Collapsed Buildings

Recon

Reconnaissance is the first step in any rescue. This will build a solid base for your rescue efforts. As you are conducting your reconnaissance try to locate casualties by calling out: "Rescue party here! Can you hear me? If you can't call out, tap in a series of three."

When you are given permission to enter a building:

• Always work with a partner.
• Move slowly and test each step.
• Walk close to walls, with your back to the wall, when descending stairs.
• Look out for unsafe walls.
• Blocked or jammed doors may be supporting debris on the other side.
• Look for hazards-Weakened stairways, projecting glass fragments, splintered woodwork, projecting nails and spikes, escaping gas, flooding of basements and exposed wiring.

Basic Tools

Rescue parties often must use whatever comes to hand. Learn to improvise. The basic required tools are ladders, car jacks, axes, carpenters' tools, blankets, rope, first-aid supplies, garden tools, flashlights, helmets and gloves. Know where you can locate these tools, if possible at a moment's notice.

Skills

Rescue is seldom a one-person effort. The ability to work as a team greatly enhances rescue efforts. Each individual in a team has experience or skills that may be useful. Disaster situations will bring people together who have never met before and unite them in the pursuit of the common goal of saving lives.