PART 4:
SEARCH

 

 

RUBBLE CRAWL

When a rescue team arrives at a structural collapse incident, the first operation is to remove surface casualties who are not heavily trapped and not within the collapsed structure.

When safe to do so, these people should be removed to a victim triage area.

Once the walking wounded victims are removed, return to rescue any other lightly trapped victims that you can see.

There will be a video clip here to show a rubble crawl.

Moving on a collapse site (referred to as a "rubble pile") can be very dangerous and should only be done when absolutely necessary.

When moving about the rubble pile, always wear correct PPE/PPC and ALWAYS MAINTAIN THREE POINTS OF CONTACT. This means that when you lift a leg to move, two hands should be holding on to a secure item. When a hand is released, both feet should be on the ground.

Keep as low as possible and always watch where you place your hands and feet.

Communicate any hazards to team members so that people can form and maintain situational awareness.

 

Practical activity 1:

Your instructor will take you through a practice rubble crawl.