Transcript Unit 5 LSAR 081811
Slide 1
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 2
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 3
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 4
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 5
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 6
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 7
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 8
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 9
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 10
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 11
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 12
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 13
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 14
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 15
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 16
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 17
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 18
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 19
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 20
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 21
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 22
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 23
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 24
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 25
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 26
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 27
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 28
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 29
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 30
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 31
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 32
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 33
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 34
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 35
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 36
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 37
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 38
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 39
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 40
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 41
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 42
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 43
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 44
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 45
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 46
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 47
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 48
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 49
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 50
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 51
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 52
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 53
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 54
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 55
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 56
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 57
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 58
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 59
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 60
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 61
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 62
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 63
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 64
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 65
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 66
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 67
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 68
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 69
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 70
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 71
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 72
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 73
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 74
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 75
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 76
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 77
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 78
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 79
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 80
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 81
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 82
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 83
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 84
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 85
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 86
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 87
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 88
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 2
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 3
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 4
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 5
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 6
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 7
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 8
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 9
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 10
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 11
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 12
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 13
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 14
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 15
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 16
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 17
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 18
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 19
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 20
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 21
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 22
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 23
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 24
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 25
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 26
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 27
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 28
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 29
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 30
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 31
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 32
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 33
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 34
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 35
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 36
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 37
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 38
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 39
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 40
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 41
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 42
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 43
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 44
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 45
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 46
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 47
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 48
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 49
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 50
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 51
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 52
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 53
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 54
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 55
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 56
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 57
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 58
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 59
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 60
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 61
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 62
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 63
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 64
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 65
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 66
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 67
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 68
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 69
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 70
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 71
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 72
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 73
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 74
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 75
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 76
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 77
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 78
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 79
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 80
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 81
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 82
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 83
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 84
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 85
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 86
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 87
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87
Slide 88
Contra Costa County CERT
Program
Unit 5 – Light Search & Rescue
Released: 18 August 2011
Community Emergency Response Team
Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority
Work as a team
Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,
goggles, N95 mask and boots
The CERT goal is to do the
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
Visual 5.1
Unit Objectives
Identify size-up requirements for potential
search and rescue situations
Describe the most common techniques for
searching a structure
Use safe techniques for debris removal and
victim extrication using a lever and cribbing
Visual 5.2
Top Ten Natural Disasters
Event
Year
Hurricane Katrina
(AL, LA, MS)
2005
$7.2 billion*
Northridge Earthquake
(CA)
1994
$6.961 billion
Hurricane Georges
(AL, FL, LA, MS, PR, VI)
1998
$2.251 billion
Hurricane Ivan
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WVA)
2004
$1.947 billion**
Hurricane Andrew
(FL, LA)
1992
$1.813 billion
Hurricane Charley
(FL, SC)
2004
$1.559 billion**
Hurricane Frances
(FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC)
2004
$1.425 billion**
Hurricane Jeanne
(DE, FL, PR, VI, VA)
2004
$1.407 billion**
Tropical Storm Allison
(FL, LA, MS, PA, TX)
2001
$1.387 billion
Hurricane Hugo
(NC, SC, PR, VI)
1989
$1.307 billion
Visual 5.3
FEMA Funding
Ranked By FEMA Relief Costs
What is the chance of a big earthquake?
"The
USGS has estimated a 62
percent chance of a magnitude 6.7
or larger earthquake in the Bay
Area within the next 28 years"
- John Rundle, director of the Center for Computational Science
and Engineering at the University of California, Davis 2008
Visual 5.4
The Bay Area Risk
Assessment
Visual 5.5
Rescue Skills Needed
5%
USAR
Teams
Void Space
Non-Structural
Entrapment
15%
Emergency
Services Provider
Non-Structural
Entrapment
30%
CERT Teams
Injured NOT
Trapped
50%
Spontaneous Rescue
Teams
Entombed
Visual 5.6
The Golden Day
Entrapped Victim Survival Rate
Time Until Rescue
Survival Rate
30 Minutes
99.3%
1 Day
81.0%
2 Days
36.7%
3 Days
33.7%
4 Days
19.0%
5 Days
7.4%
Visual 5.7
Buck Helm’s Car
Cypress Structure
Loma Prieta Earthquake
Photo Courtesy of Ben Ho
Goals of Search and Rescue
Keep rescuers safe
Rescue greatest number in
shortest amount of time
Get “walking wounded” out
first
Rescue lightly trapped
victims next
Visual 5.8
Search and Rescue Operations
1. Size-up
Evaluate everything that is going on
2. Search
Locate victims
Document location
3. Rescue
Involve procedures and methods to extricate
victims
Visual 5.9
Search and Rescue Safety
Always have a whistle!
The following “Emergency Alerting System” is to be used in
the event of problems at the site:
Evacuate - 3 short blasts (1 second each)
• Out – Out - Out
• Drop everything and get out now!
Cease Operations - 1 long blast (3 seconds duration)
• Quiet
• Stop what you’re doing and wait for instructions
Resume Operations -1 long and 1 short blast
• Oooh - Kay
This is the FEMA US&R Standard
Visual 5.10
Search and Rescue Safety
Earthquakes aftershocks
Severe after shocks following a major earthquake are
common and can create additional injuries and fatalities
Unstable structures including bridges, overpasses, high
rises, homes and water towers may suffer further
collapse as a result of after shocks
First responders must be constantly aware that they
may be affected by such events and take necessary
precautions while conducting their operations.
Many injuries and deaths of first responders could be
prevented if more precautions against additional shock
waves were taken
Visual 5.11
Search and Rescue Safety
With the constant threat of terrorist attacks it is essential
that response teams pay special attention to a very new
and potentially deadly threat
Everyone has to heighten their awareness of their
surroundings
Secondary explosions are becoming common techniques
used to cause serious injury and possibly mass death for
response teams
There are no second chances when explosions are used
for this purpose
After an explosion it is safe to assume that a secondary
devise is involved, unless proven otherwise
Visual 5.12
Before You Start
STOP
Stop
Think
Organize
Plan
Visual 5.13
Effective Search and Rescue
Effective size-up
Rescuer safety
Victims safety
Visual 5.14
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage and Communicate
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.15
Step 1: Gather Facts
Consider:
Time of event and day of week
Type of structure and construction type
Weather
Hazards
Occupancy
Gather facts accurately
Visual 5.16
Step 2: Assess Damage
360 degree (overview and assessment)
Identify entry and egress routes
Identify hazards
Is it safe to enter ?
Potential for occupants
Interview
neighbors
Voice ‘call out’
Visual 5.17
Assess Damage
CERT mission changes if:
Damage is light
Damage is moderate
Damage is heavy
Consider structure type
and age
Never enter a structure
with heavy damage!
Visual 5.18
Assess Damage
Light Damage
Light: Superficial or cosmetic
damage, broken windows, fallen
plaster; primary damage to
contents of structure
Visual 5.19
Locate, triage, and prioritize
removal of victims to designated
treatment areas by the medical
operation teams
Assess Damage
Moderate Damage
Moderate:
Questionable structural stability;
fractures, tilting, foundation
movement or displacement
Locate, stabilize, and immediately
evacuate victims to a safe area
while minimizing the number of
rescuers inside the building
Visual 5.20
Assess Damage
Heavy Damage
Heavy:
Obvious structural instability;
partial or total wall collapse,
ceiling failures
Visual 5.21
Secure the building perimeter and
control access into the structure
by untrained but well-intentioned
volunteers
Heavy Damage
Assess Damage
Loma Prieta earthquake damage in San Francisco. The soft first story is
due to construction of garages in the first story and resultant reduction in
shear strength. Photo from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/bytopic/photos.html
Visual 5.22
Collapse Zone: Stay Out of This Area
• The collapse zone is one
and a half times the height
of the building (X), in all
directions (Y)
• Example: 40’ tall building,
collapse zone is 60’ out
from building
Danger tape goes here
Visual 5.23
• For buildings, chimneys
and other tall things that
can fall or crumble
Hazards – Light Frame Construction
Loose HVAC equipment
Cracked stucco
Check doors and frame to see
Visual 5.24
if square
Brick chimneys
Broken electrical Lines
Masonry veneer can fall off
House off foundation
Broken glass
Loose roof tiles
Separated porches or
overhangs
Broken Gas and Water lines
Frame House Forces
Visual 5.25
Light Frame Collapse Pattern
Visual 5.26
Light Frame Construction
Copyright FEMA News Photo
Visual 5.27
Separation Between Buildings
Are walls parallel?
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle!
Visual 5.28
Above Ground Hazards
Fallen Fixtures
Loose Ceiling
Structure
Glass
Unsecured Furniture
Visual 5.29
Ground Level Hazards
Unstable Buildings
Falling Debris
Energized Wires
Loose Footing
Hazmat
Emotionally Unstable Survivors
Fire
Glass
Animals
Visual 5.30
Natural Gas: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.31
Water Service: Locate The Shutoff
Visual 5.32
Below Level Hazards
Visual 5.33
Step 3: Consider Probabilities
Consider what probably will happen and what could happen
How stable is the
situation?
What else could go
wrong?
What it all means for the
Search and Rescue?
Visual 5.34
Step 4: Assess Your Situation
Assess :
Whether the situation is safe enough to continue
The risks that rescuers will face if they continue
What resource you will need to conduct the operation
safely
What resources are available
Personnel
Equipment
Tools
Visual 5.35
Know Your Limitations
Visual 5.36
Take A Break
BE BACK IN 10 MINUTES
Visual 5.37
CERT Search and Rescue Size-up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gather Facts
Assess Damage
Consider Probabilities
Assess Your Situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop Plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Visual 5.38
Step 5: Establish Priorities
What should be done?
In what order?
How to rescue the greatest
number in the shortest
amount of time?
Visual 5.39
Step 6: Make Decisions
Keep in mind:
Safety
of CERT members
Life safety for victims and
others
Protection of the
environment
Protection of property
Visual 5.40
Step 7: Develop Plan of Action
Focus operation on established priorities
and decisions
Provide for documentation to give to
responding agencies
Provide for documentation to become part
of CERT records
Visual 5.41
Safety Considerations
Make rescuer safety your primary concern
Use a buddy system
Be alert for hazards
Use safety equipment
Rotate teams
Teamwork = Success
Visual 5.42
Search Methodology
An effective search methodology:
Is systematic and thorough
Avoids unnecessary duplication
Visual 5.43
of effort
Provides for documentation of
search results
Search Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
Call out to victims
Stop frequently to listen
Use systematic search pattern
Mark searched areas to document what you
found
5. Report what you found
Visual 5.44
Conducting Search Operations
Pancake Voids: Pancake voids (most common in pre-1933
buildings) are small voids throughout a structure that are
created by weakening or destruction of load-bearing walls and
the resulting collapse of floors onto each other.
Lean-To Voids: Lean-to voids are created when a collapsed
wall or floor is resting against an outside wall, creating a pocket
of space.
“V” Voids: These voids are created by a “V” collapse of a floor
or wall: the middle collapses and the ends lean against the
outside walls..
Visual 5.45
Conducting Search Operations
Individual Voids
Visual 5.46
Conducting Search Operations
Be thorough in your search !
Visual 5.47
Decision To Attempt Rescue
Risk involved to the rescuer
Greatest good for greatest number of people
Visual 5.48
Step 8: Take Action
Start the Search
Identify alternate exits
Stay together & along the walls
Start search from top down
Right or left handed pattern
Continue to call out and listen
Move slowly testing the floor
Mark each individual unit
Complete “X” after leaving
Visual 5.49
While Searching
Always know the closest way out
Knock, shout, and listen
Call out to victims
“If anyone can hear my voice, come here”
Ask any victims who do respond for more information
about the building or others who may be trapped
Search under & around debris
Check elevators
Victims might be in shock or confused
Always be alert for aftershocks,
fires, and the smell of gas
Visual 5.50
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.51
Conducting Search Operations
Be Systematic !
Visual 5.52
Conducting Search Operations
Triangulate
Visual 5.53
Search Marking System
Indicates rescuer location
Prevents duplication of effort
Visual 5.54
Search Marking System
NE means No Entry made
Visual 5.55
Victim Marking System
Make a large “V” (2’ x 2’) with marker or Orange Paint
near the known or potential victim. Add team ID and
arrow with distance to the victim.
Visual 5.56
Victim Marking System
Make a circle around the “V” when a potential victim
has been confirmed to be alive. If more than one
confirmed live victim, mark total number under the “V”.
Visual 5.57
Victim Marking System
Make a horizonal line through the “V” when a potential
victim has been confirmed to be dead.
If a combination of live and deceased victims are
found, make two “V”s.
Visual 5.58
Victim Marking System
When all victims have been removed, make an “X”
over the symbol.
Visual 5.59
Building Marking System
CERT OK
NO CERT
NO CERT
Visual 5.60
Buildings are marked by Structural Engineers only!
Search Marking Examples
Visual 5.61
Building Marking Example
Visual 5.62
Exterior Search
Set up a grid search
Set distance between
searchers according to
visibility and debris
Overlap patterns for full
coverage
Search in as straight a line as
possible
Mark areas that have been
searched
Visual 5.63
Conducting Rescue Operations
Visual 5.64
Conducting Rescue Operations
Maintain rescuer safety
Create a safe rescue environment
Move
debris and objects out of the way
Use tools not your backs to move objects
Triage and stabilize victims in lightly and
moderately damaged buildings
Evacuate victims quickly but safely
Visual 5.65
Proper Lifting Method
Back straight
Bend knees
Keep load close
to body
Push up with legs
Visual 5.66
Extrication Method
Depends upon:
General stability of immediate environment
Number of rescuers available
Tools and equipment available
Strength and ability of rescuers
Condition of victim
Visual 5.67
Removing Victims
Types of victim removal include:
Self-removal or assist
Lifts and drags
Allow victims to
extricate themselves
when possible
Visual 5.68
Single Person Lift
If safety and time permit, you should not use
lifts and drags to remove victims when
closed-head or spinal injury is suspected
One-Person Pack-Strap Carry
One-Person Arm Carry
Not Good
Visual 5.69
Two-Person Carry
Two-Person Carry
Chair Carry
Better
Visual 5.70
Drags
Backs!
Visual 5.71
Good
Transporting Victims
Bad
Good
Twisted
Watch your backs!!
Visual 5.72
Leveraging and Cribbing Operations
Visual 5.73
ICS-US&R-120-1
Planning / Staging
Conduct a size-up of the scene
Have one person in charge and formulate a
plan of action
Gather necessary materials for
leveraging (lifting) and cribbing operations
Visual 5.74
Leveraging And Cribbing
When a large object such as a collapsed wall or heavy debris
needs to be moved in order to free victims, leverage and
cribbing may be used.
Leverage is obtained by wedging a lever (pole or other
long object) under the object that needs to be moved with
a stationary object underneath it to act as a fulcrum. When
the lever is forced down over the fulcrum, greater force is
obtained to lift the object.
A crib is a framework of wooden, plastic or metal bars
used for support or strengthening. Box cribbing means
arranging pairs of wood pieces alternately to form a stable
rectangle. In a disaster situation, debris may be available
to use for cribbing.
Visual 5.75
Leveraging
Lever Defined: A rigid bar, either straight or bent,
that is free to move on a fixed point called a
fulcrum
A lever works by transferring a force from one
place to another while at the same time changing
the direction of the force
Clallam County Technical Rescue Team photo
Visual 5.76
Cribbing Video
Visual 5.77
Leveraging (Lifting)
Lift an inch, Crib an inch
Stabilize the object to be lifted
Initiate the lift using the lever and fulcrum for
mechanical advantage
Have someone available to handle the victim
As the object is lifted, add cribbing as needed; build
on the foundation of the box crib
When the object is adequately supported, the victim
may be removed
Visual 5.78
Cribbing
24,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
4 joints
54,000 lbs. total if
load is supported by
9 joints
Visual 5.79
4” x 4” wood
6,000 lbs. at
each joint
Cribbing
Wood fails at cut ends first
Overlap ends by width of
member – 4x4 = 3.5” overlap
Don’t crib higher than three
times the width of the crib
Load needs to be supported
with wood-to-wood contact all
the way to the ground
Visual 5.80
Cribbing
Shims are used to
match the angle of a
surface
Shims balance the
load by ensuring
even contact
Copyright Marin Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Visual 5.81
Cribbing
Wedges are used as variable height crib
members
Wedges are inserted as Married Pairs
Wedges can be used as Inclined Planes to
prevent sliding movement
Single wedges can be used for temporary
stabilization until flat pieces can be inserted
Visual 5.82
Cribbing Operations
Cribbing Operations Check list
S- Safety: Are we safe
S- Size up: The situation
S- Stabilize: All four corners
R- Remove: Debris
R- Raise: The load
R- Rescue: Pull victim clear
Keep hands and toes clear
of the load.
Visual 5.83
Resource Arrangement Example
Safety Officer
Visual 5.84
Cribbing Example
Stabilize structures
Entry & Egress
Provide rescuer safety
Access to victims
Visual 5.85
Step 9: Evaluate Progress
Most critical step
Monitor plan’s effectiveness
and safety
Visual 5.86
Unit Summary
CERT size-up for potential search and rescue
situations
Search techniques
Lifts and drags
Levers and cribbing
Visual 5.87