PURPOSE

This procedure identifies individual, company and Command level activities for the search and rescue of a lost or trapped fire fighter(s).

LOST OR TRAPPED FIRE FIGHTERS

The rescue of trapped or lost fire fighters in a burning building is especially time sensitive. There is a very narrow “window of survivability” for a fire fighter who is out of S.C.B.A. air supply or trapped by approaching fire. Individual fire fighters must not delay reporting to Command if they become lost, trapped or in need of assistance. Company officers must also not delay the reporting of lost fire fighters or inability to complete accountability reports. Command and sector officers must always assume that the missing fire fighter is lost in the building until the fire fighter can be accounted for. Command must also restructure the strategy and action plan to include a high priority rescue effort.

“MAY-DAY” RADIO MESSAGE

The radio message “May-Day” will be used by lost or trapped fire fighters to report their status as being in trouble and needing rescue. Any member may use “May-Day” to report a lost fire fighter. Any report of “May-Day” will receive priority radio traffic. The term “May-Day” will be reserved ONLY to report lost or trapped fire fighters. The term “emergency traffic” will be used to report other emergencies.

The term “May-Day” typically will be used in the following situations:

• By the member who is lost, trapped, or in trouble.
• By the company officer, sector officer, or other member who cannot account for an assigned fire fighter who is operating in the hazard zone. This “May-Day” would generally occur following a PAR report that fails to locate/account for the suspected lost member.
• By a member who witnesses or has confirmed that a fire fighter is lost or in trouble.