The use of a “search-rope” or “tag-line” system is an infrequent and hazardous means of searching for life (victims or downed FF’s).  The very nature of the situations requiring use of such systems illustrates the hazard:

• We are searching for a downed FF during a RIT deployment.  Something bad has already happened that may have been caused by:   an unstable building, uncontrolled fire conditions, or other situations.  Also, during a RIT we’re likely to be more “amped up”, taking extra risks, and not concentrating on our own safety as much as we should…
• Or we are searching for civilians.  If we’re using a tag-line system, this means we’re in a large or awkward space that is probably commercial, industrial, or institutional.  These occupancies present their own additional hazards beyond “bread & butter” fires.
• Air management is an issue wherever we are performing these activities…

The worst thing we can do is just buy a system and throw it on the rig.  I think it’s better not to have the system than to have it and not have trained/practiced on it.

• All your members must know the system and the game-plan before it is used on the fireground.
• While there may be various methods/techniques for search operations – each organization needs to train members on  methods that will be used by that Department.  It is imperative that all members are on the same page.
• Use of these systems at fires is likely very infrequent.  As such, the only way you’ll maintain familiarity is to regularly integrate the equipment and techniques into your training calendar.

This past weekend, TT instructors Joe Brown, Scott Kraut, and Nick Martin traveled back to Havre de Grace, MD for our fourth class with the Susquehanna Hose Company.  The focus today was on search-rope operations – particularly familiarizing members with their new tag-line system and giving them some “hands-on” practice.

After a brief classroom introduction, the class of 30 students headed over to Cytec Industries – a local business that graciously allowed use part of their warehouse.  The layout was perfect, including both large open spaces and rack storage.  Students practiced a variety of skills including:

• Searching for sound (PASS alarm)
• TIC-oriented searches
• Pattern searches (“T” & Arc)

Units from Aberdeen Proving Ground FD (US Army) and Aberdeen Fire Department were also in attendance.  This allowed members of the class to interact with mutual-aid departments as well as to experiment with three different tag-line bag configurations, to see what suited their operations best.

For more information on this or similar classes, please contact us.

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