ID
8-508-1158
Name
Structural Collapse Search Team
Status
Published
Version
2.0
Updated
9/28/2021 3:52:39 PM
Original Release
12/11/2014
Last Major Release
09/28/2021
Description
The Structural Collapse Search Team conducts search operations in collapsed structures and debris fields resulting from natural or human causes.
Resource Category
Search and Rescue
Primary Core Capability
Mass Search and Rescue Operations
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Team
Overall Function
The Structural Collapse Search Team: 1. Searches for missing individuals and animals in a structural collapse environment 2. Performs technical searches using various techniques and technologies, including thermal, optical and audio 3. Provides emergency medical care, including basic life support (BLS)
Composition and Ordering Specifications
1. Discuss logistics for deploying this team, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment. 2. Requestor orders canine search resources separately to supplement this team. 3. Requestor specifies certain needs and issues prior to deployment, including: a. Mission location and operational environments, such as size and type of structure(s) b. Additional specialized personnel necessary, such as medical staff, animal search specialists, logistics specialists, advisors, helicopter support staff and heavy-equipment operators c. Additional transportation-related needs, such as specific vehicles, trailers, equipment, supplies, fuel and so on d. Additional heavy equipment necessary, such as cranes, aerial lifts (booms) and industrial style forklifts e. Additional specialty equipment, such as hardware, software, ropes, victim evacuation devices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 4. This team relies on the Structural Collapse Rescue Team for all found people and animal rescue. 5. Operations in search and rescue (SAR) environments may be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), per ASTM International (ASTM) F2890: Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel; requestor should consider the need for additional capabilities or endorsements.
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Components
Component Notes  
MINIMUM PERSONNEL PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 14
Type 24
Type 32
MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT PERSONNEL PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31 – National Incident Management System (NIMS) Structural Collapse Search Team Leader
SUPPORT PERSONNEL PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 2 – NIMS Structural Collapse Search Technician
Type 31 – NIMS Structural Collapse Search Technician
Capabilities Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Conducts search operations in heavy construction, in keeping with United Nations (UN) International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) urban search and rescue (US&R) guidance
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: Conducts search operations in medium construction, in keeping with UN INSARAG US&R guidance
Type 31. Conducts search operations in light construction, in keeping with UN INSARAG US&R guidance 2. Performs thermal, optical and audio search operations 3. Is capable of working in confined spaces, including permit-required, non-cave and non-mine environments
Rescue Equipment Per Team1. Hand tools include shovels, electric saws and bolt cutters. 2. Requestor orders additional heavy equipment, such as cranes, aerial lifts (booms) and industrial style forklifts, separately, if necessary.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. Listening devices 2. Search camera 3. Core drills
Type 31. Hand tool package 2. Technical level rope rescue package 3. Thermal imaging camera
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PER TEAM MEMBERNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3PPE is mission specific and varies by work environment; it may include: 1. Hard hat 2. Reflective vest 3. Gloves 4. Safety glasses 5. Protective clothing 6. Protective footwear 7. Dust masks or a respirator with extra filters
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Two-way handheld radio 2. Mobile phone
881881
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Structural Collapse Rescue Team Leader
FEMA, NIMS 509: Structural Collapse Search Team Leader
FEMA, NIMS 509: Structural Collapse Search Technician
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019
ASTM International (ASTM) F2890: Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel, latest edition adopted
United Nations (UN), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Guidelines, latest edition adopted