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Policy/Procedure

PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to establish guidelines for the response of fire department personnel and equipment to structural collapse incidents. Structural collapse operations present a significant danger to fire department personnel; the safe and effective management of these operations require special considerations. This guideline identifies some of the critical issues which must be included in managing these incidents.

TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Structural collapse incidents could present the incident commander and rescue teams with multiple issues, including but not limited to; limited victim information, extended operational periods, overwhelming chaos and limited and/or delayed specialized equipment and trained rescue personnel. A strong COMMAND presence is required from the onset to maintain efficient and effective organization and safe operations. Consider designating a primary and secondary STAGING AREA upon arrival.

Due to the inherent dangers associated with these operations, Toledo Fire and Rescue’s Risk Management Profile shall be applied to all structural collapse operations and shall be continuously re-assessed throughout the incident. A phased approach to structural collapse operations which include; Arrival, Pre-entry operations, Entry operations, and Termination, can be utilized to safely and effectively mitigate these high-risk / low-frequency events.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL ANY PERSONNEL OTHER THAN THE ON-DUTY RESPONDING TECHNICAL RESCUE COMPANIES ENTER THE STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE.

1. Establish command and provide an initial size-up.

2. Request the response of the Technical Rescue Team through Fire Dispatch.

3. Establish collapse zones, minimum of 1.5 times the structures height.

4. Conduct air monitoring of the area. Request all utilities to respond through Fire Dispatch. Consider the air monitoring of adjacent structures.

5. Establish separate staging areas for emergency apparatus and for EMS transport units.

6. Perform triage for all self-extricated victims.

7. Attempt to obtain the number of victims and their possible location within the structure.

8. Consider the evacuation of adjacent structures.

9. Non-entry methods of rescue may be considered, such as lowering a portable ladder, utilizing a pike pole to pull a victim, or by means of extending a rope to a victim. In complete collapse incidents first responders may consider surface rescue/recovery of victims.

10. Assist the Technical Rescue Team with the staging of equipment as directed.

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First arriving Technical Rescue Unit that is staffed with a Technical Rescue Qualified Team Leader should be assigned Rescue Sector.

Rescue Sector responsibilities include:

• Assuming technical rescue operations control.

• Identifying hazards and critical factors.

• Developing a rescue plan and back-up plan.

• Communicating with and directing resources assigned to Rescue Sector.

• Informing Command of conditions, actions, and needs during all phases of the rescue operation.

Technical Rescue Team personnel refer to Standard Operating Guidelines for Structural Collapse.

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See Also:

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