A brief discussion on the rescue procedures, measures, and organizational leadership for collapse accidents of large buildings and structures

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Abstract: In light of the increasing number of building collapse accidents caused by earthquakes, **, and gas explosions in recent years, this paper analyzes the hazards resulting from such accidents as well as the main issues encountered in emergency rescue operations. It also presents views and insights on how to effectively carry out search and rescue efforts in cases of large-scale building collapses. Keywords: buildings, collapse, emergency rescue. In recent years, incidents of building collapses caused by earthquakes, **, and explosions of domestic gas have occurred from time to time, resulting in tremendous losses to ** and the lives and property of the general populace. Due to the short duration during which the public security fire departments are tasked with emergency rescue operations and their lack of experience, there are currently no standardized procedures or requirements for handling emergencies of various types. As a result, such rescue operations are often characterized by reckless actions, as well as incorrect and inadequate use of techniques and tactics. To improve and standardize emergency rescue operations, the author shares some preliminary insights on the procedures, measures, and organizational leadership for search and rescue in cases of large building collapses, aiming to discuss them with fellow firefighters. 1 Factors and risks associated with building collapses 1.1 Severe casualties On February 24, 2003, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Kashgar in Xinjiang, resulting in the collapse of 36,562 buildings, 268 deaths, 2,058 people suffering moderate injuries, and economic losses amounting to 1.37 billion yuan. On July 7 of the same year, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Dayao in Yunnan, causing 18,000 houses to collapse, 16 deaths, 390 injuries, affecting 700,000 people, and resulting in economic losses of 1.2 billion yuan. On January 27, 2003, a liquefied gas leak and explosion occurred in Building 29 of the North Area of Mingzhu Community in Zhangqiu City, Shandong Province. The 10 households on floors 1 to 5 of this building, along with the underground storage rooms, all collapsed; 21 people were buried under the debris and died, while 3 were injured. Eight buildings within a radius of 150 meters were damaged to varying degrees. 1.2 There is a risk of secondary collapse. Firstly, incidents such as **explosions or explosions caused by gas leaks** can generate intense vibrations and shock waves that cause varying degrees of damage to buildings. Buildings or ruined structures that have not collapsed at the site of the explosion are at risk of collapsing at any time ； Secondly, earthquakes or man-made explosions can cause buildings to collapse, which in turn leads to the leakage and spread of gas; when exposed to a fire source, this can result in an explosion that causes the buildings to collapse again. 1.3 Secondary hazards caused by gas leaks: Earthquakes or explosions in chemical manufacturing facilities not only lead to the collapse of buildings and casualties, but they also cause the collapse of factories and warehouses used for the production and storage of various chemical hazards. This results in fires or gas leaks, imposing further disasters on those affected and creating obstacles to rescue efforts. 2 Key issues in current rescue operations: As a on-site fire commander, I was involved in the rescue efforts following the explosion that occurred on January 27, 2003, in the northern area of Mingzhu Community in Zhangqiu City, Shandong Province. And reviewed relevant domestic battle examples. I can feel this in the emergency rescue efforts following building collapses that occur in our country. Everything from the search at the scene, rescue and first aid efforts, to the maintenance of order around the site was chaotic. Added to that are the cries of the relatives of those who lost their lives at the explosion site. The order at the scene was extremely chaotic. 2.2 Rescue and lifesaving operations are blind in the rescue of large building collapse accidents. At present, this is due to the fact that the domestic comprehensive rescue mechanism is not yet fully developed. There is blindness in force mobilization and the application of rescue techniques and tactics. Especially at the sites where explosions caused severe casualties, there is no organized approach to rescue and saving lives. Some leaders do this in order to reduce their impact. It forces the rescue efforts to accelerate the digging pace in a way that goes against the rules. This is not allowed in developed countries abroad. Also. In the rescue operations for building collapses in our country. Some fail to make use of search techniques such as life detectors and search and rescue dogs for searching, locating, and rescuing. Or it may be due to inadequate training. Life detectors are not used at critical moments or are used inadequately. 3 Rescue Procedures, Measures, and Organizational Command 3.1 Rescue Procedures and Measures 3.1.1 Rescue Teams A rescue team consists of one special operations squadron, two regular squadrons (1 multi-functional emergency response vehicle, 1–2 medium/large foam trucks, 2–4 medium-sized water tankers, 1–2 large water tankers, 2 aerial lift vehicles, 1–2 lighting vehicles), 3–9 ambulances (with 1 driver and 2 paramedics per vehicle), 2–4 forklifts, 2–4 cranes, 2–4 excavators, as well as troops or approximately 90 personnel. 3.1.2 After a force mobilization incident occurs, public security fire and rescue forces must be dispatched promptly according to their formations. At the same time, report to the local Party committee, **, and the public security authorities. **After the leaders and those in charge of relevant departments arrived, they organized emergency rescue operations in accordance with the pre-established plan. When the area affected by the collapse is large, the situation is severe, and rescue resources are insufficient, multiple task forces can be deployed. 3.1.3 Initial mission and force deployment: Upon arrival at the scene, the fire department must first organize its forces to extinguish the fire. At the same time, specialized teams must be deployed to close valves and seal leaks in order to contain the gas leakage caused by the explosion, and to prevent secondary explosions from occurring during rescue operations and causing injuries. After completing the tasks of extinguishing the fire and closing valves to stop leaks, they must be incorporated into the rescue forces. 3.1.4 Rescue missions (1) Deployment of main combat forces. Depending on the specific conditions at the site, several working surfaces can be established. The force allocation for each operation area is as follows: 1 search team (special operations unit); technical equipment includes life detectors, search and rescue dogs, etc ； One rescue unit (special operations team, military forces, or drivers of municipal debris removal machinery); the required equipment includes multi-functional rescue vehicles, excavators, forklifts, cranes, etc ； 1–2 medical rescue teams. The required equipment includes 3–6 medical ambulances, as well as first-aid supplies, stretchers, etc. (2) Rescue operation procedures. First, rescue those trapped or deceased persons who are in plain sight. The rescue teams use various technical methods to swiftly save the injured and deceased trapped inside unreconstructed buildings as well as on the surfaces of collapsed buildings. Second is to rescue those trapped in dark areas. Use infrared thermal cameras, life detectors, and other devices to locate and identify living people trapped in dark areas or buried under debris. Use equipment such as forklifts, cranes, excavators, towing and demolition tools, lifting devices, and jacking systems to rescue people trapped in dark areas. Fire special operations personnel use mechanical equipment primarily for searching and digging. Rescue the person ； The troops or **are responsible for carrying the rescued people to the ambulance ； The medical emergency team is responsible for providing on-site first aid to those who are rescued and transporting them to the hospital for further treatment ； The entire rescue operation should be carried out under the guidance of medical and construction experts; brute force must be avoided to prevent unnecessary casualties. Third is to rescue the victims buried under the ruins. The approximate location of the victims is determined using search and rescue dogs, or based on information provided by informants; thereafter, mechanical equipment such as forklifts and cranes, along with tools for demolition, lifting, and support, are used to rescue the victims. During rescue operations, it is necessary to follow procedures strictly; when approaching the victims, avoid rushing in to dig or remove debris, and pay attention to providing adequate protection. (3) Issues to note. First, if there is a gas or poison leak upon arrival, the valves must be closed and the leak sealed first. Ensure leakage is suppressed before carrying out rescue operations ； Second, in case of a fire, while extinguishing it, equipment such as elevating devices can be used to rescue trapped personnel. Inside or near dangerous buildings that have not collapsed, safety measures must be taken during rescue operations to ensure protection; if necessary, safety monitors should be assigned to oversee the situation. Experts can also be consulted to conduct technical inspections of the dangerous buildings, thereby ensuring safety during rescue efforts ； Third, rescue operations for such accidents involve heavy responsibilities and tight deadlines; they often last for a long time, resulting in high physical strain on the rescuers. Replacement personnel should be arranged ； Fourth, lighting vehicles are used for nighttime rescue operations, with lights installed from multiple angles. 3.2 For organization and command, a general headquarters should be established, with local Party and government leaders serving as the overall commanders. The members consist of leaders and experts from agencies such as public security, fire services, military forces, and medical services; they are responsible for mobilizing the resources needed for emergency rescue operations, determining rescue plans, coordinating various aspects of the rescue effort, and ensuring that those involved have proper food and other necessities. It includes a on-site rescue command center, a medical assistance team, a logistics support team, a on-site security team, a communication support team, and others. (1) On-site rescue command post. The highest-ranking officer present from the fire department serves as the commander-in-chief, responsible for formulating rescue plans and organizing and directing the firefighting and emergency rescue operations at the scene. Several work areas can be set up at the rescue site. Personnel assigned by the commander-in-chief are responsible for directing the rescue operations at each work site. (2) Medical rescue team. A responsible official from the medical department present serves as the team leader, in charge of all medical rescue efforts at the scene. On-site medical emergency response must work closely in coordination with the on-site rescue teams to carry out emergency treatment and escort of the rescued persons in an orderly manner. (3) Logistics Support Team. **Relevant leaders and responsible officials from the affected units serve as the team leader and deputy team leader, in charge of providing food for the rescue personnel on site. Manage the rescue supplies and other resources mobilized by the Central Command for Distribution. (4) On-site security team. Led by officials from the public security forces and **military units as the chief and deputy team leaders, they are responsible for maintaining order at the scene, providing perimeter security, and controlling traffic. (5) Communication support team. Led by the chief communication officer of the fire department on site, this team is primarily responsible for formulating rules for communication and coordination at the scene, establishing communication links between the site and local public security authorities, party committees**, as well as higher-level public security agencies and the command centers of fire departments, thereby ensuring efficient and coordinated organization and command at the entire site. 4 Several points to note 4.1 Establish an efficient emergency rescue mechanism: On a municipal level, the safety supervision authorities should take the lead in setting up an emergency rescue mechanism that includes the police, fire departments, **, military forces, as well as various other parties such as municipal services and medical rescue teams. Regulations regarding standby, deployment, and financial support are established, contact information and phone numbers are specified, and a meeting system is put in place to hold meetings on schedule in order to discuss matters related to coordination; this ensures timely deployment and rapid response at critical moments, allowing for swift arrival at the accident site. 4.2 Conduct specialized training: As the main force for emergency rescue, fire departments should include in their annual training plans exercises related to emergency response to earthquakes and the collapse of large buildings, carrying out targeted practical training to significantly improve their skills in emergency rescue operations. At the same time, in light of the increasing incidence of severe accidents in the new era, efforts should be made to further strengthen the development of special firefighting equipment; special equipment and supplies should be purchased in a planned manner to continuously enhance a city’s capacity to cope with such severe disasters. 4.2 Formulating emergency rescue plans for collapses of large-scale buildings/structures. Urban work safety authorities should, in collaboration with local fire brigades, formulate emergency rescue plans for collapses of large-scale buildings/structures and conduct comprehensive drills. They should also invite domestic and foreign experts at appropriate times to give lectures on emergency rescue operations. This will comprehensively enhance the collaborative capabilities and tactical skills of relevant participating departments, unit leaders, commanders, special operations personnel, mechanics, etc., thereby ensuring prompt command responses as well as efficient and coordinated operations during emergency rescue efforts. The materials in this article, “Fire Science and Technology,” have been reedited and organized by China Rescue Equipment Network.