Many lives are saved each year by firefighters performing systematic searches in conjunction with properly positioned hose lines. This is one of the most important tasks a firefighter performs. Saving lives is your primary function as a firefighter, and proper search techniques could possibly save your life as well. There are many different areas of access to perform a search.

Tip: Before entering through a door to perform a search, feel the doorknob or door handle for the presence of heat. If you feel heat, there is a good possibility that you are in the right place. Stay low and to one side of the door. After entering, immediately check the area behind and in the vicinity of the door. Many victims are found in this location. If you are having a problem fully opening the door due to an obstruction there is a good chance a victim is behind it. If high heat prevents you from entering, use a tool to probe the area inside the door. Be careful not to injure a victim while probing. After entering, chock open or secure the door if fire or smoke will not extend from the fire area. If there is a chance of fire or smoke extending, close the door after entering to conduct your search. Make sure the door does not lock behind you. If possible, leave one member of the search team at the door area; this incorporates a measure of safety. The member left at the door can control it giving the searching members confidence that the door will not lock behind them. This member also acts as a guard, monitoring conditions and acting as a verbal beacon guiding lost members back to the starting point of the search.