Definitions

Primary Search

A rapid, thorough search of likely victim locations conducted as early as safe conditions allow, while fire attack is ongoing. Emphasis on speed with reasonable thoroughness.

Secondary Search

A detailed, methodical search of every area of the structure after fire control. Conducted by a crew different from the primary-search team when possible.

VES

Vent-Enter-Isolate-Search. Entering an isolated bedroom or target area via a window, closing the door behind you to isolate from the fire, and searching the room. Indicated when a known or suspected victim is in a reachable, isolatable area.

Search Rope / Tether

A life-safety rope used by search crews in large or complex structures where reference loss is possible.

Purpose

To locate and rescue occupants as quickly as conditions allow, while maintaining crew safety, accountability, and coordination with attack operations.

Scope

Applies to every structural fire or smoke incident involving a potentially occupied structure. Applies to all members of [DEPARTMENT NAME] operating at such incidents.

When Search is Indicated

• Any incident with known or reasonably suspected occupants.
• Any occupied-type structure (residential, commercial, assembly) during normal occupancy hours unless confirmed unoccupied.
• Any incident where occupant status is unknown — search is conducted until ruled out.

Primary Search

1. Primary search is assigned by Command at the earliest safe opportunity.
2. The assigned crew announces entry on the tactical channel (crew, location, objective).
3. Search is conducted from the known fire area outward and from exit back toward the fire when attack is underway on the same floor.
4. Crews maintain voice or physical contact and stay oriented to their egress path.
5. On completion, the crew reports: "Engine 2, primary search complete, [FLOOR/AREA] clear" with findings (victims located, conditions that prevented completion).

Secondary Search

1. Secondary search is conducted after fire control.
2. Assigned to a crew different from the primary-search team whenever resources allow, to provide a fresh set of eyes.
3. Every room, closet, under every bed, behind every door, in every bathroom, every other plausible hiding spot — methodical and complete.
4. Findings are reported to Command with the same format.

Vent-Enter-Isolate-Search (VES)

VES is a high-risk, high-reward tactic used to reach a specific room when a victim is known, strongly suspected, or highly likely and the room can be isolated from the main fire area. It is an officer-level decision.

• VES is authorized when: known or credibly reported victim location, reachable by ladder or ground entry, and the target room can be isolated by closing a single door.
• A second crew is standing by at the entry point before VES begins.
• Enter through the window, immediately close the bedroom door, search the room, and egress the same way.
• VES is announced on the radio before entry and completion is reported.

Marking Searched Areas

• Use a consistent marking system across [DEPARTMENT NAME]. Recommended: single slash on door or door frame for entry, X for exit with time and unit.
• Chalk, tape, or marker — choose one method and stick with it.
• Marks are for this incident only; they should weather-off or be removed before crews leave the scene.

Crew Integrity and Accountability

• Minimum crew of two. Stay within voice or physical contact.
• Announce entry, note egress path, announce exit.
• Air management: begin egress before low-air alarm activation.
• If you lose orientation, declare Mayday per the Mayday SOG.

Victim Discovery

1. On locating a victim: announce on the tactical channel (location, condition, number of victims).
2. Extricate to safe area as rapidly as possible — do not delay for fine medical evaluation inside the IDLH.
3. Hand off to EMS for triage and transport decisions.
4. Continue searching the area — additional victims are common.

Responsibilities

Training Requirements

• All interior-qualified members trained on primary and secondary search annually.
• Officer-level training on VES criteria and execution.
• Periodic drills with search ropes in large or complex structures.

References

• NFPA 1500Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program
• NFPA 1410Standard on Training for Emergency Scene Operations
• UL FSRIFire Safety Research Institute — search and rescue studies

Adapt this template

Before this template becomes your department's policy, review the following items and adjust accordingly. Anything else that does not match your operation should be updated as well.

• Specify your department's door-marking convention in an attachment.
• If your department does not authorize VES, state that explicitly.
• Align with your Structural Interior, Mayday, RIT, and Accountability SOGs.