Building Collapse and Rescue Operation: a guide towards effective performance of search and rescue operations

Abstract

Building collapses are not uncommon world over as a result of a variety of reasons. Current construction trends and population increases seem to continually expand the risks as people move further up from the ground with the increase of high rise buildings. Search and rescue operations in collapsed buildings pose great dangers to both victims and rescuers because of the rubble’s uncertain stability and strength and the possible instability of the remaining building in the case of partially collapsed building. The goal of the rescue mission, however, is to retrieve trapped victims while maintaining the safety of rescue personnel. Thus search and rescue operations require a combination of a variety of technical skills and an advanced knowledge of building construction, structures, and materials. This paper, therefore, highlights observations for the purpose of learning about the dangers, problems, tactics, and strategies needed to effectively perform this kind of rescue operation.