Tactical Edge Tuesday #6

SEARCH TIPS (VENT-ENTER-SEARCH)

Survivable Space - Searchable Space - Why does it matter?

Expect Victims. Find a Victim, Find Another

Focus on speed, isolation, and orientation.

VES Tips

1. Pick the right window

Target likely bedrooms or victim areas.

VES is meant for rapid access to a specific room, but can expand if department policies allow.

2. Ladder the window properly

Place the ladder to one side of the window, not always centered exactly, just a little offset.

This leaves room for entry, victim removal, and tool work.

3. Clear the entire window

Remove all glass, sash, and obstructions so nothing catches gear or victims. (Beginner Stage Rule) - More advanced techniques to come in later training. This is an intro.

4. Sweep before you sound

Sweep the floor just inside the window for a victim before sounding, so you don’t strike them with your tool.

5. Immediately find and close the door

This is the a critical step.

Closing the door isolates the room from the fire flow path and improves survivability.

6. Keep orientation to the window (Wall 1 - I'll explain later, BL)

Always know where the window is (your exit).

Search from the door back toward the window.

7. Limited search only for beginners

VES is not a hallway search. However, some just call this a search from a window and Advanced training in the future will cover this -BL)

Search the room only, then exit and move to the next window.

8. Use a two-firefighter system

One firefighter searches inside.

The other stays at the window/ladder for orientation and help removing victims (again - beginner level introduction)

9. Quick “Go / No-Go” decision

Ask yourself:

Is the room tenable?

Can I enter and get out quickly?

If not, don’t force a bad VES.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU START THIS SEARCH OPERATION

Here is a video to watch and learn from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9iQxiBo4w0

For more on search and vent enter search techniques, go to our Youtube channel and find the playlist of your liking.

Reminder: Log your training appropriately with our Training Form.

Use the description: Vent Enter Search Introduction

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