Rescue

Elements to be taken into consideration when forming rescue teams:

1. Population density.
2. Type of buildings.
3. Closeness of buildings and geography
4. Type and degree of risks anticipated at a region.

Rescue structure

1. Rescue general rules
2. Rescue operations command from the rubble:

1- Population density:

Whenever the number of population increased in one place, more rescue teams would be needed owing to the fact that if some accident occurs, human losses might increase. Big cities differ from small cities; and the locations specified for high buildings in big cities are more dangerous than those specified for same purposes in small cities.

2- Type of buildings:

The materials used for construction, to a major degree, control the structure of rescue teams according to the risk encountering the specific area. Cement buildings are stronger than wood-roofed mud buildings in earthquakes cases. Heavy equipment is needed to remove remains of cement buildings; high and long ladders might be a necessity for rescue in multi-floor buildings.

3- Closeness of building and location geography:

Danger increases with the degree of closeness between houses and buildings. A fire or a poison accident at a location where buildings are closer will require more rescue teams. A fast means of transport will also be needed in such a vast area.

4- Type and degree of risks anticipated at a region:

The variety of risk threatening the geographical location nictitate the availability of well-trained rescue teams. Some countries take care of one rescue part according to the risk often threatens their territories. For example, a country that is located at an earthquake zone does train rescue teams and prepare them for earthquake accidents. It will also make equipment and tools needed in such accidents available at hand; whereas, another country bordering water prepares rescue teams for floods control and relevant rescue cases.

Rescue structure:

First: specialty

No criteria that are agreed upon regarding the number of persons in a rescue team; every country has its circumstances that govern selection and forming of rescue teams. Yet, programs and tasks of a rescue man remain same everywhere.
Rescue teams are aware that the risks and results make it necessary that individuals working in the rescue field must be specialized. The advanced countries where Civil Defense is more advanced, specialized teams for rescue are formed, e.g. teams to perform rescue operations in the sea.

Second: accountability

Accountability should not be ignored specially in such a dangerous job like rescue. Countries where work of civil defense is officially organized do apply the accountability principle according to economic and social conditions.

Rescue general rules:

First: locate destruction sites

Sites can be classified into three categories:

A- Mass destruction

Buildings in this region encounter complete destruction. It means masses of ruins to be removed before reaching the affected area.

B- Average mass destruction

Only old and weak buildings are affected. Rescue teams would remove ruins difficultly.

C- Surrounding area

Nor destruction, nor ruins; the streets are clear except of small ruins of glass and unmovable materials.

Second: locate lanes to enter the affected building

Entry lanes are identified according to the type of materials used in dilapidated buildings and debris. Entry in such cases is preferred to be via windows and doors. If it not possible or, it endangers rescuers, corridors must be identified to ensure the safety and security of rescuers and trapped.

Third: ensure safety of operations area

The threats encountering the rescue team differ with the different causes of collapse; therefore, the team must wear protective clothing and take all precautions to ensure their safety as much as possible.

Rescue operations command from the rubble:

1- Evaluation (discovery):

 To assess the necessary machinery required to lift debris, and men enough to free the trapped and the dead in accordance with the amount of debris, vastness of the destruction, and number of victims, geographic and climatic conditions.

2- Inspection:

Must be done in a scientific way to include all the rubble. The area is divided into squares and signs are put on buildings that have been searched to avoid repetition.

Signs marked during the inspection of buildings

Distinctive marking method must be used to indicate the observations of the inspection team; signs must be clear and visible to other members of the team to avoid re-inspection.

Green circle: location searched; none remained alive or dead.
Black circle: building is prone to collapse.
Yellow line: gas, water and electricity cut off from the building.
Wavy line: water for use is inside.

3- Debris removal:

Debris are lifted from roads to ensure traffic of vehicles and individuals involved in operations; and to maintain public safety. Debris is lifted from the buildings to free the trapped.

Key points for rescue man to understand before the start of air rescue:

1. Note wind direction and geography of location upon which trucks, rescue equipment and the location of evacuation are decided.
2. Identify the site for the entrances to the airport.
3. Locate the fire in the plane; and observe the more influential points.
4. Determine the seriousness of the leakage of fuel, if any.
5. Determine the whereabouts of passengers and crew.
6. Ensure the actual number of passengers traveling in the plane from the airlines and air surveillance records.
7. Locate dangerous goods and transferrables, if any.
8. Identify the causes to make sure the incident was not caused by air collision, there may be injuries amongst others who were not traveling in the plane and in need of rescue.
9. Commander must know the following: 

A- The method the seats are distributed in the plane.

B- Specific points to cut.

C- Fuel tanks locations.

D- Number and locations of emergency exits.