PURPOSE The information contained in this operational guideline applies to every member of the Macomb County Technical Rescue Team and to those departments that may be assisting at the scene of an emergency response. These guidelines should also be adhered to during all training evolutions of the Macomb County Technical Rescue Team. The purpose of the WAS standard operating procedure is to standardize the regional USAR Strike Team operations at wide area search incidents. SCOPE This document provides the basis for the operational plan for emergency response of the Macomb County Technical Rescue Team (MCTRT) to incidents involving Wide Area Search. This document is deemed an operational guideline for team members. Deviation outside the parameters of this document are allowed, but must be justified by the members making these decisions. This procedure will apply to all emergency operations where: * A large geographical area is affected * The number of victims is unknown * The incident overwhelms local resource capabilities * The response requires a variety of resources Goals USAR Strike Team goals at a wide area search incident will include the following WAS and USAR objectives: WAS Assist the local Incident Commander with organizing the search operation Provide Recon/Hasty Search Team capabilities Provide Primary search capabilities Provide Secondary search capabilities USAR Assist with clearing roads for emergency responders Provide Structural and Risk Assessment of prioritized buildings Provide stabilization of prioritized structures Provide rescue operations of structures with trapped victims Provide on-site medical care for USAR Strike Team members and trapped victims Created by Ron Zawlocki and Jim Stevenson Page 1
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS Macomb County Technical Rescue Team Initial Actions Phase 1 1.1 The USAR Strike Team will position personnel and equipment in the designated staging area. 1.2 The Strike Team Manager will report to the incident command post for assignment. 1.3 The USAR Strike Team shall consist of the following: Strike Team Manager Strike Team Safety Officer (2) Squad Officers (10) Rescue Specialists (2) USAR Medical Specialists Logistic Specialist 1.4 USAR Strike Team Accountability - Strike Team accountability procedures shall be adapted to the accountability procedure of the authority having jurisdiction. The USAR Strike Team Manager is responsible for team accountability. 1.5 The Strike Team members will locate and inventory WAS Equipment Kits (see appendix for kit details) Recon Kit Hasty Search Kit Primary/Secondary Search Kit Hazard Assessment Kit WAS Plan Development 2.1 The Strike Team Manager will work under the Incident Commander and assist with the preparation of the Search Plan ( Tactical Action Plan) 2.2 The WAS Tactical Action Plan should include Reconnaisance Hasty Search Primary Search Secondary Search 2.3 The Strike Team will prepare the tools and equipment needed to support the plan. 2.4 The Strike Team Manager will obtain maps and coordinates of the assigned area. 2.5 The Strike Team will remain in the stand-by mode until activated by the IC. Created by Ron Zawlocki and Jim Stevenson Page 2
2.6 The Strike Team Manager will assess and recommend additional USAR assets which may include additional USAR strike teams, MI-TF1, EMAC and FEMA resources. (NOTE: Strike Teams shall follow their standard operating guidelines for structural collapse and USAR operations) Sustained WAS Actions Phase 3 3.1 RECONNAISSANCE Preliminary survey of the affected area, for the purpose of determining the scope and magnitude of the incident. 3.2 HASTY SEARCH A fast pace search of the assigned area with the goal of locating victims that are injured or easily transported. 3.3 PRIMARY SEARCH Quick search of the structures, looking in doors and windows, but not going inside, likely to contain victims. 3.4 SECONDARY SEARCH Search of every room/void space in assigned structure. These are entry operations and must follow a Hazard Assessment. 3.5 The IC and Strike Team Manager will evaluate the action plan and determine effectiveness. 3.6 The Strike Team Manager will conduct Personal Accountability Reports to account for Strike Team members. 3.7 The USAR Strike Team Safety Officer will work with the Incident Command Staff to develop a plan for the treatment and transportation of injured strike team members. (NOTE: All Search phases will utilize proper documentation, mapping, structural damage assessment level, and the FEMA marking system while being conducted.) WAS Termination Phase 4 4.1 Upon completion of WAS Sustained Actions the USAR Strike Team will report to the staging area. 4.2 Strike Team personnel will commence rehabilitation as directed. 4.3 The IC and Strike Team manager will determine the need to re-assign or maintain the strike team. Created by Ron Zawlocki and Jim Stevenson Page 3
4.4 The Strike Team will follow their de-mobilization procedures when relieved from duty. APPENDICES RECON KIT EQUIPMENT Camera Radio HASTY SEARCH KIT EQUIPMENT Camera Hasty Search Checklist Radios o Data Collection sheets o Resident Accountability sheets Created by Ron Zawlocki and Jim Stevenson Page 4
PRIMARY/ SECONDARY SEARCH KIT EQUIPMENT Primary/Secondary Search Checklist Search Camera (if available) Marking paint Marking Stickers Radio o Data Collection sheets o Resident Accountability sheets HAZARD ASSESSMENT KIT Structural Specialist Kit Haz Mat Go Kit Safety Officers Kit Created by Ron Zawlocki and Jim Stevenson Page 5