|
April-May 2004 |
Self-survival Basics For Lost, Trapped, or Distressed Firefighters
The possibility of getting lost or trapped is a reality. We should all know some basic skills that will increase our chances for survival. The environment in which we work does not allow a great deal of time for survivability if we are unprotected. Being able to predict the actions of a distressed firefighter will increase their chances for survival.
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Have and utilize all of your personal protective equipment.
Make sure that you have a good supply of air.
Manage your air supply responsibly.
Do not freelance.
Have a good hand light.
Know how to use the RIT pack and quick fill hose.
Have a portable radio:
Is the battery charged?
Did you turn it on?
Is it on the correct channel?
CALL FOR HELP
Transmit a “Mayday” as soon as you think you are in trouble. When conditions will not allow an immediate transmission, get to as safe an area as possible, then transmit your call for help. If you think you are in trouble, guess what — you are. By delaying a notification for assistance you further jeopardize yourself and the lives of your rescuers. When you are not radio equipped, it will be the responsibility of your partner to transmit a call for help on your behalf. In the event that you have no radio and become separated from your partner, continue on with as many of these basics as possible.
Give as much information as possible including your current situation. It is important to know who you are and which company you are working with. The sector and floor numbers are also critical pieces of information. Can you determine where you are by your surroundings? Do you hear any noises that can direct us to your location? How did you get to your current location (stairs, ground ladder, an aerial ladder, etc.)? Provide any information that will assist those that are trying to rescue you.
PASS ALARM
Activate your PASS alarm when you are in trouble. This is done by pressing the red emergency button located on the front of the remote gauge. When the sound of the PASS alarm interferes with radio communications, deactivate it while communicating. The PASS alarm will then be reactivated and remain so until you are rescued or you self rescue.
TEAM INTEGRITY
Freelancing is strictly prohibited. Stay together as a team or company depending on the situation. Teams will consist of at least two members, one of which will have a portable radio. Splitting up will make a rescue more difficult, as two or more separate members will have to be located instead of one group. A team may also be better able to affect self rescue.
HOSE LINE OR SEARCH/GUIDE ROPE
Stay on the hose line if possible. Follow the hose line to the outside. Remember that the male coupling leads towards the fire. This applies if you were on the line or if you come across one. When a search/guide rope has been used, it can also be used for self-exit. When the rope has been tied off on the outside of the building only, there will only be resistance on the rope in that direction. Go to the direction of the resistance. At times the rope will be secured both inside and outside. In these instances there will be resistance in both directions. You will have to pick a direction and go from there. If the direction you chose was the wrong one, turn around and go the other way.
SELF-EXIT
By all means, you should try to get yourself out of trouble. Find an exterior wall. You are looking for doors or windows that may provide an exit path or at least some fresh air. If no windows or doors are present, you may need to breach a wall or walls. Interior or exterior walls can be breached. When you cannot or are unable to find a way out, stay on the wall. Stay on an exterior wall if possible, as wall areas will be given top priority by search teams. Another option is to find an area of safe refuge. Retreat away from the fire. Try finding a room on the fire floor or possibly somewhere on a floor above the fire floor. Once you find a safe haven, close the door to separate yourself from the fire if possible. This action can also serve to calm you down, which in turn will help to conserve air. Communicate your actions and location if possible. A hand tool is not always necessary to breach a wall or take out a window. The use of personal equipment (helmet or foot) or any furnishings at hand may also be used. Whatever actions you take, do not give up. Help is on the way.
AIR MANAGEMENT
This is a very critical aspect of self-survival. Excessive or unnecessary physical activity will consume your air supply in a short period of time. It is imperative that you remain calm and control your breathing. When your air supply has been consumed, you must disconnect your mask mounted regulator. This will prevent you from suffocating. Running out of air in a toxic atmosphere is possibly lethal. Every effort must be made to conserve air.
LIGHTS AND NOISE
When other efforts have failed, you must make your presence known. Turn on your hand light and point it toward the ceiling. This will serve as a beacon for the rescuers. Tapping noises may also help to pinpoint your location.
OFFICERS
Chief officers and company officers will be accountable for their personnel. When a member cannot be located, and there is a chance that this person is in harm's way, use the “Mayday.” Notify the incident commander of the situation and get help on the way. It will then be the responsibility of the incident commander to use every available resource to affect a rescue. Members not participating in the rescue effort must maintain their positions. We must continue to fight the fire. Increased ventilation efforts and putting out the fire may be all the intervention that is necessary.
© Copyright Firenuggets.com 2004 • Click here for Terms and Conditions of Use
<•••SIGN
OUT
®