View Position Qualification

8-509-1165

Name

Structural Collapse Search Team Leader

Status

Published

Version

1.5

Updated

6/1/2020 1:25:06 PM

Original Release

12/11/2014

Last Major Release

06/01/2020

Resource Category

Search and Rescue

Primary Core Capability

Mass Search and Rescue Operations

Secondary Core Capability

Resource Kind

Personnel

Overall Function

The Structural Collapse Search Team Leader performs search in structural collapse incidents and provides general leadership and supervision

Single resource

In conjunction with a NIMS typed team

NIMS Typed Team

Structural Collapse Search Team

In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit

NIMS Typed Unit

Description Notes

Not Specified

Supporting Core Capabilities
None

Types
Type 1	The Structural Collapse Search Team Leader is responsible for the following: 1. Provides general leadership, direct supervision, wellness and safety of the team and members and other single resources 2. Performs search in structural collapse incidents, including identifying hazards in a collapsed structure defined as Heavy, Medium, and/or Light, consistently with the United Nations (UN) International Search and Rescue Advisory Group’s (INSARAG) Guideline and Methodology for Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) categories for structures 3. Conducts thermal, optical, acoustical, and audio search 4. Requests rescue/evacuation and recovery resources as needed 5. Performs medical care to include Basic Life Support (BLS) 6. Operates within the Incident Command System (ICS), a specialized position within a Structural Collapse Search Team 7. Provides basic ICS functions of safety, medical, logistics and planning General Functions 1. Deploys for up to 14 days, ready to deploy for incident within 24 hours of notification, self-sustaining for 72 hours upon arrival, and works up to 12 hours per shift 2. Provides: a. Safety of self and team members and operations b. Medical care of self, team members, and subjects c. Simple decontamination of self and team members d. Basic ground support capability for helicopter operations 3. Use of ground vehicles, water vehicles, and aircraft for operations and support 4. Operates in environments with and without infrastructure including those affected by disasters and terrorism; with compromised access to roadways, utilities, transportation, and limited availability of shelter, food, and water

Type 1

The Structural Collapse Search Team Leader is responsible for the following: 1. Provides general leadership, direct supervision, wellness and safety of the team and members and other single resources 2. Performs search in structural collapse incidents, including identifying hazards in a collapsed structure defined as Heavy, Medium, and/or Light, consistently with the United Nations (UN) International Search and Rescue Advisory Group’s (INSARAG) Guideline and Methodology for Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) categories for structures 3. Conducts thermal, optical, acoustical, and audio search 4. Requests rescue/evacuation and recovery resources as needed 5. Performs medical care to include Basic Life Support (BLS) 6. Operates within the Incident Command System (ICS), a specialized position within a Structural Collapse Search Team 7. Provides basic ICS functions of safety, medical, logistics and planning General Functions 1. Deploys for up to 14 days, ready to deploy for incident within 24 hours of notification, self-sustaining for 72 hours upon arrival, and works up to 12 hours per shift 2. Provides: a. Safety of self and team members and operations b. Medical care of self, team members, and subjects c. Simple decontamination of self and team members d. Basic ground support capability for helicopter operations 3. Use of ground vehicles, water vehicles, and aircraft for operations and support 4. Operates in environments with and without infrastructure including those affected by disasters and terrorism; with compromised access to roadways, utilities, transportation, and limited availability of shelter, food, and water

Education

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified

Training

Not Specified

Type 1

All training identified for the NIMS Type 1 Structural Collapse Search Technician PLUS: Completion of the following foundation-level training: 1. ICS-300:Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents 2. IS-703: NIMS Resource Management 3. IS-809: Emergency Support Function (ESF) 9, Search and Rescue General training with additional focus on discipline and type (position): 1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Structural Collapse Search Technician Course or equivalent 2. FEMA/Department of Justice (DOJ) Emergency Response to Terrorism: Basic Concepts 3. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), 29 CFR 1910.120 (q)(6)(i) (Code of Federal Regulations) or equivalent first responder awareness level basic instruction; with the exception of all incident structural searches that require 29 CFR 1910.120 (q)(6)(ii) or equivalent first responder operations level basic instruction on responding to and operating in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives (CBRNE) incident 4. Confined Space Rescue and fall protection in accordance with OSHA regulations, or equivalent 5. Global Positioning System (GPS) Land Navigation Course Completion of a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ASTM International (ASTM) or equivalent Structural Collapse SAR training program or as verified by the Agency Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) meeting the following position-specific key skills and aptitudes: 1. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 4 Fire Officer or other professional equivalent 2. Use of relevant National Weather Service (NWS), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and related warning and notification systems 3. Operational Leadership Training as provided by the AHJ

Experience

KSAs are addressed in NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents.

Type 1

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): 1. Ability to function at the Team Leader level 2. Ability to identify and apply the role of the Structural Collapse Search Team Leader within the incident management structure 3. Ability to perform thermal, optical, acoustical, and audio search 4. Knowledge of structural collapse search and associated hazards, including recognition of the various types of building and structural collapses and their impact 5. Understanding of search procedures in the building/structural collapse environment during day and night operations 6. Ability to identify and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 7. Ability to carry out the following: a. Technical rescue operations b. General standards of technical rescue c. Rope rescue d. Structural collapse search and rescue e. Confined space search and rescue f. Machinery rescue g. Trench and excavation search and rescue 8. Knowledge of the capabilities of canine search Experience verified by the AHJ: 1. Demonstrated skill as a technician in the discipline 2. Experience that demonstrates scene management and dynamic assessment of risk 3. Experience with relevant building/structural collapses, confined space and rope rescue techniques 4. Experience with identifying hazards, including potential operating environments 5. Background in relevant building and structural collapses, confined space, and rope rescue techniques 6. Involved with identifying hazards, including potential operating environments 7. Experience as a NIMS Type 4 Fire Officer 8. Completion of the Structural Collapse Search Team Leader Position Task Book (PTB) or equivalent that validates and verifies demonstrated ability to perform skills in exercises or actual incident operations 9. At least five years of experience in structural collapse search during an incident, simulation, planned event, exercise, or drill

Physical/Medical Fitness

The NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions.

Type 1

1. Arduous 2. Minimum physical fitness and swimming standards, Job Related Physical Ability Test (JRPAT) set by AHJ 3. NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments), or equivalent minimum medical fitness standards determined by the AHJ 4. Maintain immunizations as outlined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control’s most current recommended adult immunization schedule for the United States of America

Currency

The providing entity must carry out and use any background checks as specified by applicable law. This may or may not include the following: background check currency within twelve months; sex offender registry check; and a local, state and national based criminal history.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	1. Annual refresher of related rescue skills and abilities in structural collapse environments 2. Operational incident experience and/or participation in exercises, drills, or simulations within three years from the time approved by the AHJ to serve as a Structural Collapse Search Team Leader 3. Background checks as permitted and/or required by applicable law

Professional and Technical Licenses and Certifications

The AHJ determines the types of emergency medical certifications needed to meet the minimum criteria, including: first aid, CPR, and Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS). The AHJ determines any other additional certifications requirements in accordance with NFPA and ASTM search and rescue standards, or equivalent.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	1. Certification and/or recertification as required by the AHJ in order to perform medical care including Basic Life Support (BLS) 2. Certification or documentation indicating completion of training outlined above (Structural Collapse Search Team Leader) 3. Certification or completion of structural collapse, confined space, and high and low angle training that relates to the job standards

Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment
Operations in search and rescue environments might be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), per ASTM F2890 Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel. The requesting authority must consider the need for additional recognized capability or endorsements.

1296

Notes

References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 509-4: Fire Officer
FEMA, NIMS 508-8: Structural Collapse Rescue Team
FEMA, NIMS 508-8: Structural Collapse Search Team
FEMA, NIMS 509-8: Structural Collapse Rescue Team Leader
FEMA, NIMS 509-8: Structural Collapse Rescue Technician
FEMA, NIMS 509-8: Structural Collapse Search Technician
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS), November 2017
FEMA, Structural Collapse Search Technician Course – Student Manual
United Nations (UN) International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), Guidelines and Methodology, April 2012
ASTM International (ASTM) F-2890 Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel, latest edition adopted
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006: Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications, latest edition adopted
NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, latest edition adopted
NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents, latest edition adopted
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), 29 CFR 1910.120 (Code of Federal Regulations), Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory Protection
OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces
OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030, Annual Bloodborne Pathogens