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Vent Enter Search

Our mission in the Fire Service is to protect lives and property. All firefighters know this especially Company Officers and Chiefs, as they use rescue as a top priority before formulating a strategic plan. VES is a valuable option to effectively rescue civilians.
It is a rescue tactic which gains access from an exterior position to carry out a targeted search. It is a demanding tactic performed without the protection of a handline and usually away from the fire.
This tactic can be used in conjunction with fire attack or interior operations. The difference between VES and a normal search operation is CREDIBLE information that there is a KNOWN rescue and location.

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VES Considerations:

Once credible information is received, the location and equipment needs must be evaluated. For instance, do we need ladders and, if so, what size?
Are there security bars around windows? Are the windows boarded up?
What is the house layout? 1 or 2 story? Double?
Do we know the size and special needs of the victim ( infants, elderly, etc.).
Before breaking the window, take a quick look inside to see what room conditions are like.

Other Considerations:

Either:

Performing VES

Searcher– Entry, Interior door control
Ladder– Monitors Searcher (using TIC), receives victim, may be required to enter and assist searcher

Break the window by means of striking tool. Remember this will draw the air track toward you.
Quickly asses the smoke and heat conditions (More on next slide)
Clear all glass and sweep the inside under window-feeling for victims
Sound floor
Enter room by head or feet first method

***Second firefighter climbs ladder and puts hook on window sill and controls the TIC
***If entry firefighter comes in contact with a victim first, continue with door control then come back for rescue

Find and control interior door, look outside of door for fire conditions and victims
CLOSE DOOR to protect yourself and victim from the air track/fire
Perform a quick search looking for victims
If victim found, communicate to the firefighter on ladderand depending on size may enter to assist
Next Firefighter will climb and receive the victim

Room Conditions

A compartment is defined as an area within a structure that can be sectioned off with a door. An example of these might be a bedroom, laundry room, bathroom, garage, etc.
During VES operations, especially after the initial breaking of the window, wait about 5-10 seconds and examine what the conditions inside the compartment does. The flow path or air track is now coming your way.
If a flashover occurs, the fire was near the rescue area and the victim did not survive. Entry into this area is not possible and move onto the next task.
The Vent portion of VES is critical and studying smoke conditions can assist in a “GO” vs. “NO GO” scenario.
The highly pressurized, black, superheated smoke is just as dangerous as actual fire itself. This is condition is known as “Black Fire”. When reading smoke, pay attention to the volume, velocity, density, and color .

Title: VES
Date: date of the training
Category: Company Level Training
Location of Training: Location you trained, typically your firehouse
Work Shift: A, B, C
Locale: The station doing the training
Topic: 4100 Rescue Squad Company
Subtopic: 4105 Search and Rescue
Hours: 2.5
Instructors: Person or Persons providing the training for the company
Attendees: Enter everyone’s name, including those listed as the instructor, yes people can be listed as both attendee and instructor.
Synopsis of Training: Tell us what you did!
Return to the top of page and click record training.
If you have a prepared training program that would benefit the department, send an email to CAPT Ross McKee ross.mckee@indy.gov the training will be reviewed and sent out department wide via monthly training if approved.

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