FIREGROUND SUPPORT OPERATIONS

1. FIREGROUND SUPPORT OPERATIONS IFSTA � 1ST ED.

2. Interior operations CHAPTER 5

3. Interior Ops Once access has been gained to and into a structure, interior operations can commence. Ops covered in this section are: Search and Rescue Heat Removal Salvage

4. Search and Rescue Life safety is #1 priority Life safety of victims and personnel Aspects covered in this section are: Type of Building Using a Thermal Imaging Camera Primary Search Secondary Search Rescue Shelter-in-place

5. Type of Building Construction type I, II, III, IV, V Occupancy type Residential, Commercial, Public Assembly, etc Age of building Materials used, construction methods, etc Time Period Involves both time of day and day of week Fire Situation Volume, intensity, rate & direction of spread, what is threatened

6. Using a Thermal Imager(TIC) Detects and displays differences in heat signatures to create an �image�. Can greatly reduce time needed to perform search and/or locate fire Cannot see through solid objects. Is not effective on some surfaces. Effectiveness can be limited by experience and knowledge of user.

7. Primary Search Rapid and thorough search to determine whether any occupants are still in the burning building. Conducted as soon as the situation allows. Team integrity must be maintained at all times. Keep IC informed

8. Secondary Search Slow and methodical without unnecessary risk. Conducted as soon after the primary search as resources and the fire situation allow. Performed by personnel not involved in primary search.

9. Rescue Assess condition and overall situation. Physical and mental assessment Assess current and projected atmospheric conditions Keep IC informed of the situation at all times Stabilize if necessary and conditions allow Life over limb.

10. Shelter-in-place Primarily used in heavily occupied buildings and high-risk occupancies High-rise office buildings Hospitals Nursing homes Some buildings have �areas of refuge� Normal means of egress Separated by sprinkler systems, smoke-proof walls or in an adjacent building

11. Heat Removal Does not refer to the traditional ventilation performed on the fireground Process of removing smoke and heat from areas not directly affected by fire �Vent as you go� Can be used in large buildings where smoke and heat have traveled throughout the building, or after fire has been extinguished Should only be performed under orders from IC

12. Vent As You Go Can be properly implemented without affecting positive-pressure ventilation Rooms are treated individually Exterior windows to rooms are opened to vent out heat and smoke, but only after closing the door to separate compartment Upon exiting, firefighters mark door to indicate search is complete Door will remain closed after firefighters exit

13. Salvage Preventing or reducing non-fire loss One of the three primary goals at any scene Can be coordinated with fire attack when possible Covering furniture with tarps prior to opening ceiling Can be implemented after extinguishment Water removal via squeegees, chutes, pumps Instills goodwill and can reduce chance of further damage/injuries

14. Summary Most fireground activities are �support� operations Success or failure of support operations greatly contribute to success or failure of fire attack Search & Rescue addresses primary goal, which is life safety Heat Removal can facilitate quicker and more thorough searches Salvage minimizes damage and can prevent fireground injuries