search Operations

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Firefighters should complete a primary and secondary search at all building fires after conducting a search siæ-up and risk assessment to determine the possibility of searchable space where victims could be trapped. Members should consider all buildings occupied until a thorough search by the fire department has confirmed the building is vacant.

Personnel cannot trust victim status reports provided by bystanders, nor can they use them as justification for delaying a primary search. To become proficient in search operations, crews should conduct pre-incident planning and extensive training sessions involving search techniques and victim removal. All personnel must have a solid grasp of their individual responsibilities and the mental processes required to complete a primary or secondary search.