Search & Rescue RIC.pdf - Los Angeles County Firefighters ...

LOS ANGELES COUNTY 

FIRE DEPARTMENT 

CONTEXT TRAINING PROGRAM 

JANUARY

LOS ANGELES COUNTY 

FIRE DEPARTMENT 


RAPID INTERVENTION CREWS 

SEARCH AND RESCUE 

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT 



1. Rapid Intervention Crew Procedures 

a. During the first alarm incidents, the IC shall designate at least two 

personnel (preferably one engine company and additional units as needed 

for specific hazards) as a standby crew or a RIC, whenever personnel are 

engaged in IDLH operations. At this time, consideration should be given 

to requesting an ambulance through Fire Command and Control for 

standby. 

b. One USAR Task Force company and one additional engine company will 

automatically be dispatched to all second alarm incidents (except wildland 

fires). Unless otherwise assigned, the USAR company should be 

assigned to coordinate and augment the original RIC on all multiple-alarm 

incidents. If USAR companies are not available, the IC may substitute a 

truck company, or other appropriate resources. When there are no 

hazardous materials situations present, consideration may be given to the 

use of the hazardous materials task force units to augment the RIC with 

manpower needs or as a RIC for confined space rescues. 

c. As the incident progresses, the IC/Operations shall evaluate the RIC and 

upgrade or create multiple RICs as necessary to meet worsening 

conditions, newly discovered hazards, or incidents which grow too large to 

be covered by only one RIC. Multiple RICs can be organized into a RIC 

group for ICS organizational purposes. At the request of the IC, Fire 

Command and Control shall assign a separate tactical frequency for use 

by the RIC team. 

d. RIC Readiness: Upon assignment to a RIC, members shall report to a 

position near the command post or other area designated by the IC, in a 

full state of readiness. The RIC leader shall report to the incident 

commander (or Ops if established) to review current conditions, known 

hazards, locations of committed personnel and units, the incident action 

plan, communications plan for RIC tactical frequency, and potential rapid 

intervention plans. The RIC leader shall evaluate the current capabilities of 

the RIC and, if necessary, make recommendations to enhance the RIC 

capabilities to match on-scene conditions. RIC shall also note the location 

of the incident ambulance and, if established, the Medical Base.

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e. Personnel Accountability System Roster: Unless directed otherwise by 

the IC, the RIC leader shall assign a RIC member to prepare the written 

PAS Incident Personnel Roster, while the RIC personnel wait in the 

standby mode near the command post. Preparation of an accurate PAS 

Roster will contribute to RIC effectiveness by knowledge of personnel 

locations and assignments. Once the PAS Roster has been completed, it 

is to be given to the IC. The PAS Roster will assist the IC in accounting 

for all personnel during a head count. 

f. RIC Briefing: The RIC leader shall provide a briefing to the team 

members, identifying current conditions, known hazards, the locations of 

committed personnel and units, and tentative RIC plans of action in 

response to potential “fire fighter down” situations. 

g. RIC Equipment Pool: The RIC shall establish an equipment pool based 

on the hazards and RIC situations that are most likely to be encountered 

at the incident. The equipment pool shall be located for rapid use if a 

rapid intervention operation is required. The following is a guideline for 

RIC equipment: 

1. For fires, each member of the RIC should have: 

a. Full protective personal equipment, HT radio, with SCBA and 

PAL. 

b. One Big Beam flashlight (in addition to other flashlights) 

suspended on lanyard or other method. 

c. One drop bag. 

d. One forcible entry tool for escape. 

2. RIC equipment suggested for fires in wood frame/heavy 

timber/ordinary construction: Pickhead axes, pike poles, rotary saw 

with wood cutting blade, chain saw, sledge hammer, Haligan tool or 

other similar equipment. Additionally, a search rope, charged hose 

lines, ground ladders as needed, access to aerial ladders as 

needed, air bags/shoring/cribbing if collapse hazard, and a thermal 

imaging system when available.

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3. RIC equipment suggested for fires in non-combustible/fire resistive 

construction: Halligan tool or other prying tools, sledge hammers, 

rotary saw with metal cutting blade and/or concrete cutting blade, 

cutting torch, search rope, charged hose lines, air 

bags/shoring/cribbing if collapse hazard, ground ladders as 

needed, access to aerial ladders as needed, and a thermal imaging 

system when available. 

4. RIC equipment suggested for collapse operations: Air bags, 

shoring and cribbing, air knife/air vacuum as needed, submersible 

pump as needed, torches and cutting saws, fiber optic scopes, 

search cameras, thermal imaging when available or as needed, 

other related equipment based on the hazard. 

5. RIC equipment for other high-risk incident types should be based 

on the particular hazards as recommended by technical specialists 

and as required by law (i.e. intrinsically safe equipment for confined 

space operations, etc.). 

h. Automatic Aid/Mutual Aid: When responded with an outside agency into 

their jurisdictional area, our personnel shall follow the “standby crew” 

guidelines and provide an outside standby crew for our own personnel, 

unless they have ensured that a standard RIC is being provided by the 

outside agency. When an outside agency is responding with us into our 

jurisdiction, a County of Los Angeles Fire Department unit should be 

utilized for RIC purposes, and the outside agency unit utilized for other 

assignments. 

i. Demobilization: The IC shall demobilize, reduce, or reassign the RIC 

when personnel are no longer exposed to IDLH conditions. This may 

include the release of USAR units and/or the truck company from the RIC 

if there are no collapse hazards or other conditions that necessitate their 

presence, and if a single engine company can perform the RIC functions 

adequately.

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2. “Fire Fighter Down” Procedures 


a. Any personnel who become aware that a member is seriously injured, 

trapped, lost, or in need of other immediate life-saving assistance, shall 

immediately initiate or ensure that a “fire fighter down” notification is made. 

1. Request “emergency traffic” from the IC on the command and/or 

tactical channel and state: “Fire Fighter Down!” 

2. Once radio traffic has been cleared by the Fire Command and 

Control Facility, the individual reporting the “fire fighter down” 

condition shall provide as much information as possible about the 

nature of the situation, including the following types of information: 

a. The identification of the member(s) and company involved. 

b. The number of personnel affected. 

c. An accurate location of the “fire fighter down” situation. 

d. A brief description of the situation and any special equipment 

or capabilities required to find or rescue the affected 

personnel. 

e. An assessment of whether the member or company can 

assist in their own rescue, and the best avenues of travel to 

reach the “fire fighter down” site. 

f. Any special hazards to personnel attempting to assist. 

3. If unable to contact the IC, the member shall notify Fire Command 

and Control on the command channel. FCCF will relay the 

information to the IC. 

4. The member or company shall take whatever immediate action is 

necessary to safely begin search and rescue operation, to be 

augmented by the RIC. 

5. RIC operation shall begin immediately thereafter. Personnel and 

units that are performing critical operations (i.e. fire fighting and 

exposure protection in support of the rapid intervention efforts or 

other life-safety needs, etc.) shall discontinue those efforts if such 

action will result in life hazards to fire fighters or citizens. RIC 

teams shall operate in teams of two or more.

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b. Upon receiving a report of a “fire fighter down” emergency situation, the IC 

shall assign the RIC to begin search and rescue operations and notify Fire 

Command and Control of the situation. 

c. Fire Command and Control, upon receiving a report of a “fire fighter down” 

condition, shall immediately clear the command (and tactical, when 

possible) channels of all but “emergency traffic” and broadcast a “Fire 

Fighter Down” notification to all units operating on the incident. 

d. Operations section chief, branch directors, division/group supervisors, 

company officers, and other on-scene supervisors, upon receiving 

notification of a “fire fighter down” emergency, shall immediately conduct a 

head count to account for all personnel under their command, and report 

any missing personnel to the IC, through the ICS chain of command. 

They shall then make an assessment of their current situation and 

resources with respect to the ability to provide augmentation resources to 

assist with the RIC operation. 

e. The IC/Ops shall confer with the RIC to determine if additional resources 

are needed, and establish a formal rapid intervention plan. 

f. Other operating units shall continue to perform critical functions (i.e. fire 

fighting, exposure protection, rescue of civilians, etc.), unless otherwise 

directed by the IC or other supervisor. 

g. Companies that are not engaged in critical operations shall be made 

immediately available to the rapid intervention group via the IC/Ops, to 

support the rapid intervention. These companies should assemble in a 

staging area until their assistance is requested by the RIC. 

h. Fire Command and Control shall immediately dispatch an ambulance and 

will prompt the IC to consider a request for either an air squad to provide 

immediate air transport of injured personnel to trauma centers or an 

additional ground squad.

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i. Upon entry into the area to be searched, the RIC shall remain in working 

teams of two or more. The RIC members would be well advised to allow 

for a “moment of silence” upon entry into the general search area by 

stopping all movement, work activity and reducing breathing/air bottle 

sounds. This silence will allow for “active listening” for PASS (Personal 

Alert Safety System) device alarms, audible sounds from injured/trapped 

fire fighters, or possible radio noises/squelch coming from trapped 

members. Frequently the trapped/lost member can be located 

immediately by these telltale sounds when rescuers take a moment to 

actually listen for them. Also scan the area for flashing light from the 

strobe light on the PASS device.

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APPENDIX I 

Definitions 

COMPANY UNITY: A term to indicate that a fire company or unit shall remain together 

in a cohesive, identifiable working group, to ensure personnel accountability and the 

safety of all members. A company officer or unit leader shall be responsible for the 

adequate supervision, control, communication and safety of members of the company 

or unit. This concept is further described in the Emergency Operations Manual Volume 

10, Chapter 3, Subject 1, "Emergency Incident Safety Instructions." 

"FIRE FIGHTER DOWN" CONDITION: A term given to any situation in which 

personnel are reported to be lost, trapped, seriously injured, or otherwise needing 

immediate assistance. Whenever anyone at the incident reports "fire fighter down", 

Rapid Intervention Crew operations shall immediately begin. The term "fire fighter 

down" is being used by our Department in the interest of "clear text," however it is 

important for our personnel working in mutual aid and automatic aid situations to be 

aware that other neighboring fire agencies may utilize the terms "fire fighter red alert" or 

"code red." 

FULL STATE OF READINESS: Personnel with full protective personal equipment, 

SCBA, rescue ropes, entry tools, search/rescue equipment for specific hazards, 

available hose lines, standing by at the Command Post or other assigned location, 

monitoring radios and conditions of the incident, constantly ready to immediately begin 

search, rescue, extrication, and removal of lost, trapped, or injured fire fighters. 

HEAD COUNT (ROLL CALL): A term to indicate the process of conducting a "roll call" 

of all personnel on an emergency incident, following the order for operational retreat 

from a hazardous environment. The head count shall be supervised by the Incident 

Commander, and provide a rapid means of determining if all companies, units and 

individuals can be accounted for, in a place of safety. On large scale incidents, 

operations section chief, branch directors, division/group supervisors, strike team 

leaders, unit leaders, etc., shall report the results of the head count for their assigned 

resources to the next higher ICS level, for rapid transmittal to the Incident Commander. 

If any members are unaccounted for, the head count shall be repeated, and/or runners 

sent to verify the status .of unreported personnel.

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IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND HEALTH (IDLH): An atmosphere that 

poses an immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or 

would impair an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere. Conditions 

present during an advanced (beyond incipient stage) interior structural fire create an 

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health Atmosphere. IDLH examples include, but 

are not limited to, the following: 

A. Fires and earthquake damage to pre-1933 brick construction 

B. Fires and earthquake damage to facades (supported and unsupported) 

C. Fires in lightweight construction 

D. Potential flashover and backdraft conditions 

E. Extensive roof operations 

F. Fires in occupancies with large basements or large spaces where getting 

lost is a high potential 

G. Multiple fire attack teams working inside and on upper floors 

H. High rise fires 

I. Refinery fires 

J. Fires and other incidents in Metro Rail tunnels, mines and other 

subterranean locations 

K. Structural collapse from earthquakes, explosions, floods, wind, and other 

causes 

L. Confined space rescue 

M. Trench rescues 

N. Hazardous materials incidents 

O. Possible terrorism incidents 

P. Some transportation accidents

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"INITIAL STAGES" OF AN INCIDENT: The period of time involving the tasks 

undertaken by the first arriving company with only one team assigned or operating in 

the hazardous area. This is the time period when two personnel remain outside the 

hazard area as "standby personnel," for assistance or emergency rescue at incidents 

requiring entry into the danger area. Once a second team is assigned or operating in 

the hazardous area, the incident shall no longer be considered in the "initial stage", and 

at least one Rapid Intervention Crew shall be required (thus also ending the time period 

for "standby personnel"). 

INTERIOR STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTING: Refers to the physical activity of fire 

suppression, rescue or both, inside of buildings or enclosed structures which are 

involved in a fire situation beyond the incipient stage. 

PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM (PAS): The term used to describe the 

Department's method of maintaining constant awareness of the identities and location of 

all personnel involved in emergency operations. This Department utilizes the ICS 

principles of company unity and unity of command as the cornerstone of its Personnel 

Accountability System. The PAS is necessary to ensure that all personnel may be 

quickly located after an adverse event (i.e., collapse or flashover), when an operational 

retreat is ordered, when a head count is requested or when a "fire fighter down" is 

reported. 

RAPID INTERVENTION CREW (RIC): A term used to describe a group of at least two 

personnel (preferably one engine company and additional units as needed for specific 

hazards) who are assembled in a full state of readiness for rapid entry, search, and 

rescue of other members during an emergency incident. The RIC should have a 

designated RIC leader, preferably an officer. Personnel assigned to a RIC shall be fully 

equipped for the particular hazards that may be encountered, with protective personal 

equipment and appropriate search/rescue equipment. They shall maintain constant 

awareness of the number and identity of members operating in the hazardous area, 

their location and function, and time of entry. The RIC should remain in a full state of 

readiness, near the command post or location assigned by the IC.

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STANDBY, STANDBY CREW, STANDBY MEMBER: A reference to two 

members/personnel who remain outside the hazard area during the "initial stages" of an 

incident, when only one team is operating in the hazardous area. The standby members 

are responsible for maintaining a constant awareness of the number and identity of 

members operating in the hazardous area, their location and function and time of entry. 

The standby members shall remain in radio, visual or signal line communications with 

the entry team. One standby member shall be permitted to perform other duties outside 

of the hazardous area, such as apparatus operator, incident commander, or technician 

or aide, provided constant communication is maintained between the standby member 

and members of the entry team. Full protective clothing, protective equipment and 

SCBA shall be immediately accessible for use by the outside standby team if the need 

for rescue activities inside the hazard area is necessary. The standby members shall 

don full protective clothing, protective equipment and SCBA, and "notify the department" 

of their impending entry, by contacting the IC (or notifying the dispatcher) prior to 

entering the hazard area. 

UNITY OF COMMAND: The concept that every individual within an organization reports 

to one and only one designated supervisor. This principle is intended to clarify reporting 

relationships and eliminate the confusion caused by multiple, conflicting directives. 

V10-C3-S3

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SEARCH 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Search consists of the procedures necessary to examine closely and carefully for a 

victim and initiate the prompt action necessary to remove them from imminent danger. 

The main objective of this exercise is to establish safe standardized procedures for 

companies to utilize during their interior search and rescue operations. Always keep 

"RISK VERSUS BENEFIT" in your mind when developing a search plan. 

1. Preparation and planning: 


a. Preparation is mandatory before a safe search and rescue operation can 

be initiated. 

b. Preparation should begin with a periodic preplan of designated structures 

within the jurisdictional district. The emphasis should be on floor plans, 

special hazards and occupant loads. Things to consider during the 

preplan: 

(1) Time of day: In combination with the type of occupancy, it will set 

the parameters for search and rescue. 

(2) Type of occupancy: It will determine the potential occupant load. 

The number of people in the fire building is our primary concern. 

(3) Type of construction: This will determine the structural stability. 

(4) Size: Generally, large structures are more complex and dangerous 

to Firefighters. More planning, organization and manpower will be 

required. Since one of our primary concerns is to maintain 

communication between all search team members, we cannot 

search large buildings with the techniques described in this 

document. Large buildings or rooms will have to be ventilated prior 

to primary search. There have been cases where Firefighters have 

become disoriented and died because they attempted to search a 

warehouse or large building. It would be very dangerous to search 

a smoke-filled warehouse with collapsed racks and storage.

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SEARCH AND RESCUE cont: 

(5) Access or egress: Evaluate all openings that can be used as entry 

and exit locations. Keep in mind that you will be moving a 1 3/4" 

line around with you during the primary search. Evaluate the 

effective reach of the 1 3/4" line within the building. 

(6) Environment: Evacuate, the environment in and around the 

structure for hazardous situations. 

2. Prepare to enter the structure: 

a. The initial search and rescue team needs to consider the following prior to 

entering the building: 

(1) The general structural condition of the building. Remember: "RISK 

VERSUS BENEFIT". 

(2) Attempt to determine the location (and extension) of the fire or 

hazardous condition. 

(3) Consider immediate ventilation of the structure as an effective tool 

to assist in search and rescue. If positive pressure ventilation is 

immediately started, the search team could walk around the, 

structure to search for potential victims. Otherwise, the search team 

would be crawling around the structure in a much more 

time-consuming search. Remember, the quicker we can get to the 

victims, the better the chance they have of surviving. A 

"coordinated attack" also includes the search and rescue teams. 

(4) Identify the type of occupancy and any associated hazards. 

(5) Determine access/ingress points and possible escape routes. 

(6) Determine, if possible, if there are any known victims and their 

locations. 

(7) Secure the utilities. 

b. Determine the type of rescue that will be needed to remove any victims.

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3. Search Markings: 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, FIRE DEPARTMENT 



a. There are four markings used at the entrances to buildings and individual 

rooms. (See: Entrance and Search Markings, page 16.) 

4. Search phases: 

(1) The arrow is drawn on or near the opening used to enter the 

building. 

(2) The arrow with a slash through it indicates that the opening or door 

is not to be used as an entrance to a building/room. 

(3) A single diagonal slash is drawn on or near the arrow by the 

building/room entrance. This single slash indicates that primary 

search has begun inside the building/room. 

(4) A second crossing slash is drawn through the first slash when the 

primary search phase has been completed. All pertinent search 

status information is then indicated as shown in the example on 

page 16. Search markings should be placed on the lower 1/3 of the 

interior walls and doors to make them easier to find should smoke 

conditions worsen. 

a. PRIMARY: A rapid search of all involved and exposed areas affected by 

the incident. This phase can be accomplished by a fire attack team or the 

designated search team with a 1 3/4" line. The emphasis should be on a 

rapid scan of the areas to be searched. 

b. SECONDARY: This phase focuses on a thorough and complete 

inspection of the areas searched during the primary search. A second set 

of search markings should be placed next to the first markings. The 

emphasis in this phase is to guarantee that there are no victims left in the 

building. 

NOTE: If possible do not use primary search personnel to conduct the secondary 

search. A different perspective is important.

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ENTRANCE & SEARCH MARKINGS 

SINGLE SLASH WHEN ENTERING 

STRUCTURE, ROOM, OR AREA 

ENTRANCE TO STRUCTURE 

SECOND SLASH WHEN EXITING 

STRUCTURE, ROOM OR AREA 

NOT 

ENTRANCE TO STRUCTURE 

OR ROOM 

COMPANY 

DESIGNATOR 

Victim 

Status 

EXAMPLE: 

E - 7 

T - 8 

3 DEAD 

5 LIVE 

NUMBER OF 

VICTIMS 

NO 

VICTIMS

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5. Entering the structure/room: 




a. The two primary considerations during search and rescue operations are: 

(1) Firefighter safety 

(2) Survivability of the victims 

b. These tasks are best accomplished and coordinated by preparing a 

search Plan prior to entering the areas to be searched. This plan should 

be developed at the exterior of the building prior to entry. The Search Plan 

should contain the following information: 

(1) A clear understanding of the type of search to be conducted and 

how it is to be performed by each member. 

(2) An emergency evacuation signal that can be identified by all team members. 

(3) Identify two escape routes. 

(4) Discuss pertinent information: 

(a). 

(b). 

(c). 

Possible location of victims 

Hazardous materials or conditions that might be present 

Special construction hazards 

(5) Floor plan information, if available. 

6. Equipment: 

a. Full personal safety equipment with drop bag 

b. S.C.B.A. with P.A.S.S. unit 

c. Flashlight (preferably a Big Beam light) 

d. Portable radio 

e. Forcible entry/probing tools 

f. Search marker (Chalk/grease pencil)

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7. The search pattern: ALWAYS WORK IN PAIRS! 

If poor visibility is encountered, conduct the search on your hands and knees. In 

a two Firefighter search team, the search team leader always remains at the door 

for orientation. The remaining-Firefighter-enters the room, turns to the left and 

follows the wall until a complete perimeter search of the room is completed. (See 

Diagram #1). It is imperative that contact with the wall is maintained at all times. 

Sweep out toward the center of the room with your tool and maintain contact with 

the wall. If a piece of furniture is encountered, sweep on top, behind and 

underneath for potential victims. 

If a door is encountered, test it for heat, open it very slowly and sweep it with 

your tool to determine if it is a closet. If you cannot touch a wall, close the door 

and notify the search team leader. The new room will be searched after the 

search team finishes the current room. Never search more than one room at a 

time. All members of the search team must always maintain communication with 

the search team leader at the door. The entire search team must move to the 

next doorway before that room can be searched. 

While the first team member is searching to the left in a clockwise direction, the 

second team member is searching to the right in a counterclockwise direction. 

Both members shall stay in contact with the wall at all times. When they meet at 

the middle of the far wall, they turn and search the middle of the room. They 

remain in contact with each other as they return to the search team leader at the 

door, (See: Diagram #2). 

The search team leader must maintain orientation for the search team. This is 

done through voice contact or noise generated by tapping. The search team 

leader searches as large an area in from the door as possible. The search team 

leaders primary responsibility is the safety of the team members inside the room 

being searched. If the room being searched is so large that voice or noise 

contact cannot be maintained, the search must be discontinued until adequate 

ventilation is provided to improve visibility.

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DIAGRAM #1 

DIAGRAM #2

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Overall search team safety and efficiency increases dramatically when the 

search team leader maintains the orientation with the search team within 

the room. 

Once a primary search has been concluded, the appropriate marking will be 

made before moving to search another room. The search team leader will check 

to see if other rooms can be safely searched. If it is not safe to enter a room, 

then the entire team must move together to any remaining rooms to be 

searched. All team members must be accounted for before moving on to search 

any additional areas. 

8. Victim rescue methods and priorities: 

The safest and most effective method to remove victims to safety is with two or 

more rescuers. This may not always be possible. The search team leader 

coordinates the removal of victims by the search team. The team leader must 

also evaluate all staffing and resource needs, while maintaining the search team 

orientation and safety. Additional search teams should be requested if a victim 

is found. It is extremely difficult to remove victims that are found to be 

unconscious, obese, or badly burned. 

9. Status reports: 

a. The search team leader reports to the I.C. or division/group supervisor the 

following information: 

(1). Location of the search team and the current fire conditions at that 

location. 

(2). The number and condition of any victims and any resource needs. 

(3). The start and finish of a primary or secondary search. Upon exiting 

the structure, a status report shall be made to the I.C. State what 

type of search has been completed and the status of the search 

team.

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10. Key points: 

a. Safety first - Civilian and Firefighter life safety is the number one priority. 

The development of skills through training and preplans will minimize the 

risks. 

b. Always work in pairs. 

c. Develop a plan - Identify escape routes, emergency signals, phase of 

search, individual assignments, preplan information and any additional 

information. 

d. There are two phases of search: They are primary and secondary search. 

e. Make status reports prior to entry and after exiting the structure. Transmit 

any victims found, any pertinent information that would assist the I.C., type 

of search and the status of the search team. 

f. Use sound search, rescue and evacuation strategies and tactics at all 

times. 

The examples given in the following pages are examples of victim removal from a 

hostile environment (Figures 1 - 9). 

REFERENCE MATERIAL: 

1. FIRE COMMAND, PAGES 129-141. 

2. ESSENTIALS OF FIREFIGHTING, CHAPTER 7. 

3. TRAINING BULLETIN 2. 

4. TRUCK COMPANY OPERATIONS TRAINING GUIDE, SUBJECT 2. 

5. VOLUME 10, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 1, 3.

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FIGURE #1 

- Quickly check mask seal for tightness (to keep out fire gases and smoke). 

- Quickly check the air gauge on the breathing apparatus bottle (to avoid suffocation). 

Make sure there is enough air left in the bottle to reach a safe environment. 

- Carefully roll the fire fighter on his or her back. 

- Check the waist strap for tightness. 

- Firmly grasp the shoulder strap close to the breathing apparatus frame. (If two 

rescuers are involved, they both grasp a shoulder strap on each side of the victim.) 

- Lift the shoulders of the victim and back out (stay low in crouch position if in a high 

heat environment). Keep the head of the victim tilted back. Slide the victim on the 

lower portion of the breathing apparatus bottle, no on the valve. Be careful of any 

hazards or debris as you back up. 

- Remove the victim to a safe environment, initiate basic life support as needed.

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FIGURE #2 

UNCONSCIOUS VICTIM REMOVAL WITH ONE RESCUER 

GEORGIA STREET OR CROSS-ARM METHOD 

- Approach the victim from the front. Bend down on one knee and grasp an arm. 

Pull the victim up against your knee. 

- Hold onto the arm of the victim as you proceed behind them. Keep the head of 

the victim tilted back. 

- Position yourself behind the victim. Extend your arms straight ahead, under the 

arms of the victim. Grasp the left arm of the victim with your right hand. Grasp 

the right arm of the victim with your left hand. 

- Bend at the hips and knees, and use your legs for lifting. Stand up with the 

victim (stay low in crouch position if in a high heat environment). Check the head 

position. 

- As a single rescuer, watch for hazards as you back out. Take the victim to a safe 

environment. Initiate basic life support as needed.

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FIGURE #3 

UNCONSCIOUS VICTIM REMOVAL WITH TWO RESCUERS 

GEORGIA STREET OR CROSS-ARM METHOD 

- Rescuer #1 approaches the victim from the front, bends down on one knee and 

grasps an arm. The victim is pulled up against the knee of rescuer #1. 

- Rescuer #2 is positioned behind the victim. Extend your arms straight ahead, 

under the arms of the victim. Grasp the left arm of the victim with your right 

hand. Grasp the right arm of the victim with your left hand. 

- Rescuer #1 faces the same direction as rescuer #2 and bends down to pick up 

the legs of the victim. One of the legs of the victim is placed on either side of 

rescuer #1. 

- Both rescuers bend at their hips and knees, using their legs for lifting. 

- Watch for hazards as you remove the victim. Take the victim to a safe 


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FIGURE #4 

UNCONSCIOUS VICTIM REMOVAL WITH TWO RESCUERS 

USING A SALVAGE COVER, DEBRIS BAG, OR HALL RUNNER 

- Log-roll the patient onto the salvage cover, debris bag or hall runner. 

- One rescuer prepares to lift up the head end of the patient. The other rescuer 

prepares to pick up the foot end of the patient. 

- Both rescuers face the same direction, as they carefully lift the patient. 



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FIGURE #5 

VICTIM REMOVAL USING A CHAIR WITH TWO RESCUERS 

- Make sure the chair is in good enough shape (strong enough) to carry the victim. 

Do not use an old broken down chair to remove a large person. 

- One rescuer holds the front legs behind his or her body. The other rescuer holds 

onto the back of the chair. 

- Both rescuers are facing the same direction. They lift the patient carefully and 

proceed out of the room. 



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FIGURE #6 

FIREFIGHTER DRAG WITH ONE RESCUER 

- Position the victim on his or her back. 

- Tie the victim’s hands together with any available material. 

- Get down on your hands and knees, facing the head of the patient, while 

straddling the body. 

- Put the tied hands of the patient around your neck and straighten your arms. 

- Drag the patient across the floor by crawling on your hands and knees.

28 



FIGURE #7 

VICTIM REMOVAL DOWN A LADDER WITH TWO OR THREE RESCUERS 

- Tie the hands of the victim together using a hose strap or appropriate material. 

- The victim is placed on the windowsill by the rescuer(s). 

- The victim is positioned on the ladder with the tied wrists placed over the head of 

the rescuer. The victim is now face-to-face with the rescuer on the ladder. 

- The rescuer will grasp the rungs with both hands and raise up one knee to 

support the victim. The knee has created a straddle effect between the victim’s 

legs. 

- Rescuer will descend the ladder slowly, keeping the victim directly in front of the 

rescuer. Constant pressure is maintained with the “straddle” knee. 

- Initiate basic life support as needed.

29 



FIGURE #8 FIGURE #9 

VICTIM REMOVAL DOWN A LADDER WITH THREE RESCUERS 

- The rescuer on the ladder takes a position at the top of the ladder just below the 

windowsill. 

- The two rescuers remaining in the room place the victim on the windowsill, face 

up and feet out the window. 

- The victim is passed out the window across the arms of the rescuer on the 

ladder. 

- The victim is positioned so the knees break over one of the arms of the rescuer. 

The torso is located between the arms of the rescuer. The shoulders of the 

victim are resting on the other arm of the rescuer. 

- The weight of the victim is easily controlled by the rescuer pulling in on the 

beams and forcing the body of the victim into the rungs. 

- The rescuer takes one step at a time down the ladder, sliding the hands down 

the beams. (Continue this method all the way to the ground with a large victim. 

If the victim is small, once the rescuer steps on the ground, the victim can be 

rolled against the chest of the rescuer and carried away. 

Acknowledgements 

Fire Fighters – 108 th Academy: Mo Khazaal, Steve Srott, Chris Siok 

Chris Thomas – Photography, Computer Graphics, Set Production

30 

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT 


PRIMARY SEARCH OF GROUND FLOOR 

OBJECTIVE: 1. Demonstrate the ability to safely and efficiently search a 

building in coordination with firefighting operations. 

2. To answer general information questions about search 

operations. 

3. To-demonstrate search methods utilizing proper techniques 

in a safe manner. 

EQUIPMENT: 1. Flashlight 

2. Drop bag 

3. H.T. radio 

4. Search tool (Short pike pole, axe, etc.) 

5. Search marker (Chalk, grease pencil) 

DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: 

1. All personnel will have personal safety equipment donned 

and S.C.B.A. ready for use. 

2. Answer questions about search. 

3. Assemble the search team and obtain the necessary 

equipment. 

4. Familiarize yourself with the building, develop a search plan 

and make necessary assignments prior to entry. 

5. Execute the primary search plan and assess its 

effectiveness. 

6. Place the approved search marker indications on 

building/rooms entered. 

7. Re-assemble at the entrance to the building/ room and 

account for all personnel. 

8. The drill will be completed when the search team leader 

notifies the IC that the primary search has been completed.

31 



PRIMARY SEARCH OF GROUND FLOOR 

UNIT STATION SHIFT DATE 

NAME 

NAME 

NAME 

NAME 

RANK 

RANK 

RANK 

RANK 

INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE COMPANY SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE 

ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. 

COMPANY HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS 

1. Develop a search plan: 

a. The crew leader conducts a size-up of 

the building and develops a search 

plan in coordination with the I.C. 

b. Identify two escape routes. 

c. Discuss the search plan with the 

search team and make individual 

assignments where needed. 

2. Prepare for entry: 

a. Observe fire conditions. 

b. Ready hoseline (Bleed air). 

c. Assemble necessary tools. 

d. Notify the I.C. that primary search is 

being initiated. 

NAME 

DATE

32 



COMPANY HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: 

3. Enter the building and initiate primary search: 

a. Make the appropriate mark on door. 

b. Always work in pairs (crawl). 

c. First Firefighter turns left, searches 

perimeter of room in a clockwise 

direction. 

d. Second Firefighter turns right, 

searches perimeter of room in a 

counterclockwise direction. 

e. Search team leader remains at the 

door, maintains voice contact and 

orientation with the searchers. 

f. Search team leader searches the area 

around the doorway. 

g. Each searcher maintains contact with 

the wall and sweeps up wall and out 

into the room. 

h. Searchers meet along the-far wall and 

search the center of the room, while 

working their way back to the 

entrance. 

4. Exiting rooms: 

a. Account for all search gear, personnel 

when search is completed. 

b. Make appropriate search marker 

indications on the door. 

c. Close the door to the room. 

d. Search the remaining rooms in the 

building. 

NAME 

DATE

33 




6. Exiting the building: 

a. Assemble outside of the building. 

b. Account for all search team members 

c. Notify I.C. of status. 

NAME 

DATE

34 



PRIMARY SEARCH OF SECOND FLOOR, WITH VICTIM REMOVAL 

OBJECTIVE: 1. 

Demonstrate the ability to safely and efficiently remove a victim 

from a second story window by using, a ground ladder, in 

coordination with firefighting operations. 

2. To answer general information questions about search operations. 

3. To demonstrate search methods utilizing proper techniques in a 

safe manner. 

EQUIPMENT: 1. Flashlight 

2. Drop bag 

3. H.T. radio 

4. Search tool (Short pike pole, axe, etc.) 

5. Search marker (Chalk, grease pencil) 

6. Appropriate ladder. 

DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: 

1. All personnel will have personal safety equipment donned and 

S.C.B.A. ready for use. 

2. Answer questions about search. 

3. Assemble the search team and obtain the necessary equipment. 

4. Familiarize yourself with the building, develop a search plan and 

make necessary assignments, prior to entry. 

5. The search team will unload and raise a ladder to a second story 

window. They will conduct a primary search using appropriate 

techniques. 

6. When the victim is located, the search team will remove the victim 

from the second story window, using the ladder. One of the 

examples provided in this manual is do be used as the technique to 

remove the victim. 

7. The search team leader will advise the I.C. when the victim is 

discovered, along with any other pertinent information. 

8. The drill will be completed when the search team leader notifies the 

IC that the primary search has been completed, the victim removed 

and all personnel accounted for.

35 



PRIMARY SEARCH OF SECOND FLOOR, WITH VICTIM REMOVAL 

UNIT STATION SHIFT DATE 

NAME 

NAME 

NAME 

NAME 

RANK 

RANK 

RANK 

RANK 

INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE COMPANY SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE 

ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. 


1. Develop a search plan: 

a. The crew leader conducts a size-up of the 

building and develops a search plan in 

coordination with the I.C. 

b. Identify two escape routes. 

c. Discuss the search plan with the search team 

and make individual assignments where 

needed. Search team leader advises the 

team of the second story, rescue. 

2. Prepare for entry: 

a. Observe fire conditions. 

b. Assemble appropriate ladder and tools. 

c. Raise and position ladder. The tip of the 

ladder is to be even with the windowsill. 

d. Notify the I.C.-that primary search is being 

initiated. 

NAME 

DATE

36 



PRIMARY SEARCH OF SECOND FLOOR, WITH VICTIM REMOVAL cont: 


3. Gain access by climbing the ladder: 

a. The search team leader foots the ladder from 

the working side to avoid the falling glass. 

b. Firefighter climbs ladder and locks in. 

c. Firefighter gains entry through the window. If 

it is necessary to break the window, the crew 

is warned. Tie off the ladder. 

d. Firefighter sounds the floor directly in front of 

the window before entering the room. 

4. Conduct a primary search of the second floor: 

a. The first firefighter turns left, conducts a 

perimeter search in a clockwise direction. 

The floor is sounded as he advances. 

b. The second Firefighter turns right, conducts a 

perimeter search in a counterclockwise 

direction. The floor is sounded as he 

advances. 

c. Search team leader remains at the window 

and maintains voice contact and orientation 

with the searchers. 

d. Search team leader searches the area 

around the window. 

e. Searchers maintain contact with the wall and 

sweep up wall and out into the room. 

f. If a door is located, sweep it and close it. 

g. Searchers meet along the far wall and search 

the center of the room while working back to 

the search team leader. 

NAME 

DATE

37 



PRIMARY SEARCH OF SECOND FLOOR, WITH VICTIM REMOVAL cont. 


5. Unconscious victim discovered: 

a. Take the victim to the window opening, using 

practiced techniques. 

b. Position the victim at the window. 

c. Firefighter assumes the position on the 

ladder to receive the victim. 

d. Firefighter receives the victim, descends the 

ladder using practiced techniques. 

e. Firefighter removes the victim to a safe area 

when he reaches the ground. 

f. Conduct patient assessment. 

g. Inform the I.C. of the number of victims found 

and their condition. 

h. Remaining searchers complete the primary 

search, using appropriate techniques. 

6. Search team exits the building: 

a. Search team descends ladder. 

b. Search team leader accounts for all search 

team members. 

c. Search team leader notifies the I.C. of search 

team status. 

NAME 

DATE

38 



RATERS ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS 


1. Name two things that the initial search and rescue team needs to consider prior 

to entering a building? 

Answer: 

Structural condition, location of the fire, are there any known 

victims, secure the utilities, identify occupancy type and hazards, 

and identify two escape routes. 

2. What does it mean when an arrow is drawn on or near an opening to a building 

that is to be searched? 

Answer: 

The opening is an entrance/exit. 

3. What does it mean when an arrow with a slash through it is drawn on or near to 

an opening to a building that is to be searched? 

Answer: 

The opening is not to be used as an entrance to the building. 

4. A single diagonal slash is drawn on or near the arrow by the building/room 

entrance. This single slash indicates: 

Answer: 

Primary search has begun inside the building/ room. 

5. What does it mean when a second crossing slash is drawn through the first slash 

that has been placed on or near a building entrance by a search team? 

Answer: 

The primary search phase has been completed. 

6. What do we call a rapid search of all involved and exposed areas affected by an 

incident? 

Answer: 

Primary search. 

7. What action by search teams guarantees that there are no victims left in a 

building? 

Answer: 

A thorough and complete secondary search. 

8. What are the two primary considerations during search and rescue operations? 

Answer: 

Firefighter safety and the survivability of victims.

39 



INSTRUCTIONS: The Battalion information recorded on this form shall be a 

combination of all three shifts Informally Evaluated by the Battalion Chiefs. This form is 

to be submitted by . 

1. The total number of Battalion personnel that 

participated in the Informal Evaluation are: 

2. The total number of people that were unable to 

complete the Informal Evaluation is: 

3. List any problems encountered in the Informal Evaluation: 

ALL RANKS 

ALL RANKS 

4. List additional feedback on the Context Training Program: 

Prepared by: 

Division: 

Battalion: 

Reviewed by: 

Distribution: Original to Battalion Chief files 

2 copies to jurisdictional Assistant Chief

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