Level II Operator Training - Search Techniques and Applications

1. Level II Operator Training Presented by Exit Technologies

2. Outline • Understanding Search Technique - 3 search phases, perimeter search, bracketing • Applications • - Self-rescue, buddy rescue, rapid intervention, multiple maydays • Scenarios • - Single-family residence, commercial, multi-story, • Egress Transmitter • - Interface, dispatch, inspection and care

3. Three Search Phases • PRIMARY SEARCH Perform perimeter search on building exterior. If a “last seen point” exists start signal search there. Or start search in area of missing firefighter’s point-of-dispatch. Rotate Tracker back/forth and vertically until signal is engaged. • SECONDARY SEARCH Once signal is engaged, determine direction in which distance is decreasing and move in that direction. Bracket! • PINPOINT SEARCH Within 3 meters keep Tracker close to wall or floor, look for LDR. Bracket: left, right, front, back, up/down, look for visual clues and listen for PASS alarm.

4. Bracketing • Use the distance trends to determine LDR. • Bracketing: at LDR, compare the distance reading at 90º to the right and left of the direction of travel and up and down (to ensure proper floor). • Moving past LDR’s verifies that it is the lowest distance reading. Display often “pauses” here. • Remember: when bracketing, do not make wide, sweeping movements with the Tracker.

5. Vertical Bracketing Vertical bracketing may show that victim is on a different floor.

6. Search Technique Flux Lines • Directional lights follow the magnetic field of the transmitting unit. This field is often curved, depending on the location of the searcher. • Beginning users should ignore or turn off the lights. • Advanced searchers can use the lights to predict themissing firefighter’s location.

7. Applications Rapid Intervention • A firefighter is missing on the ground, mayday is in effect! • Locate likely search areas based on fireground accountability. • Perimeter search narrows search area before entering IDLH. • Incident command calls for PAR. • Crew officers make sure all on crew are in FF search mode. • Then relate distance info to incident command: - no signal on corner A/B; - 15 meters on roof on side C. • Locate firefighter, package and extricate immediately.

8. Applications Buddy Rescue • You are your crew member’s best chance of survival. • If a member is missing inside a structure: - Every remaining member of their crew engages FF search mode; - Search last known path of travel; - Initiate a mayday.

9. Applications Self-Rescue • FRT and ET will help disoriented firefighter return back to hose line, crew, or find an exit. • If disoriented, it is possible to engage FF search mode and search back to crew. • Also, it is possible to engage ET search mode and follow to Egress Transmitters to safe location. * Every department is responsible for developing their own FRT protocol for maydays, crew separation and disorientation scenarios.

10. Applications Multiple Mayday • In any mayday situation, all firefighters on the fireground must switch from transmit to search mode. • FRT will lock on to the strongest/closest signal; communicate distance and direction to incident command. • When victim is located, turn their FRT from transmit to FF Search to allow searchers to lock on to the next signal.

11. Scenarios 8 3 Perimeter search Low Distance Reading (LDR) Wall breach Single-Family Residential Search Legend

12. 13 1 9 16 33 Perimeter search Low Distance Reading (LDR) Hoseline search Bracket search Scenarios Commercial Building Search Legend

13. Scenarios 8 5 1 30 18 Perimeter search Low Distance Reading (LDR) Point of dispatch Bracket search Multi-story Search Legend basement

14. Understanding ET Egress Transmitter (ET) • On/off switch • Low battery light; turns on at 10% • Transmit light • Antenna (horizontal orientation)

15. Understanding ET ET Interface • Transmit lights • Standby button: pressing once stops signal for 10 seconds, maximum 60 seconds • Points of attachment

16. Understanding ET Egress Transmitter Dispatch • Can be placed at front door by initial attack team. • Can be placed by Incident Command after mayday issued. • In high-rise structures, place at entry to IDLH. • Place ET’s on stable surface or attach to fixed object. • Place ET’s approximately 20m apart (60 feet). • Orient ET’s on a line you want to follow out of structure. • Make sure ET’s cannot be kicked or moved accidentally.

17. Understanding ET ET Dispatch Example • To achieve horizontal orientation, place/attach ET’s flat, avoid orientation that places antenna in vertical position. Exit Exit

18. Inspection and Care: Before and After Use √ Condition of lanyard √ Operation of all buttons and lights √ Low battery light is not on √ Do not mix battery types, use same brand only √ If wet, open battery compartment for drying √ After use, check for any transmitting units back at the firehouse √ Verify ET’s are still transmitting by checking with FRT

19. Level II Checklist √ Understand the three search phases √ Understand horizontal and vertical bracketing √ Understand Egress Transmitter: on/off, transmit lights, low battery light, standby button, points of attachment, proper placement √ Pre-deployment inspection of ET √ Understand FRT and ET reorientation strategies √ Understand search techniques for residential, commercial, and multi-story buildings √ Understand multiple mayday procedures