Search Scenario #1 Bungalow

When I teach, I usually bring up the point that “there is always more than one right way to fight a fire and conversely, more than one wrong way to fight a fire”.  What works (or worked) in Toledo may not work in New York and vice versa.  

In my third book, “Searching Smarter” (published by Fire Engineering/Pennwell, 2011), in Chapter 2,  I discuss the four types of search I am aware of; those being “Standard Search”, “Team Search”, “Vent Enter Search (VES)” and the “Oriented Search”. 

There can be variations of some of these, but the basic premise behind each remains the same.  As an example, I am aware of two types of VES. One is the original one-person VES.  I my opinion this form is very dangerous, violates most “rules” of search and firefighter safety including “two-in/ two-out” and should be done only in extreme, probably once in a lifetime circumstances. The other type of VES is the “Oriented VES” or “Two-Person VES”.  The principle and evolutions are basically the same with the difference that one firefighter (the searcher) vents, enters and searches a sleeping area while another firefighter (the oriented person) remains outside on the porch roof, at the window on a ladder or on the ground outside the window, to assure the searchers safety and assist if an actual rescue is made.  This two-person VES is an acceptable method of search in my opinion.  It is extremely handy in rural America where staffing may be low.

I would like to start some exercises (simulations) in the next few posts and discuss for each situation, what type of search you would employ.  At the end of each post I will ask some questions I would like you to discuss.  

Click the link below to view the simulation.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd8etcl9vqg&feature=youtu.be

Below is a close proximity of the floor plan. 

It's your department with your staffing procedures and equipment.  As the video goes, what you see is what you get.  Its' 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday. 

1) What type of search would you use and basically how would that search be conducted?

2) Where would you enter the structure?

Please post your answers and comments in the Comment Section.