Chapter 10- Search and Rescue
Which situation would require a firefighter to call a MAYDAY? (435) [4.2.4, 4.3.5, 4.3.9] Encountering a hazardous materials spill Portable radio malfunction Finding unidentified victims or occupants SCBA malfunction
SCBA malfunction
Which coupling on a hoseline will indicate you are headed toward an egress point? (471) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] Male Female Joint Bypass
Male
In which search method does the leader remain at a fixed point while searching team members spread out through a room to complete a search? (461) [4.3.9] VEIS method Shelter-in-place method Oriented-search method Wide-area search method
Oriented-search method
What is the purpose of a rapid intervention crew (RIO? (473) [4.3.9, 4.3.10] Rescue injured or trapped victims Perform a secondary search Perform a primary search Rescue injured or trapped firefighters
Rescue injured or trapped firefighters
Escaping to a safe haven is the best option when: (470) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] there is imminent threat of structural collapse. the rest of your team is in the hazard zone. the primary search has been completed. your low-pressure alarm sounds.
there is imminent threat of structural collapse.
In which situation would firefighters likely use an air monitoring device? (440) [4.3.21] A car accident requiring victim extrication A medical call where multiple victims have collapsed for an unknown reason When assisting a high-angle rescue team Fire in a trash container
A medical call where multiple victims have collapsed for an unknown reason
Which acronym describes the mandatory tools carried by a rapid intervention crew? (473) [4.3.9] AWAKE — Air, Water, Axe, K-tool, Extrication PATH — PPE, Axe, Thermal imager, Flashlight PART— PPE, Air monitoring equipment, Radio, Thermal imager AWARE - Air, Water, A Radio, Extrication
AWARE - Air, Water, A Radio, Extrication
When does the secondary search take place? (456) [4.3.9] After the fire is under control During fire suppression operations As soon as resources are available Before fire suppression operations
After the fire is under control
Which of the following actions should be taken immediately when MAYDAY is broadcast? (469) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] All radio traffic ceases and only traffic relating to the MAYDAY is allowed. Personnel near the downed firefighter should proceed to assist with rescue. All assigned units are directed to assist with searching for the firefighter who has broadcast the MAYDAY. The MAYDAY crew is dispatched to locate the downed firefighter.
All radio traffic ceases and only traffic relating to the MAYDAY is allowed.
Where should you start the search on the fire floor? (457) [4.3.9] Where victims are most likely to be As close to the fire as possible At the entrance Where victims will be easiest to rescue
As close to the fire as possible
What should you do if you become entangled while trying to evacuate a building? (473) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] Remove your SCBA and cut the wires Contact the rapid intervention crew by radio Wait calmly for another firefighter to find you Broadcast a MAYDAY, then attempt to free yourself
Broadcast a MAYDAY, then attempt to free yourself
Which action can protect the egress pathways during a search so that the search team can escape if conditions change rapidly? (458) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] Use an air monitoring device to check for dangerous gas levels in the compartment Only allow one search team in an area at a time Open all doors in the path to make more exit points available Close doors along the egress path after rooms are searched
Close doors along the egress path after rooms are searched
Which type of carry or drag is commonly used for children, but is not practical for unconscious adults? (466) [4.3.9] Cradle-in-arms lift/carry Extremities lift/carry Incline drag Webbing drag
Cradle-in-arms lift/carry
Why must locating and isolating the fire be a priority before any search? (454) [4.3.9] Entering to search provides a ventilation opening to the structure, which could cause fire to spread. Smoke from the fire makes performing searches more difficult. Primary search cannot be performed until after the fire has been controlled. Property protection is a higher incident priority than life safety.
Entering to search provides a ventilation opening to the structure, which could cause fire to spread.
What is the best option when rapid fire development is about to occur? (470) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] Advance to the seat of the fire to extinguish it before it grows Shelter in place Escape to a safe haven Remain in place and use the hoseline for protection
Escape to a safe haven
What is a rescuer's role in occupant self-evacuation? (465) [4.3.9] Treating injured victims Keeping bystanders out of the safe haven area Establishing a safe haven away from the structure Moving victims to a protected location inside the structure
Establishing a safe haven away from the structure
After locating a downed firefighter in an IDLH atmosphere, what is the RIC's priority? (474) [4.3.9] Extinguishing the fire Rescuing other victims Exiting the IDLH atmosphere Stabilizing the firefighter's injuries
Exiting the IDLH atmosphere
Which basic firefighting skill serves as an essential survival skill during search and rescue operations? (434) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] Using air monitoring devices to sample the atmosphere Forcing a window or cutting through debris Operating a portable fire extinguisher to put out an incipient fire Using a hoseline to perform hydraulic ventilation
Forcing a window or cutting through debris
In which location would sheltering-in-place likely be used instead of evacuation? (466) [4.3.9] Low-rise apartment building Daycare center Hospital Open-air market
Hospital
Which is an accurate statement about using an air-monitoring device? (441) [4.3.21] If devices are used incorrectly, the safety of everyone around can be in jeopardy. Air-monitoring devices must be used under the supervision of a company officer. Air-monitoring devices can only measure one type of gas, so multiple varieties are needed at each incident. Only one type of air-monitoring device should be used at an incident.
If devices are used incorrectly, the safety of everyone around can be in jeopardy.
Why is breaching interior walls not a preferred method of escape? (472) [4.2.4, 4.3.5, 4.3.9] It could cause possible harm to victims sheltering in the next room. It requires strength, depletes air supply, and creates an additional flow path. It requires specialized tools and requires responders to remove SCBA. It inflicts too much damage on the structure.
It requires strength, depletes air supply, and creates an additional flow path.
Which of the following is one of the three principles of air management? (437) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] Turn your SCBA off once you have found an area of safe haven. Always use short, quick breaths. Always use short, quick breaths. Know your point of no return.
Know your point of no return.
Which condition specific to search and rescue operations should be communicated to crew members and/or your supervisor? (433) [4.3.9] Wind direction and speed Building's construction classification Names of victims or occupants Known locations of victims or occupants
Known locations of victims or occupants
How can you help rescuers find you if you are forced to shelter in place? (439) [4.3.9] Leave all doors open and marked to indicate your location Shine a light through available windows to draw attention to your location Do not go far from your assigned area Remain in the fire compartment
Shine a light through available windows to draw attention to your location
Why should personnel search behind doors and on the floor below windows? (460) [4.3.9] These places must be marked in the primary search. Smoke may overcome occupants while they are trying to escape. Visibility and air quality are best in these places. Occupants are most likely to find shelter in these places.
Smoke may overcome occupants while they are trying to escape.
How does staying low to the floor improve survivability? (470) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] It removes toxins such as carbon monoxide (CO) It allows you to exit a structure more quickly This places a battier between you and the fire, allowing you more time to find an egress point Temperatures are cooler and air may be less contaminated
Temperatures are cooler and air may be less contaminated
Why should firefighters exit the IDLH before their low-pressure alarm activates? (436) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] The remaining air is insufficient to exit even if no emergencies occur. The remaining air is an average, not specific to each firefighter, so it may be insufficient to exit from both short and long distances. The remaining air is insufficient to exit from deep inside a large structure and does not take into account emergencies that may be encountered. Hearing the alarm may cause panic, which will speed up air consumption.
The remaining air is insufficient to exit from deep inside a large structure and does not take into account emergencies that may be encountered.
What types of tools and equipment do search and rescue personnel carry? (452) [4.3.9] Thermal imagers and forcible entry tools pH meters and fluoride test paper Power saws and hydraulic tools Hydraulic rescue equipment
Thermal imagers and forcible entry tools
When should you check your SCBA gauge to see how much air you have left? (437) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] Every time a new area or room is reached Within 30 seconds of entering an IDLH atmosphere When the assigned area is reached Every two minutes
When the assigned area is reached
Which search method employs the use of markers such as knots at regular intervals along the search line to indicate distance from the beginning of the search line? (461) [4.3.9] VEIS method Oriented-search method Wide-area search method Self-evacuation method
Wide-area search method
A primary search is: (456) [4.3.9] a slow, thorough search conducted after the fire is under control. performed by one person. a fast, thorough search performed either before or during fire suppression operations. not the time to rescue victims.
a fast, thorough search performed either before or during fire suppression operations.
A "MAYDAY" is called when: (467) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] there is a partial roof collapse. hazardous materials are found in a structure. a firefighter is in immediate danger. unconscious victims are located.
a firefighter is in immediate danger.
The AHJ should establish action levels that describe how firefighters should respond to high- or low-level alarms while performing: (448) [4.3.21] MAYDAY training. forcible entry. ventilation. air monitoring.
air monitoring.
When you are seeking to escape and you locate a window, you should: (472) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] break the window glass using heavy furniture in the room. use an escape rope to descend from the window. ask Command if opening the window will make interior conditions worse. break the glass and lower yourself to the ground head first.
ask Command if opening the window will make interior conditions worse.
You should leave the hazard zone: (438) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] once all victims have been rescued. if a PASS alarm is activated. when you reach 50% air consumption. at the same time as your team.
at the same time as your team.
If a fire is encountered in a room during search and rescue operations, rescuers should: (454) [4.3.9] close the door and report the conditions. abandon the search and immediately leave the building. leave the door open to provide ventilation to the compartment. mark the door with USAR-approved symbols.
close the door and report the conditions.
If you think your life is in immediate danger, transmit the MAYDAY signal and then: (468) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] activate your PASS device before communicating your situation to the IC. communicate your situation to the IC before activating your PASS device. call the rapid intervention crew. provide personnel accountability report.
communicate your situation to the IC before activating your PASS device.
If there is heavy smoke or extreme heat in a compartment that is being searched, rescuers should: (458) [4.3.9] move below the smoke level. attempt to extinguish the fire. check the heat signature with a thermal imager. stand to get a better view.
move below the smoke level.
Firefighters use air-monitoring devices to: (440) [4.3.21] test the air quality in an SCBA cylinder. measure ambient air temperatures. inspect the air inside apparatus tires. detect oxygen levels and hazardous substances.
detect oxygen levels and hazardous substances.
A tracking device set to search mode: (474) [4.3.9] makes noise to alert rescuers to the downed firefighter's location. is only activated when a PASS device fails. will not transmit a signal through walls, floors, or other solid objects. displays the distance and direction toward another receiver.
displays the distance and direction toward another receiver.
Before entering an IDLH environment, you must: (450) [4.3.9] document the exact tools and equipment you are taking into the structure. ensure that your SCBA is turned on, working properly, and contains a full cylinder of air. estimate the total time to be spent in the structure based on your team's average air consumption rate. don the highest level of PPE available to you.
ensure that your SCBA is turned on, working properly, and contains a full cylinder of air.
During search and rescue operations, rescuers should NOT: (453) [4.3.9] exit the building by turning in the opposite direction that was turned to enter. move quickly and stay close to the wall of a hallway or room when it is filled with smoke. close doors during the search. enter a structure where survivors are not likely to be found.
enter a structure where survivors are not likely to be found.
For firefighters, the environment may remain tenable as long as: (436) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] the IC determines it is safe to remain inside. heat levels and duration of the interior operations stay within acceptable limits for the PPE and SCBA provided. they are wearing PPE and SCBA. they are wearing the highest levels of PPE and SCBA designated for rescue operations.
heat levels and duration of the interior operations stay within acceptable limits for the PPE and SCBA provided.
One limitation of thermal imagers is that: (453) [4.3.9] they may not be able to help improve visibility in an obscured environment. if a structure is carpeted, they may not be able to detect fire on the floors below. they have a fairly long instrument response time. there are no fixed standards for interpretation of data.
if a structure is carpeted, they may not be able to detect fire on the floors below.
An advantage of using thermal imagers during search and rescue operations is: (452) [4.3.9] the ability to detect fires through carpeted floors. improved visibility in an obscured environment. detection of people under or behind furniture and on the opposite side of walls. the ability to see through water, glass, and other reflective surfaces.
improved visibility in an obscured environment.
Under normal conditions, air management increases your work time, but if you are lost or trapped, it: (434) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] will decrease your survivable time before rescue and increase your energy output. increases the amount of time you can survive before escaping or being rescued. will not be effective, because adrenaline and stress will drastically increase your consumption rate. decreases the amount of time you can survive before escaping or being rescued.
increases the amount of time you can survive before escaping or being rescued.
In order to conduct an effective search operation, firefighters must know the: (450) [4.3.9] location of the nearest water supply. layout or floor plan of the building. time the next apparatus will respond. age of the building.
layout or floor plan of the building.
If you are near the downed firefighter when a MAYDAY transmission is made: (469) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] immediately rush to assist with the rescue. immediately ventilate the area. listen closely for your orders after the transmission and do not freelance. exit the area immediately.
listen closely for your orders after the transmission and do not freelance.
An atmosphere is considered hazardous if it contains a hazardous gas in excess of 10 percent of the hazardous material's: (443) [4.3.21] upper combustible limit (UCL). ignition range. lower explosive limit (LEL). flammability threshold.
lower explosive limit (LEL).
When removing a firefighter with functioning SCBA from a hazardous location: (475) [4.3.9] remove the firefighter's facepiece and inspect it before continuing. reconnect the firefighter's facepiece to the SCBA tank. connect the firefighter's facepiece to another SCBA. move the firefighter carefully so as not to dislodge the mask.
move the firefighter carefully so as not to dislodge the mask.
If an exterior wall must be breached during search and rescue operations, rescue personnel: (454) [4.3.9] should maintain contact with the search line or hoseline. must coordinate with the rapid intervention crew before making the opening. should provide the IC with a personnel accountability report (PAR). must coordinate with the IC and ventilation teams before making the opening.
must coordinate with the IC and ventilation teams before making the opening.
Panic, claustrophobia, and disorientation are effects of: (434-435) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] chronic exposure to products of combustion. obscured vision conditions. long-term exposure to radiation. pulmonary edema.
obscured vision conditions.
Search and rescue marks should be placed: (454) [4.3.9] in the middle of the door, in the middle of the adjacent wall, or in the middle of the adjacent stairs. on the upper third of the door or the upper third of the adjacent wall. on the lower third of the door, the lower third of the adjacent wall, or in the landing of the adjacent stairs. in the middle of the door or the middle of the opposite wall.
on the lower third of the door, the lower third of the adjacent wall, or in the landing of the adjacent stairs.
Actions such as opening a bypass valve on a cylinder, sharing air, and breathing directly from the cylinder are: (438) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] unlikely to occur at a search and rescue operation. never allowed according to SOPs. suggested responses to structural collapse. possible solutions to air emergencies.
possible solutions to air emergencies.
To be physically and mentally prepared for survival during search and rescue operations, you should: (434) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] allow the IC to look out for your crew members' safety. practice emergency exit techniques. push yourself past your limits. follow orders without question.
practice emergency exit techniques.
An advantage of marking with latch straps is that they: (454) [4.3.9] keep the door closed. are more fire resistant than other types of markers. are more visible than other types of markers. prevent the door from closing.
prevent the door from closing.
When any evacuation signal is given, all exiting crews must: (469) [4.2.4, 4.3.5] ensure that all victims have been evacuated before leaving the structure. confirm the evacuation order with the IC before exiting the structure. proceed to a designated safe area outside the collapse zone. activate their personal alert safety system (PASS) devices.
proceed to a designated safe area outside the collapse zone.
VEIS is only intended for: (465) [4.3.9] rooms in the interior of the structure. rapid rescue of victims and the isolation of individual rooms. rooms that are involved with the fire or show conditions of flashover. larger structural searches.
rapid rescue of victims and the isolation of individual rooms.
Rooms or closet areas where the door can be closed to prevent the spread of heat, smoke, and toxic gases into that space are called: (436) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] escape rooms. safe havens. protective units. fireproof assemblies.
safe havens.
While in a structure searching for a downed firefighter, the RIC should: (474) [4.3.9] stop frequently and briefly remain silent. start the search closest to the fire. radio to Command as they head from one room to another. open closed doors in order to prevent backdraft.
stop frequently and briefly remain silent.
During a wide-area search, every team member is equipped with a: (463) [4.3.9] tether line. thermal imager. high-capacity SCBA cylinder. backup SCBA cylinder.
tether line.
If air monitoring indicates that the oxygen level in the atmosphere is below 19.5 percent,: (443) [4.3.21] SCBA is no longer necessary for rescuers in the area. the area is said to be an oxygen-enriched environment. the IC or Incident Safety Officer should be notified. respiratory protection other than SCBA must be used.
the IC or Incident Safety Officer should be notified.
Your point of no return is based on: (437) [4.3.5, 4.3.9] how many members are on the rescue team. the highest cylinder gauge reading of any member of the team. the lowest cylinder gauge reading of any member of the team. how many people need to be rescued.
the lowest cylinder gauge reading of any member of the team.
During a secondary search, rescuers should not remove SCBA until: (456) [4.3.9] there are no visible flames. the supervisor or safety officer determines that the atmosphere is safe. it is determined that there are no remaining victims. the room is clear of smoke.
the supervisor or safety officer determines that the atmosphere is safe.
A minimum of ______ firefighters are needed to perform VEIS if using a ladder. (464) [4.3.9] one two four three
three
Secondary searches: (456) [4.3.9] use the same steps as primary searches. use different steps than the primary searches, but are just as organized. do not require SCBA. and primary searches are conducted by the same personnel.
use the same steps as primary searches.
The four steps involved in VEIS are: (465) [4.3.9] victim location, evacuation, isolate, search. vent, enter, isolate, search. vent, exit, isolate, save. vent, enter, isolate, substitute.
vent, enter, isolate, search.
A bump test is performed to: (446) [4.3.21] reset a gas detector to factor default settings. test the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. verify that a gas detector is functioning properly. test the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere.
verify that a gas detector is functioning properly.
In order to safely conduct a primary search, rescuers should: (456) [4.3.9] move slowly and check in with the IC after searching each room. work in teams of two or more. wait to search until the fire has been extinguished. split up to cover a larger area.
work in teams of two or more.
