Lessons Learned from a Mayday: Are You Ready to Search?

Instructor: Alex Plutto, Washington DC (DCFD Rescue 1)

An effective primary search starts long before the fire is even dispatched. This two-hour lecture focuses on the critical preparation that goes into being ready for a search assignment. The front door of a burning building should never be the first time you've thought about how you are going to search. Success on the fireground begins with the work done beforehand, through training and mental preparation.

This lecture will dive into the various elements that contribute to an effective primary search. It covers the importance of knowing your department’s policies and procedures, and how regular, realistic company-level drills help sharpen the skills required for searching. Attendees will also be introduced to proven techniques from the streets that can be immediately applied to improve both speed and effectiveness.

More than just tactics, this lecture emphasizes the concept of being truly oriented during a search. It challenges attendees to rethink how they approach the task, offering insights that deepen their understanding of what it means to search with purpose, awareness, and confidence. Whether you're new to the job or a seasoned firefighter, this class will enhance your approach to one of the most critical functions on the fireground.

You may also like the following events from Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department:

• Next month, 11th October, 11:00 am, Fireman's Fall Bash 2025 in Murrysville

Also check out other Workshops in Murrysville.