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Breakdown of FDIC 2010 H.O.T. Classes: Large Area Search
These are pictures of the Large Area Search class that I took at FDIC on Monday of last week.
The class was held at the old airport terminals, which was kind of cool, and created a great opportunity for many crews to operate effectively.
As you can see, there was a lot of use of ropes and knots. Although the knots were simple, tying them with blacked out masks and gloves on is still challenging and gives you an appreciation for this seemingly simple task.
This was a four hour class and could have easily been an eight hour class. It seemed that we were just building on the last evolution with a new skill when we had to break down and load up the bus, with box lunches in hand, to head off to the next class.
The important thing to take away from this class was effective communication and fast, effective search patterns. Both are critical in performing a good search.
The class was led by Bob Athanas from FDNY. The assistant instructors were good to work with and loaded with knowledge. Great class and I would recommend for those of you already planning for next year.
Tomorrow, Personal Harnesses review.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on
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I will. They handed out an outline of sorts and will get it on an electronic format and email it to you. Same goes for anyone else who wants it.
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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on
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Did this class involve the use of a "Chicago"-style large-area search kit?
If so, how far apart did they space the rings for the secondary search rope connections, and are there any other tips you could share?
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They did not encourage the rings. They used a single knot in the middle of the searchers line and the main line was carried by the team leader. When the team leader moved the line into the building every 20-30 feet, he would tie a figure eight on a bite. He would then call his searchers to the knot and they hooked on and started their search pattern at their knot, (middle of their rope). I will have better info when I transcribe the hand out and I will get to you.
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Permalink Reply by Paul Dudan on
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If and when available, I would also like to see the information you have. Thanks Jason
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Sure thing.
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Permalink Reply by Derek R. on
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Does this go hand in hand with the large area search video you posted yesterday?
I, too, wouldn't mind more information on this subject if it's no hassle. We also have large warehouses and an ex-military base.
Thanks Jason in advance.
kshf
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Yes, it is the same evolution. Anyone who posts on this topic I will try to get copies of everything I end up with to all of you. No hassle at all, happy to share.
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Permalink Reply by Cameron Maclean on
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We would also like all the info.... Thanks
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No problem, I am going to try to scan the handout into a .pdf and forward it on.
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I question a LAS technique that requires unnecessary knot-tying that, by definition, will take place in zero-visibility conditions.
Putting the rings in the main search line seems to follow the same principle of preconnected attack lines - the more you do before the fire, the less you'll have to do during the fire.
The rings follow the KISS principle. The knots do not.
Also, if you pre-space the rings a set distance apart (25 feet is standard) you know that you are 25 feet closer to the door if you are following the search line to an exit, which can help prevent disorientation. A knot randomly tied under zero-visibility conditions does not have that benefit.
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Hey Ben,
I'm having a hard time finding information on the "Chicago" style large area search kit. I understand the concept, but wouldn't mind more info so as to be sure about it.
Any chance you could point me in the right direction?
Thanks
kshf
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Derek,
The Chicago system is a large rope bag with a shoulder sling. It contains a kevlar search rope. Ours has a steel ring knotted into it every 25 feet.
Each firefighter wears a smaller version of the same rope bag on the SCBA waist strap. The search rope either pays out from being stuffed into the small bags (basic version) or is mounted on an inertial reel that keeps any unused rope in the bag. (the advanced version)
My department carries the advanced version.
A photo of the main Chicago bag is here.
More photos and a good description are here.
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