In each post we will cover a tactical issue along with a political issue.
First up, Secondary Search:
This week in Flint Michigan a body of a women was located 12 hours after a house fire. To see the news story click on the link below. In this blog we will not throw rocks. We only point out lessons to remind us all that we can all do better.
When ever declaring a search complete make sure you do it by geographical area. We would not buy property you did not see. Example: "Truck 3 to command 1st floor secondary search complete, Truck 3 is par moving to the floor above" Each room and areas remote from the fire needs to be searched. It is best to radio that the secondary search is complete after the smoke has lifted and the area is throughly checked. This means under beds, in closets and in tubs. Any door that was chocked open should be closed to make sure there is not a closet or another room that the door covered. Remember each year a small percent of our fire deaths occurs do to irrational acts. Plaster has been a culprit in hiding victims. Don't let this happen to you!
Tactical Tip of the Day: Before you have your crew pull ceilings have them make a hasty search of the area to make sure they don't cover a body. This hasty search is independent of the primary and secondary.
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=8078522
Ensure also that you document --over the radio -- (where all your tranmissions are recorded) that you have conducted both the primary and secondary searches -- no mnatter the results or exceptions. This is a liability issue. Suppose a victim is found later -- if you did not document your search, it can be argued that you did not conduct one. We are much more susceptible to liability in a civil case (possibly years later when memories of a specific job become hazy) if there is no documentaiton of a search being conducted. So get it done and document itin a coommand progress report
ReplyDeleteBe safe
AA