP; include radio check.check. Teams must wear sturdy shoes and safety Teams must wear sturdy shoes and safety

equipment.equipment. Record names and assignments of team Record names and assignments of team

members members beforebefore deploying teams. deploying teams. Dispatch teams to known hazards or situations Dispatch teams to known hazards or situations

first, then search the remaining campus using first, then search the remaining campus using specific, planned routes. Send a specific map specific, planned routes. Send a specific map assignment with each team. assignment with each team.


Team Leader remains at Command Post Team Leader remains at Command Post (CP) in radio contact with S&R Teams.(CP) in radio contact with S&R Teams.

Record all teams’ progress and reports on Record all teams’ progress and reports on site map, keeping others at CP informed ofsite map, keeping others at CP informed of

problems. When a room is reported clear, problems. When a room is reported clear, mark a “C” on the map. mark a “C” on the map.

If injured students are located, consult Ops If injured students are located, consult Ops Chief for response. Utilize Transport team, Chief for response. Utilize Transport team, or send First Aid Team (depending on or send First Aid Team (depending on injury) injury)


Record exact location of damage and Record exact location of damage and track triage tally on map (i.e., track triage tally on map (i.e., I=immediate, D=delayed, D=dead). I=immediate, D=delayed, D=dead).

Keep radio communications brief and Keep radio communications brief and simple. No codes – use common simple. No codes – use common terminology.terminology.

Search & Rescue Team Search & Rescue Team (Operations)(Operations)

Safety RulesSafety Rules: Buddy system: Minimum : Buddy system: Minimum of 2-3 persons per team. of 2-3 persons per team. Take Take nono action that might endanger you. action that might endanger you.

Rescuers are of no use to victims if they Rescuers are of no use to victims if they become injured themselvesbecome injured themselves. .

Do not work Do not work beyondbeyond your expertise or ability. your expertise or ability. Use appropriate safety/PPE gear at all times.Use appropriate safety/PPE gear at all times. Size up the situation first.Size up the situation first. Follow Follow allall operational and safety procedures. operational and safety procedures.

SEARCH METHODSSEARCH METHODS Determine your search method, based on Determine your search method, based on

initial size-up before commencing search.initial size-up before commencing search. Locate potential victims by starting where Locate potential victims by starting where

known victims are or are likely to be foundknown victims are or are likely to be found Call out to victims:Call out to victims:

““If you can hear me, walk toward the sound of If you can hear me, walk toward the sound of my voice now!”my voice now!”

Stop frequently to LISTEN for responses/criesStop frequently to LISTEN for responses/cries Use a systematic search patternUse a systematic search pattern Concept of “Triangulation”Concept of “Triangulation”

TriangulationTriangulation

When searching larger rooms or When searching larger rooms or areas, it may be difficult to locate areas, it may be difficult to locate victims based on cries for helpvictims based on cries for help

Search team members shine their Search team members shine their flash-lights toward soundsflash-lights toward sounds

Victim should be located near to Victim should be located near to where light beams intersectwhere light beams intersect

TRIANGULATIONTRIANGULATION

Systematic SearchSystematic Search Before team enters room, radio position to Before team enters room, radio position to

Search Team LeaderSearch Team Leader Leave one member outside of roomLeave one member outside of room Mark door or wall with diagonal line/infoMark door or wall with diagonal line/info When searching room, try to maintain When searching room, try to maintain

contact with wall and one handcontact with wall and one hand Search each room thoroughly and carefully, Search each room thoroughly and carefully,

victims may be hiding or trappedvictims may be hiding or trapped When exiting room, complete “X” & move When exiting room, complete “X” & move

onon

SYSTEMATIC SEARCH PATTERNSYSTEMATIC SEARCH PATTERN

CONDUCTING SEARCH CONDUCTING SEARCH OPERATIONSOPERATIONS

““VOIDS” VOIDS” -Areas of Entrapment or Shelter--Areas of Entrapment or Shelter-

Look for Individual VoidsLook for Individual Voids Under a desk or chairs.Under a desk or chairs. In a cabinet or cupboard.In a cabinet or cupboard. Behind or beneath debrisBehind or beneath debris

Remember that victims may be unable Remember that victims may be unable to respond or may be too frightened to to respond or may be too frightened to movemove


One slash on door indicates someone is inside currently searching the room or building. If left incomplete, it means they are still in there!

Note initials of searchers (or Team #).

Note the time searchers or team entered.


7:31 am

Gas offBlue

0Completed “X” with necessary information recorded. Only complete upon exiting!

Search Markings Search Markings (Continued)(Continued)

Use Commonly Understood TerminologyUse Commonly Understood Terminology Before Going In, Fill In:Before Going In, Fill In:

Top Quadrant – Time/Date SearchedTop Quadrant – Time/Date Searched Left Quadrant – Team Name(s)Left Quadrant – Team Name(s)

After Completing Search, Fill In:After Completing Search, Fill In: Right Quadrant – Hazards Found in RoomRight Quadrant – Hazards Found in Room Bottom Quadrant - Number of Dead, Bottom Quadrant - Number of Dead,

Injured or Trapped Victims Injured or Trapped Victims Still InsideStill Inside E.G.:E.G.: 2 – Alive2 – Alive

1 – Dead1 – Dead

(Use “0” if no victims are left in room/structure)(Use “0” if no victims are left in room/structure)

Decision to Attempt RescueDecision to Attempt Rescue

Is it safe to proceed/continue operations?Is it safe to proceed/continue operations? What are the risks involved to the rescuer?What are the risks involved to the rescuer? Are those risks acceptable?Are those risks acceptable? What is likelihood that What is likelihood that

situation/environment will deteriorate situation/environment will deteriorate during rescue operation?during rescue operation?

Are you doing the greatest good for the Are you doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people?greatest number of people?

MINIMIZING RISKMINIMIZING RISK

Know Know youryour limitations……be realistic limitations……be realistic

Follow established safety proceduresFollow established safety procedures

Remove debris by leveraging or Remove debris by leveraging or cribbing only – reduce you likelihood of cribbing only – reduce you likelihood of injuryinjury

WHEN CONDUCTING RESCUE WHEN CONDUCTING RESCUE OPERATIONS….OPERATIONS….

Create a safe rescue environmentCreate a safe rescue environment Lift objects out of the way while moving Lift objects out of the way while moving

forwardforward Use tools to move objects, when possibleUse tools to move objects, when possible Carefully remove debris to reduce further Carefully remove debris to reduce further

injuryinjury Triage/stabilize victims (in place, if necessary)Triage/stabilize victims (in place, if necessary) Remove victimsRemove victims

REMOVING VICTIMSREMOVING VICTIMS Self-removal or assisted-removal are Self-removal or assisted-removal are

best (with least chance of further injury)best (with least chance of further injury) Always allow victims to extricate Always allow victims to extricate

themselves whenever possible.themselves whenever possible. Lifts, Drags, and CarriesLifts, Drags, and Carries

Consider nature of victim’s injuries in Consider nature of victim’s injuries in choosing appropriate techniquechoosing appropriate technique

Consider state of victim’s consciousnessConsider state of victim’s consciousness Use proper technique to avoid back injuriesUse proper technique to avoid back injuries

CHOOSING EXTRICATION CHOOSING EXTRICATION METHODMETHOD

Depends upon:Depends upon: General stability of immediate General stability of immediate

environmentenvironment Number of rescuers that are availableNumber of rescuers that are available Strength and abilities of rescuersStrength and abilities of rescuers Condition of the victimCondition of the victim Likelihood of further harm/injury to victimLikelihood of further harm/injury to victim Chances that the situation will worsenChances that the situation will worsen


Walking Assist (Crutch)

WALKING ASSIST (CRUTCH)WALKING ASSIST (CRUTCH)

Use when victim is ambulatory, lightly Use when victim is ambulatory, lightly injured, or disorientedinjured, or disoriented

Place victim’s arm (closest to you) Place victim’s arm (closest to you) around neck and hold wrist with around neck and hold wrist with opposite handopposite hand

Place arm closest to victim around their Place arm closest to victim around their waistwaist

Guide victim to safetyGuide victim to safety

One Person (Honeymoon) One Person (Honeymoon) CarryCarry

Only works with a child or a very light Only works with a child or a very light adultadult

Rescuer crouches down on one knee, Rescuer crouches down on one knee, places one arm under victim’s knees places one arm under victim’s knees and the other arm around their backand the other arm around their back

Rescuer stands back up, being careful Rescuer stands back up, being careful to keep the back straight and aligned to keep the back straight and aligned over their hips, using legs instead of over their hips, using legs instead of back to liftback to lift

One Person Pack-Strap One Person Pack-Strap CarryCarry Better than the “One Person Carry” when Better than the “One Person Carry” when

carrying victim longer distances.carrying victim longer distances. Crouch down and place both victims arms Crouch down and place both victims arms

over your shouldersover your shoulders Cross victim’s arms, grasping the victim’s Cross victim’s arms, grasping the victim’s

opposite wrists opposite wrists with victim’s palms downwith victim’s palms down Pull arms close to chestPull arms close to chest Drive your hips backward into the victim Drive your hips backward into the victim

while bending slightly at the waistwhile bending slightly at the waist Balance the load on your hipsBalance the load on your hips


Fireman’s Carry

FIREMAN’S CARRYFIREMAN’S CARRY Better than other “Better than other “one person” carriesone person” carries when when

one arm needs to be free;one arm needs to be free; Facing head of victim, rescuer crouches down Facing head of victim, rescuer crouches down

and slips arms under victim’s shoulders;and slips arms under victim’s shoulders; Assist victim into semi-standing position, Assist victim into semi-standing position,

pulling victim’s arm closest to you around pulling victim’s arm closest to you around neck; neck;

Put other arm through victim’s legs, drive hips Put other arm through victim’s legs, drive hips under victim and balance victim’s torso on under victim and balance victim’s torso on upper back; stand upupper back; stand up

Hold victim’s wrist with opposite hand (arm Hold victim’s wrist with opposite hand (arm that is through victim’s legs)that is through victim’s legs)


Fireman’s Crawl

FIREMAN’S CRAWLFIREMAN’S CRAWL If victim is unconscious, use a If victim is unconscious, use a

triangular bandage, a torn shirt, etc triangular bandage, a torn shirt, etc to tie the casualty's wrists together.to tie the casualty's wrists together. Knee over victim;Knee over victim; Place loop formed by hands/arms over Place loop formed by hands/arms over

rescuer’s head and around neck;rescuer’s head and around neck; Crawl forward.Crawl forward.

This technique can be used to move This technique can be used to move a person much heavier victim.a person much heavier victim.

Very useful technique in smoky areasVery useful technique in smoky areas


Piggyback Carry

PIGGY-BACK CARRYPIGGY-BACK CARRY

Lift the casualty from a standing or Lift the casualty from a standing or sitting position onto your back by sitting position onto your back by grasping legs. grasping legs.

Victim holds on by putting arms Victim holds on by putting arms around rescuer’s shouldersaround rescuer’s shoulders

Don't use if the casualty is Don't use if the casualty is unconscious or has arm injuries.unconscious or has arm injuries.


Two-Hand Carry

TWO-HAND CARRYTWO-HAND CARRY

A way to carry a conscious casualty who A way to carry a conscious casualty who can’t walk or support their upper body. can’t walk or support their upper body.

Make a hook with your fingers by folding Make a hook with your fingers by folding them towards your palmthem towards your palm

Grab onto your partner's "hook". Grab onto your partner's "hook". If you don't have any gloves, use a piece of If you don't have any gloves, use a piece of

cloth to protect your hand from the other cloth to protect your hand from the other rescuer's nails. rescuer's nails.

This is another good reason to wear This is another good reason to wear gloves!gloves!


Four-Hand Carry

FOUR-HAND CARRYFOUR-HAND CARRY Both rescuers grasp the top of their Both rescuers grasp the top of their

left wrist with their right hand.left wrist with their right hand. Both rescuers then grasp each other’s Both rescuers then grasp each other’s

right wrist with their left handright wrist with their left hand Have victim sit on hands and place Have victim sit on hands and place

their arms around necks of rescuerstheir arms around necks of rescuers This carry is a good carry for a This carry is a good carry for a

conscious casualty who can use hands conscious casualty who can use hands and arms for support, but can’t walk.and arms for support, but can’t walk.

LIFTS, DRAGS AND CARRIESLIFTS, DRAGS AND CARRIES

Two-Person CarryTwo-Person Carry Have victim cross their arms in front of Have victim cross their arms in front of

chestchest Rescuer at head crouches behind victim, Rescuer at head crouches behind victim,

inserts arms through armpits, and grasps inserts arms through armpits, and grasps forearms of victim (do not hold onto chest)forearms of victim (do not hold onto chest)

22ndnd Rescuer stands between victim’s legs Rescuer stands between victim’s legs and grasps legs behind/above kneesand grasps legs behind/above knees

If short distance, 2If short distance, 2ndnd Rescuer faces victim Rescuer faces victim If longer distance, 2If longer distance, 2ndnd Rescuer faces away Rescuer faces away

from victim from victim

CHAIR CARRYCHAIR CARRY The The Chair CarryChair Carry can be used for a can be used for a

conscious or unconscious casualty, but conscious or unconscious casualty, but not for someone with suspected not for someone with suspected head/spinal injuries. head/spinal injuries.

For their protection, secure the casualty's For their protection, secure the casualty's hands across his or her chesthands across his or her chest

If the casualty is unconscious, secure the If the casualty is unconscious, secure the victim to the chairvictim to the chair

Do not try with swivel chairsDo not try with swivel chairs!!

Chair Carry (Cont.)Chair Carry (Cont.) Pick or help victim up and place them or sit Pick or help victim up and place them or sit

them in the chairthem in the chair Rescuer (head) grasps back of chair at sidesRescuer (head) grasps back of chair at sides Rescuer (head) tilts chair back onto rear Rescuer (head) tilts chair back onto rear

legslegs For short distances, 2For short distances, 2ndnd Rescuer faces victim Rescuer faces victim

and grabs front chair legsand grabs front chair legs For long distances, 2For long distances, 2ndnd Rescuer faces away Rescuer faces away Rescuers stand, keeping back straight & Rescuers stand, keeping back straight &

using legs to liftusing legs to lift

Shoulder or Ankle DragShoulder or Ankle Drag Grasp victim by clothing under shouldersGrasp victim by clothing under shoulders Keep your arms on both sides of head, Keep your arms on both sides of head,

supporting headsupporting head Lean back, pulling with legs, not your backLean back, pulling with legs, not your back Be careful not to choke victim with clothingBe careful not to choke victim with clothing

oror Grasp victim by ankles or pants cuffsGrasp victim by ankles or pants cuffs Pull with legs, not backPull with legs, not back Only use when dragging on smooth Only use when dragging on smooth

surfacessurfaces!!

Blanket DragBlanket Drag

Roll victim onto blanket, using three Roll victim onto blanket, using three persons or log-roll technique persons or log-roll technique (keeping back straight and spine (keeping back straight and spine aligned)aligned)

Align victim on blanket with victim’s Align victim on blanket with victim’s head about 2 feet from one cornerhead about 2 feet from one corner

Wrap blanket corners around victimWrap blanket corners around victim Gather up part of blanket nearest Gather up part of blanket nearest

head and keep your back straight head and keep your back straight and use legs to pulland use legs to pull

In Conclusion….In Conclusion….

Threat of disasters are a part of everyday Threat of disasters are a part of everyday life in Southern Californialife in Southern California

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail…Failing to prepare is preparing to fail… Your students, family and neighbors may Your students, family and neighbors may

have to depend on have to depend on youyou to do the right thing to do the right thing in an emergency or disasterin an emergency or disaster

In a major disaster, you are likely to be a In a major disaster, you are likely to be a “first responder”“first responder”

Commitment -Commitment -An Agreement to do Something in the Future

Next Steps:Next Steps:

1.1. Create an Emergency Plan for your home.Create an Emergency Plan for your home.

2.2. Set-up an Out-of-State Contact – Share.Set-up an Out-of-State Contact – Share.

3.3. Assemble an Emergency Kit for home and car.Assemble an Emergency Kit for home and car.

4.4. Familiarize yourself with the Site Safety Plan.Familiarize yourself with the Site Safety Plan.

5.5. Know the location of the Assembly Area and Know the location of the Assembly Area and Disaster Supplies.Disaster Supplies.

6.6. Discuss and run practice drills with children to Discuss and run practice drills with children to reduce fear & anxiety.reduce fear & anxiety.

emergency/disaster preparedness essentials of search & rescue george e. hunter disaster...

Documents

search areas

search plan

search rescuesearch

equipment available

plan of action

map of site

buddy system

knowninitial action