SEARCH AND RESCUE MAZE
INNOVATIONS: HOMEGROWN
The search and rescue maze evolved from a decision made by our Training Committee to implement a “back-to-basics” training program in 1991. The maze, designed by Jim Notary, the department’s training coordinator, and Angelo Vendegna, district building maintenance foreman, was conceived to add challenge and meaningful experience to search and rescue training.
The maze is four feet wide and disassembles into 10 pieces. Hie two heaviest pieces are on rollers; two instructors can unload and assemble the maze in less than 10 minutes.
The first challenge for a three-member rescue team (with obscured masks) is a 4x 8-foot reinforced plywood entry plank that moves slightly from side to side under the rescuer’s weight because it is fastened to the main body by a teetering hinge. The team members are forced to crawl low.
The rescuers then cross over rafters, negotiate around a hole or man trap, then exit the upper portion of the first section of the maze. Following a directing rope, they enter the lower portion of the first section under the plywood entry plank through an access hole. Students once again must keep low to guard against “cattle catchers,” or hanging straps designed to snag SCBA bottles. If they successfully negotiate the straps, they leave the first section through a narrow passageway.
Once out of the first section, they again pick up a directing rope leading to the steps of the second main section. Rafters, nonenergized electrical wires, and an open junction box await them at the top of the stairs. Once past these obstacles, they must crawl through two small “A” frame openings similar to those found in almost any attic. Out of the second “A” frame, they crawl along additional attic rafters. They then climb down another set of stairs to enter the lower part of the second section.
At the beginning of the final phase of the search, they encounter a selfclosing door equipped with a strong spring. The half-door slams shut unless blocked open, and the knob is inoperable from the exit side. This “trap” door, perhaps more than any other part of the maze, emphasizes teamwork and the critical need for communications among rescuers.
As the team clears the door, it faces one final, unexpected challenge: a three-head automatic sprinkler system fed by plastic lawn sprinkler pipe and a garden hose. Trainers open a valve to flow water while firefighters practice using wooden wedges to stop the flow.
The crew leaves the lower portion of the second section following a rope back to a secured attic ladder. At the top of the ladder is a simulated window’. Once the crew passes through the window, reaching the landing, they’ve completed the course and can remove their masks.
The designated time for negotiating the maze is about 20 minutes. Most rescuer-trainees do not finish before exhausting a 30-minute SCBA bottle. On completion of the exercise, instructional teams review the participants’ strong and weak points and then allow them to see the maze.
The maze, made from common building materials, cost SHOO to construct. It is stored in a 14-foot trailer purchased with community donations. Trailer lettering and emblems were “donated” by the owner of a local sign company as a court-ordered community-service requirement resulting from a driving violation. The maze was not built into the trailer because instructors want to observe students continuously to be able to get to them quickly should they need assistance.
A popular training tool, the maze has been used to train 10 other departments. Arvada trainers and the maze also have been invited to the annual Colorado State Firefighters Association conference to be held in mid-June.
