The resources below are supplemental data to help continue your self education of fire response and search. Many aspects of Matt Vrchota’s class “Signaled To Search” utilize data from these studies.
Data Not Data (Link)
Writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. Encouraging less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations.
Firefighter Rescue Survey (Link)
Firefighter Rescue Survey was created to highlight the most important aspect of our profession. Saving Lives. Until now fire service data has been solely focused on only the negative. “Line of Duty Deaths” and “Civilian Fatalities” were the only statistics that were available to the average civilian. Why not put the spotlight on what really matters?
By recording the number and details of a rescue made on the fireground we will be able to tailor our training to methods and techniques of what actually works. Improving our results to benefit the populations we serve.
UL FSRI Search Study (Link)
The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) studied how size-up and search decisions affect victim survivability and firefighter safety in residential fires. Using full-scale burn experiments in single-story homes, the study looked at when and how searches were started, door vs. window entry, and the impact of controlling doors, ventilation, and fire flow paths. The results showed that isolating spaces, coordinating suppression, and controlling air movement can greatly improve conditions for trapped occupants and firefighters. This research gives firefighters real data to support aggressive, early, and smarter search operations.
Clackmas Search & Rescue Manual