CLAYTON, N.C. — Clayton firefighters conducted search and rescue training at Johnston Community College, but their efforts are reaching beyond Johnston County.
The Clayton Fire Department is participating in the Firefighter Rescue Survey, a voluntary program that collects data to improve rescue techniques nationwide, Spectrum News 1 reported. While only a few North Carolina cities, such as Charlotte, Wilmington and Cherokee, have formally adopted the survey as policy, Clayton is preparing to join them.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 83% of fire deaths in North Carolina in 2023 occurred in residential and non-residential buildings, significantly higher than the national average of 73.1%.
Fire department officials reported responding to 22 structure fires so far this year, underscoring the importance of ongoing training. The Firefighter Rescue Survey offers departments nationwide a framework based on real-world strategies to enhance rescue outcomes.
"[The survey] is a great way to network with the profession, to talk about lessons that they have learned in their training,” Ex Officio-Chief State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said.
Since the Firefighter Rescue Survey database was created, only 4,078 surveys have been submitted, according to the organization.
“Departments should look into the Firefighter Rescue Survey. It’s really simple to do, whether you have a policy or not,” Battalion Chief of Training and Safety Chris Carter said.
What is the Firefighter Rescue Survey?
Launched in 2019, the Firefighter Rescue Survey (FRS) is a national database that collects information on rescues made by fire departments during structure fires. It asks firefighters who were involved in a rescue to voluntarily submit details about the incident, such as arrival conditions, victim location, tactics used and outcomes.
Why does the Firefighter Rescue Survey matter?
Historically, much of the data used to inform fireground decision-making has come from fatal fire statistics. The Firefighter Rescue Survey shifts the focus, collecting data on successful rescues to better understand what works in real time and under real conditions. This helps shape evidence-based training, staffing models and fireground strategies.
How do you use the Firefighter Rescue Survey?
Any firefighter who has participated in a rescue can complete a short online form on the website. The form includes questions about:
- Building type and layout
- Victim location and condition
- Search methods used
- Rescue duration and crew size
- Equipment and tactics
The process is anonymous and takes just a few minutes to complete.
What benefits do firefighters get from the Firefighter Rescue Survey?
- Improved training: Real data can be used to tailor drills and search techniques.
- Better decision-making: Understanding where victims are typically found and how long rescues take helps refine on-scene strategies.
- Informed staffing: Data supports the need for adequate staffing during critical search and rescue operations.
- National benchmarking: Departments can compare rescue trends and performance with peers across the country.
Who is using the Firefighter Rescue Survey?
While only a few fire departments have formally adopted the survey into policy, hundreds of individual firefighters and departments across the U.S. have contributed.
How can I use the Firefighter Rescue Survey?
If you’ve participated in a fireground rescue, take a few minutes to complete the survey. The more data submitted, the more reliable and valuable the findings become. Visit www.firefighterrescuesurvey.com to learn more or submit a report.
