Wednesday January, 30 2013 @ 19:30 Nature: Internal Training – Search & Rescue Techniques On Wednesday evening, January 30, Second Assistant Chief Mario Street coordinated the in-house training evolutions for the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company personnel. The primary topics of the training evolutions were “Firefighter Structural Search & Rescue Techniques” with actual demonstrations and formal evolutions. The volunteer firefighters learned and practiced one of the most important aspects of the firefighter is performing search and rescue missions and the hazards one could encounter. It was emphasized that many search and rescue tasks are commonly performed in structure fires where possibly people are trapped and not able to escape on their own. Smoke, heat and other dangerous conditions could cause people to be disoriented or they may attempt to hide from the heat and smoke which could lead to death or serious injury. Firefighter search and rescue is primarily practiced and learned while the firefighter undergoes training for certification and is continually performed as practice to maintain the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. Structural search and rescues consist of two searches – primary and secondary search. The primary search is a quick and accurate search performed under hazardous conditions – main objective is to get in and get out. The secondary search is performed under safer conditions and where the fire is under control. Essentials of search & rescue: • Firefighter teamwork & communications; • Proper training with knowledge, skills and abilities; • Proper personal protective gear and equipment.