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Truck Co. Std 8 - VES ROHNERT PARK FIRE DIVISION TRUCK COMPANY STANDARDS Title: Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search Rev. Date: 05/2019 Standard Number: 8 PURPOSE: To understand and outline the search technique of Vent-Enter-Search where firefighters gain entry into a structure and conduct a search for victims/fire extension. REFERENCES:  National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)  Essentials of Fire Fighting: Search and Rescue  Mike Clumpner, Charlotte Fire Department: “Three Words That Can Save Lives (VES) DEFINITION: Vent-Enter-Search (VES) - A search technique without a known rescue. Know the difference between VES and Immediate Ladder Rescue. Use extreme caution, as VES teams will typically not have hose lines as they search adjacent to, above or below the fire. Building and fire conditions size-up is paramount to executing this tactic as safely as possible. Fire companies can determine the most appropriate location to VES by factoring in fire involvement, visibility and survivability profile. VES may not be applicable at every fire; however, it can be an effective search tactic primarily at residential fires, both single and multiple-story dwellings. POLICY: Rohnert Park DPS fire ground operations related to Vent-Enter-Search (VES) shall be followed as described in this addendum. PROCEDURES: 1) Size-up structure: Crew members arriving on-scene should perform their own size-up, read smoke conditions, identify location of fire, building construction, building size and number of stories. Determine if VES is the best option once assigned search. 2) Relay to IC: Officer should relay to the IC that their crew will be using VES to make entry and search. Other fire ground personnel should take note of this as an interior search is being conducted without a hose line. ROHNERT PARK FIRE DIVISION TRUCK COMPANY STANDARDS Title: Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search Rev. Date: 05/2019 Standard Number: 8 3) Ground floor VES: Captain, Engineer and Firefighter exit the cab wearing full PPE, SCBA and carry appropriate hand tools. Proceed to window used for access determined during initial and ongoing size-up. Captain and Firefighter don SCBA. 4) Taking the window: Using tool of choice, the Engineer can break the window, clear glass and other hazards while others prepare for entry. Take a moment and analyze conditions. If smoke is present, allow the pressure to equalize. Use extreme caution as this may create a ventilation flow-path. 5) Entry: Firefighter prepares to make entry (“Bail in” technique). Verbal communication is attempted to possible victims: “Anyone hear me?” Sweeps floor underneath window sill for possible unconscious victims. Sounds floor for structural integrity. Firefighter bails in. Captain remains at window (verbal contact) and scans room with TIC. 6) Isolate door: If smoke is present once window is taken and continues to worsen, there is a good possibility the bedroom door is open or compromised. Not locating and closing this door fast can alter flow paths and worsen fire conditions. Firefighter locates bedroom door and checks hallway for fire conditions/victims before securing door. Again, “Anyone hear me?” 7) Conducts search: Once door is closed, conducts search of the bedroom. Captain may remain at window from the exterior, keeping in verbal/visual contact with Firefighter and uses TIC to assist in primary search. If preferred, Captain may enter the structure to assist Firefighter with searching a larger room. 8) Victim located: If a victim is located, Firefighter communicates with Captain who then relays to the IC, requesting additional resources if required. Firefighter then extricates victim out window to receiving personnel. Victim’s care may be transferred to Engineer or other personnel. Firefighter will continue primary search of bedroom depending on fire conditions, fatigue and air supply. 9) Searching additional rooms: This can be done a couple of ways: (1) Exit the structure via the window of the room VES was originally performed on and perform another VES on a different bedroom window. (2) Exit the structure via the window and re-enter using the ground level point of entry used by the hose team. ROHNERT PARK FIRE DIVISION TRUCK COMPANY STANDARDS Title: Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search Rev. Date: 05/2019 Standard Number: 8 (3) Do not exit the structure. Check fire conditions in the hallway. If they allow, Firefighter with Captain can cross the hallway to another bedroom; enter and close the door behind you. You can now search the room. While doing so, locate the window and take it. This allows conditions to improve if smoke is present and lets outside crew members know your whereabouts by the sound of breaking glass. With the door closed, this should not affect flow paths. This same method can be used until all bedrooms have been cleared as long as fire conditions and PAR allow. When working on upper floors, outside personnel should be throwing egress ladders to each window taken indicating a search. Communicate with the IC your current and next action: “VES all clear on bedroom 1 on A Alpha side; search PAR of 3 going to VES bedroom 2 on B Bravo side.” 10) VES on upper floors: If VES is used on upper floors, the evolution differs in that a ground ladder is required (see Immediate Ladder Rescue for ground ladder deployment operation). 11) Taking the window: The ladder may be used to break the window. If so, be cautious of plate glass falling. Consider breaking window with ladder on beam. The Firefighter should be on air, waiting to climb as the ladder is thrown by Captain and/or Engineer. Once the Firefighter climbs ladder, he/she will break/clear glass and proceed with Step 4 described above and continue operations.