Search & Rescue
It is a basic understanding in the fire service that upon arrival to a given structure fire the number one priority is life safety. The mindset of the Indiana Smoke Diver program is to search everywhere, every time in a rapid, systematic method; starting with or as close to the fire room as possible and working out from that point.
The Smoke Diver program teaches firefighters to engage the mind when conducting a search. There is a high priority placed on size up, reading the smoke, adult victim profiling, understanding building construction and fire behavior, considering time of day, looking for vehicles and children's toys, and other clues and indicators that may assist in finding and rapidly removing potential victims. All while continually assessing the conditions of the fire, being aware of signs of immanent flashover, condition of the structure, remembering the layout and major landmarks within the interior, and closest means of emergency egress.
