THE SEARCH ROPE
TRAINING NOTBOOK
The search rope, like the personal/ utility rope (see Training Notebook, September 1990) is an important structural firefighting searching tool. The idea for such a rope is not new; rather, new technology, allowing stronger yet thinner ropes, has helped this old idea make a comeback.
Search ropes usually are two hundred to three hundred feet in length and ¼- to ‘/8-inch in diameter. The line easily is carried in a bag slung over the shoulder and is lightweight, yet it still can be felt with a gloved hand. It should be coiled or packed in the bag so that it will not kink or grab when playing out. One end should be attached to the bag by means of a snap hook so the firefighter will not accidentally run out of line. The snap hook also allows the line to be attached to another line should more than the bagged amount be needed, or to the victim if he cannot immediately be removed when found, such as in a building collapse or a cave-in. Since search lines are intended strictly for searching—and possibly some utility work such as hauling tools— they do not have to be strong enough for rappelling; considering the abuse and the conditions to which the line will he subjected, the thinner lines should not be used tor this purpose.
Marking the search rope every 50 feet will indicate how far into the building the search team is. Such marks can be a painted stripe or an item sewn or braided into the rope, such as a thin piece of wire. The wire allows personnel to feel the marker in smoke and darkness. Tying a tight overhand knot is another way of marking the rope.
The search ropes assigned to each company should be a designated, distinctive color such as bright orange, yellow, or red. Tagging the end of the rope with the company’s name or number identifies the line for arriving units. If the rope is properly tended, identification is not a problem. Personal ropes also should be a different color than the search ropes.
All ropes should be inspected regularly for excessive wear or abuse. Damaged ropes should be replaced. When bagging the rope, first secure one end of the rope to the bag, either by feeding it through a grommet or by tying it off to an attachment point; then feed the rope through your hands into the bag. This way the rope will pull out of the bag without kinking or catching. Tie a knot about six inches from the end with a snap hook to keep the rope from bouncing out of the bag when not in use. A tug on the end will be enough to pull the knot through the opening. Using a hag with a drawstring closure and adjustable shoulder strap will facilitate rope deployment. Such bags and ropes are commercially available.
SEARCH ROPE USE
When deploying search lines or personal ropes for a search pattern, several procedures must be followed. Someone must tend the line at the point of anchoring. This person must be in radio contact with the search team at all times. In addition, a backup system of pull signals must be in place. The most common signals are: one—stop, two—go, three—back up, and four—emergency. One member of the search team must keep slack out of the line so that any pulls will befell at the other end. As the search team plays out the line, when there is any change of direction the lintshould be securely tied off if possible. This prevents the line from stretching across the room into the hypotenuseposition, thereby placing it over unsearched or dangerous areas, possibly leading relief or rescue crews into unsafe conditions, or placing the ropein the fire, causing it to burn.
The line usually is deployed as follows: Have a member of the team sling the bag over his shoulder, attach one end to a secure anchor point located in a safe area, and proceed into the building. This method allows the search team to determine quickly how far it has advanced into the building and keeps the rope from building up too much slack. The other option is to attach the end of the rope to the search party and leave the bag outside with an attendant. Now the exterior people know how far the team has advanced should anything go wrong. In either case, simple radio transmission solves the problem of determining location. The most important thing to remember is that the rope must be anchored off in a safe area, preferably outside the building. This allows someone following the line to follow it out of the area of danger. Anchoring the line inside the structure or in an area that may become hazardous could result in disaster for someone seeking safety.
If the search rope is being extended down a long hallway or truck tunnel and members wish to search anterooms off the main area, the personal rope comes in very handy. By tying the rope off the search rope, personnel may branch off to do a search without winding the search rope through a long maze. Use a secure knot that also allows for quick disconnect after the room is searched. A snap hook provides a secure connection and allows movement of the main line without tugging on the lateral line.
SEARCH ROPE IN OPERATIONS
Whether a search line will be used generally is determined by the incident and/or department SOPs. Its use is indicated when companies must search large, open areas without sufficient light or in smoky conditions. Using the search line when looking for the seat of the fire not only guarantees a way out but guides the attack line to the fire after it has been located, saving time and energy.
Buildings with long hallways, many offices, large areas, or otherwise unknown layouts are situations in which search ropes should be used. When operating below grade or in confined spaces, a search line or its larger version, a rescue line, must be used simply as a way to go in and out. A suitable size lifeline (½-inch or larger nylon, static kernmantle) is required for confined space entry and rescue.
Search teams working off the search rope must be aware of their depth of penetration into the fire building. Overextension into the fire area may put teams out of reach of hoselines. In such scenarios it may be necessary to move lines into support positions along the search rope.
Knowing how to use the search and personal ropes properly are musts for every firefighter. The larger buildings within which firefighters are forced to operate dictate their use. The search rope saves time and may save your life.
