Stage1

STAGE 1

The first stage is Reconnaissance which is divided into two parts:

Information and Observation.

The Information part is the gathering and
documenting all of the available data to assist in making an intelligent
rescue action plan.

This Data should include:

- Time and all factors surrounding the collapse.
- Numbers of persons suspected in building at the time of collapse.
- Type of structure, date built, if blueprints are available, and if so,
where.
- Hazards known, and what can and is being done about them.
- Service locations of power, water, gas, etc.
- Number of persons who made it out before the structure collapsed and how
they got out.
- Number of persons who got out after collapse and how they got out, as well
as the damage and injuries they noticed.
- Local knowledge, is it available about the building, if so, who and where.
- If a disaster plan was used during the collapse and it's success.
- Locations of dense populations in the building for that time of day.
- Resources that could be used to assist in the rescue operation: tools,
medical kits, fire equipment, etc.
- Available rescuers and resources that are on-site now.
- Rescue resources that will be onsite and when
- Rescue resources that can be called in and how.
- Any other information that can be gathered prior to entering structure.
After the Information phase has started the Observation phase begins.

Observation phase requires that trained personnel survey the entire building
looking for any clues as to stability, hazards, areas of entrapment and
possible entry points.

This data is passed on to the information personnel who record it for the
rescue meeting which will take place prior to the commencement of Stage 3.

During the Information / Observation phase [Stage 1] while the exterior is
being surveyed, the other half of the team gears up for stage 2.

When the personnel working on Stage 1 have completed the exterior of the
building they move in to the building with the Stage 2 personnel.

This is so the two stages can be carried out concurrently to save time.
Inside the building the reconnaissance of information and observation
continue as the Stage 2 personnel go to work.