| Home : Operations |
| |
| URBAN SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS |
Every year in the UK, there are a number of incidents where firefighters are called upon to cope with the effects of the collapse of buildings and other structures, their major task being search and rescue for trapped victims.
|
| Structural collapse can be caused in many ways; natural (earthquake, subsidence, floodwater), accidental (explosion, impact, fire) and by deliberate actions (terrorist attack, bomb). Often the collapse will come without warning leaving the victims little or no time to escape. Experience of previous incidents has shown that such collapses are rarely total and often leave voids inside the debris, a fact that can result in numerous casualties trapped under large amounts of very heavy and often unstable debris. The emergency services are then faced with complex rescue operations within one of the most hazardous environments imaginable. |
| Due to the nature of the collapsed structure environment, urban search and rescue organisations require a well developed framework of operational guidance, describing techniques and sequences that provide an effective and safe system of work. However, each incident is different and it will be a matter for organisations to carry out risk assessments and, if necessary, seek specialist advice, in order to determine the most appropriate option for their own particular situation. |
| Within the site, Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) are categorised into 13 distinct areas: |
|
|
Health & Safety ..... Standard Operating Procedures |
|
|
Incident Management ..... Standard Operating Procedures |
|
|
Scene & Structural Assessment ..... Standard Operating Procedures |
|
|
Shoring Operations ..... Standard Operating Procedures |
|
|
Search Operations ..... Standard Operating Procedures |
|
|
Rescue Operations ..... Standard Operating Procedures |
|
|
Lifting & Moving Operations |
|
|
Safe Working at Height |
|
|
Confined Space Operations |
|
|
Casualty Management |
|
|
Logistics Operations |
|
|
CBRN/Hazmat Operations |
|
|
Canine Operations ..... Standard Operating Procedures |
|
