ID
8-508-1159
Name
Structural Collapse Rescue Team
Status
Published
Version
2.0
Updated
9/28/2021 3:52:53 PM
Original Release
12/11/2014
Last Major Release
09/28/2021
Description
The Structural Collapse Rescue Team conducts rescue 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 Rescue Team: 1. Conducts rescue operations for individuals and animals in a structural collapse environment 2. Conducts rescue and recovery operations in structural collapse technical rescue environments 3. Provides emergency medical care, including Basic Life Support (BLS) 4. Transports humans and animals to the nearest safe area for secondary land or air transport
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 specifies certain needs and issues prior to deployment, including: a. Mission location and operational environments, such as size and type of structure(s) b. Type of animal rescue involved, such as livestock, equine, companion, avian, non-domestic or exotic animals, if applicable c. Additional specialized personnel necessary, such as medical staff, animal rescue specialists, logistics specialists, advisors, helicopter support staff and heavy-equipment operators d. Additional transportation-related needs, such as specific vehicles, trailers, equipment, supplies, fuel and so on e. Additional heavy equipment necessary, such as cranes, aerial lifts (booms) and industrial style forklifts f. Additional specialty equipment, such as hardware, software, ropes, victim evacuation devices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 3. This team relies on local emergency infrastructure for all rescued people and animal hand-off. 4. 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 16
Type 26
Type 35
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 Rescue Team Leader
SUPPORT PERSONNEL PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1 – NIMS Structural Collapse Rescue Technician
Type 34 – NIMS Structural Collapse Rescue Technician
Capabilities Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Conducts rescue 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 rescue operations in medium construction, in keeping with UN INSARAG US&R guidance
Type 31. Conducts rescue operations in light construction, in keeping with UN INSARAG US&R guidance 2. 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. Breaching and breaking equipment includes sledgehammers and crowbars. 3. 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, PLUS: 1. Cutting torches 2. Rebar cutters 3. Shoring equipment
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. Breaching and breaking equipment 2. Air bags 3. Hydraulic jacks
Type 31. Hand tool package 2. Technical level rope rescue package
VICTIM EXTRACTION EQUIPMENT PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Litter basket 2. Litter wheel 3. Adjustable bridle 4. Patient harness system
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 Team MemberNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Two-way handheld radio 2. Mobile phone
880880
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 509: Structural Collapse Rescue Team Leader
FEMA, NIMS 509: Structural Collapse Rescue 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