Collapse Operations for First Responders discusses in detail the common warning signs of structural collapse and what to do when they are encountered, providing a practical, hands-on approach to operating safely and effectively in collapse rescue situations.
Discussion is chiefly directed toward one of the most common types of structures around the country, wood and brick-and-joist (ordinary-constructed) buildings, known as URM (unreinforced masonry) construction.
Various types of shoring and cribbing techniques vital to collapse rescue operations, as well as void size-up, safety at collapse operations, tools used in voids, and void procedures are explored.
Collapse Operations for First Responders is a must-have resource for firefighters, officers, chiefs, and technical rescue response personnel.
Contents:
- Introduction
- Warning signs, causes, and safety precautions of building collapse
- Basic building construction related to building failure
- Initial emergency response
- Collapse patterns and void search operations
- Shoring operations: An overview
- Rescue personnel uses and training criteria
- Tools and equipment needed for structural collapse operations
- Glossary
- Index
