Mayday! Firefighter Down

       Mayday! Firefighter Down

Approaching The Downed Firefighter:

·      Remember to stay low, you are in an IDLH environment.

·      Stay calm and focused on the assigned task.

·      Call out while searching, you may hear a response.

·      Probe ahead of you; don’t lose contact with your tool!

·      Sound all areas.

The Call For Help:

 ·      Notify command that downed Firefighter has been located (utilize emergency traffic if necessary).

·      Give a complete size up to include smoke, heat, fire conditions, potential for collapse.

·      Give approximate location (how far inside the structure, window location) anything that can be used as a guide to help locate your position.

·      Notify command of your intent (exit or maintain position for assistance).

·      Call for assistance if needed.

Checking Air Supply:

 ·      Notify command of downed Firefighter’s remaining air supply and your own.

 Rescue Air Supply:

 ·      If downed Firefighter is trapped and extrication is going to be prolonged call for SABRA unit located on Haz-Mat 22 or Squad 15.

Check Breathing:

·      Listen for air exchange in exhalation valve.

·      Look for movement in chest area.

Checking For Injuries:

·      Perform a rapid primary assessment.

·      Conditions may not allow for a proper medical assessment.

·      Assess the reason for the downed Firefighter (medical condition, entrapment, physical exhaustion, no air).

Adjustments:

·      Loose shoulder straps need to be tightened before downed Firefighter is moved.

·      The running end of a SCBA shoulder strap.

·      Place the running end behind the standing end.

·      Bring the running end back through the loop.

·      Pull tight to form a half hitch.

·      Pull back flash hood slightly and place finger between face and facepiece. If air is escaping you have verified positive pressure. This is performed very quickly and briefly.

·      Remove finger and replace flash hood.

·      Utilize shoulder straps as handles to pull downed Firefighter out of IDLH environment.

·      Ensure all straps are tight before movement begins.

One Rescue Firefighter:

·      Note the rescue firefighter's position (low, body in line with arms and legs).

·      Keep in constant contact with your tool; use it as a spike to pull against.

·      Drag the downed Firefighter on their side with the air tank on its side as this will help reduce friction.

·      Stay low and focused.

·      Utilize right hand pulling with right leg pushing for right handed rescuer and left hand pulling with left leg pushing for left handed.

·      Repeat until you have exited IDLH environment.

Two Firefighter Rescue:

·      Rescue Firefighter number one utilizes the same position as with the one Firefighter rescue.

·      Rescue Firefighter number two approaches the victims feet, placing the top leg over the rescue Firefighter number two’s shoulder.

·      Straddle the other leg of the downed Firefighter.

 

·      Utilizing the ready/go command to coordinate movement efforts.

·      The Rescue Firefighter at the lead calls the command.

·      Repeat the ready/go command until personnel are out of the IDLH environment.