The recent hurricane devastation along the Gulf Coast has focused attention on the activities and equipment of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces. These disasters also pointed out the need for USAR resources at the state, regional and city level to handle large-scale incidents until the federal teams can arrive to help.

There are several advantages to having local USAR teams. Generally, they can be on scene within minutes or hours to locate, rescue and care for victims while the chances of survival are still high. Federal teams, on the other hand, may take a day or more to arrive. Another advantage is that equipment for local USAR teams, although often less extensive than that of fully equipped federal teams, generally costs significantly less. Local teams also know the area better and may be more effective at dealing with residents or obtaining additional resources. Finally, the equipment and vehicles used for urban search and rescue can be used by local departments for many other situations as well.

If your department is thinking about establishing a USAR team, you should consider the types of hazards you may face and the equipment you may need.

Match equipment to hazards

The most common USAR operations involve the widespread destruction of buildings as a result of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tidal waves, tornadoes and other natural disasters. Some USAR operations also may involve the effects of more limited or localized disasters, such as tunnel or mine cave-ins, trench collapses, explosions, or the structural failure of individual buildings. Each department needs to evaluate the specific hazards it may face in its response area.

The equipment list needed for each hazard varies widely. At the core of any list should be such basic items as personal protective equipment, communications gear and medical supplies, as well as food, water, electrical power, lighting, fuel and shelter to establish a stand-alone base of operations for three to seven days.

For structural-collapse rescues, the equipment list may include a variety of hand and power tools for cutting, lifting and stabilizing building components ranging from wood-frame walls to poured concrete floors. For flood rescues, the equipment list may include inflatable boats, diving equipment and individual flotation devices. For other rescues, the list may include plywood shoring for trench rescues, rope and rigging for high-angle rescues, or breathing-air supplies for operations in hazardous atmospheres.

Match vehicles to equipment

USAR vehicles can be simple equipment carriers or multifunctional bases of operation. They can consist of a single vehicle that supports a team of up to six people working in a limited area, or they can be one of several vehicles supporting a task force of 60 or more across a much larger area.

At the most basic level, departments can use an engine, ladder or rescue unit as a USAR vehicle after adding the appropriate equipment. The forcible entry and vehicle extrication tools normally carried on these apparatus can be supplemented by more specialized equipment to give departments a solid base for initial operations.

Departments that want to carry more equipment may choose to have dedicated USAR vehicles on their roster. These may be medium- or heavy-rescue units on powered chassis or they may be single- or tandem-axle trailers pulled by tractors. Vehicles built on powered chassis are generally shorter and easier to drive, but they may have less compartment space than tractor-trailer units. Vehicles built on tractor-trailer configurations are generally longer and require special driving skills, but they may have more compartment space.

Regardless of the configuration, most USAR vehicles include several features to assist operations. Generators for lights and tools are driven by transmission power-take-offs, or they may have their own engines. Perimeter lighting around the vehicle is usually supplemented by elevating light towers. Hydraulic pumps and utility air compressors supply tools through hose reels. Drop-down side awnings provide shelter for personnel and equipment.

Some equipment requires special consideration when specifying the body layout. Hand tools should be mounted on slide-out boards or carried in partitioned trays to allow for easy identification and removal. Lumber for cribbing and supports will add considerable weight and is often placed near the rear axle. Inflatable lifting bags will need to be stored flat in protected areas to avoid cuts and damage. Heavy equipment should be carried on slide-out trays located low to the ground for easy removal. All equipment needs to be secured for transit.

Are you ready?

Recent changes in global weather patterns have led scientists to predict the possibility of an increase in hurricanes along the Gulf and East coasts for the next decade. These same weather patterns are predicted to increase snow and rain in portions of the Northwest and the East, with a corresponding potential for floods. On the West Coast, the threat of destructive earthquakes and tidal waves remains a constant hazard.

No matter where you are, the effects of natural disasters on built-up areas present fire departments with a growing problem. Many departments have decided to address this problem by establishing their own USAR teams with the proper training, equipment and vehicles. Are you ready?