Results

This hazard should be read in conjunction with Lack of co-ordinated search plan: All searches   When searching for a missing person outdoors, the terrain may present additional...

The final phase of any rescue should whenever possible be clinically led by a medical responder. It should be completed as carefully and expediently as possible, causing minimum disruption to...

USAR initial logistics area Due to the potentially protracted nature of an incident involving urban search and rescue (USAR) operations, large amounts of specialist modules and equipment...

Equipment At large-scale urban search and rescue (USAR) incidents, equipment will be managed by the USAR logistics management team. However, prior to demobilisation, specialist...

Ordinarily, the fire and rescue service will be requested by the police to assist in searching for a missing person, taking information and guidance to assist incident commanders in deploying...

Information gathering Information about the location of outdoor hazards, including physical features or activities that take place in the area, can be gathered by using: Maps ...

In the event of an unstable or collapsed structure, there may be people trapped on or in the structure. Initial responding personnel may need to consider extricating casualties who are on the...

Personnel should have an awareness of the benefits of urban search and rescue (USAR) attendance at this type of incident, as well as an appreciation of the National Co-ordination Advisory...

This control measure should be read in conjunction with Situational awareness   Gathering information to inform situational awareness should help to identify the safest approaches...

Fire and rescue service initial responders may have carried out initial actions prior to the arrival of urban search and rescue (USAR) teams, for example reconnaissance and survey, elimination...

The main purpose of this assessment is to identify specific and viable live rescue sites within an allocated sector of operations. It should be carried out as soon as possible after the wide...

This is usually carried out in the early stages of a large-scale event, when a relatively small number of urban search and rescue (USAR) teams are in attendance. USAR units are assigned...

This level involves search and rescue work that should identify, locate and rescue any casualties who are severely trapped, for example by debris or in voids that the assessment, search and...

The decision to transition to assessment, search and rescue (ASR) level 5 should be given serious consideration, especially if there remains any possibility that casualties may have survived in...

If a co-ordinated search plan is not carried out in a timely and structured way, the casualty may not be located and their condition could potentially deteriorate. However, it may be difficult to...

Surveying the scene An initial survey can provide an understanding of the type and structure of the mode of transport and the factors and restrictions that need to be considered when...

If possible, passenger lists should be reviewed to determine the number of people involved. This will not be possible for some modes of transport, such as local buses or trains with a transient...

When a casualty has been located, the primary focus should be on their rescue. Within the LAST acronym, ‘Access’ may form part of the rescue plan. How access is made will vary depending on...

This control measure should be read in conjunction with Personal protective equipment   Personnel working in the hazard area should wear appropriate personal protective equipment...

Safe access and egress will need to be gained and maintained for any incident involving rescues. When determining safe access and egress routes, all available sources of information and an...