ERT Search and Rescue Operations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before entering a permit-required confined space rescue, what is the FIRST action a rescuer must take?
- Immediately enter to reach the victim as quickly as possible
- Test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants (Correct answer)
- Establish a rope retrieval system at the entry point
- Notify family members and document the victim's identity
Correct answer: Test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 requires atmospheric testing before entry; oxygen-deficient, toxic, or flammable atmospheres kill rescuers who enter without testing.
Question 2: In FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) system, what distinguishes a Type I task force from a Type II task force?
- Type I teams operate only in urban environments; Type II teams operate only in rural areas
- Type I (Heavy) teams have greater personnel, equipment, and capability than Type II (Medium) teams (Correct answer)
- Type I teams are federally funded; Type II teams are state-funded
- Type I teams specialize in water rescue; Type II teams specialize in structural collapse
Correct answer: Type I (Heavy) teams have greater personnel, equipment, and capability than Type II (Medium) teams
FEMA US&R Type I (Heavy) task forces have approximately 70 members with full structural collapse and medical capabilities, while Type II (Medium) teams have reduced staffing and equipment.
Question 3: What is a 'litter' in the context of search and rescue patient movement?
- Debris scattered across a collapse site that must be cleared before rescue
- A stretcher or basket device used to safely transport an injured patient (Correct answer)
- The established boundary of the rescue operation perimeter
- Documentation forms completed after a successful rescue
Correct answer: A stretcher or basket device used to safely transport an injured patient
A litter (such as a Stokes basket) is a rigid or semi-rigid patient-carrying device that immobilizes and protects a victim during movement through difficult terrain.
Question 4: In a structural collapse rescue, which hazard poses the MOST immediate threat of mass casualty if not controlled?
- Asbestos fibers released from damaged insulation
- Natural gas leaking from ruptured supply lines (Correct answer)
- Lead paint dust disturbed by structural damage
- Mold spores released from water-damaged materials
Correct answer: Natural gas leaking from ruptured supply lines
Natural gas leaking from ruptured lines creates an immediate explosion and fire hazard, which can kill rescuers and victims instantly if ignited.
Question 5: What is a 'void space' in the context of structural collapse rescue?
- An officially cleared area outside the collapse zone
- A survivable pocket within a collapsed structure where a victim may be trapped alive (Correct answer)
- The empty channel through which a rope system is routed
- A staging area where rescue equipment is stored during operations
Correct answer: A survivable pocket within a collapsed structure where a victim may be trapped alive
Void spaces form when structural elements such as floors, walls, or furniture create protected pockets, and finding these is the primary focus of collapse rescue operations.
Question 6: What is 'secondary collapse' and why is it a critical concern during structural rescue?
- A planned controlled demolition used to safely remove debris from the rescue site
- An additional collapse of weakened structure that can injure or kill rescuers and victims after the initial event (Correct answer)
- The simulated collapse scenario used for rescue team training exercises
- The collapse of temporary shoring installed by rescue teams
Correct answer: An additional collapse of weakened structure that can injure or kill rescuers and victims after the initial event
Secondary collapse occurs when already-weakened structural elements fail during rescue operations, and it is the primary cause of rescuer fatalities at collapse incidents.
Question 7: Which NFPA standard governs operations and training for technical search and rescue incidents, including structural collapse and confined space rescue?
- NFPA 1670 – Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents (Correct answer)
- NFPA 1983 – Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services
- NFPA 472 – Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents
- NFPA 1500 – Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
Correct answer: NFPA 1670 – Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents
NFPA 1670 establishes three operational levels (Awareness, Operations, Technician) for technical rescue disciplines including rope, structural collapse, confined space, and water rescue.
ERT Search and Rescue Operations 2
Before entering a permit-required confined space rescue, what is the FIRST action a rescuer must take?