Basic Principles of Search & Rescue
How to approach the damaged buildings; Dos & Don’ts
* Damaged buildings and facilities should only be approached from the least dangerous side
* While surveying indoor space in buildings, do not use open fire (Matches, kerosene lamps) for lighting
* When searching for casualties DO NOT walk or stay near badly damaged and collapse-prone buildings
* DO NOT Allow many people to gather in one spot, in shafts, or floors.
* DO NOT go near collapse-prone walls or other constructions.
* Move very carefully over building ruins (only if it is absolutely necessary) as they are unstable heaps of fragments.
* When removing rubble from ruins DO NOT permit abrupt jerks, shaking, or strong blows at the site.
* When clearing ruins, first drag away and extinguish any smoldering or burning objects.
* Open doors to burning rooms very cautiously. Be aware of possible flame or hot gas ejection.
* In burning spaces move by bending low or else on your knees. Try to stay near windows, making it possible to get quickly out of the danger zone if need be.
* If an electrical cable is discovered, suspend it, in order to avoid further damage or tearing; DO NOT step on wires.
Search & Rescue Planning
• Size up – involves assessing the situation and determining a safe action plan.
• Search – involves locating victims and documenting their location.
• Rescue – involves the procedure and methods to extricate victims.
Search & Rescue Size Up
Size-up is a continuous analysis of facts that forms the basis for decision making and planning. It includes following steps:
Gather facts.
* Assess damage to the building.
* Identify your resources.
* Establish the rescue priorities.
* Develop a rescue plan.
* Conduct the rescue.
* Evaluate your progress.
* Each of the size-up steps will provide information that may be critical to search and rescue efforts.
LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE PART 2
