8 hour Occupied Until Proven Vacant – HOT

Course Description

This 8-hour hands-on training program is designed to give experienced firefighters the tools, mindset, and practical repetitions needed to perform aggressive and effective search operations on the modern fireground. Built around realistic fireground problems and scenario-based evolutions, this course bridges the gap between classroom theory and practical application.

Students will discuss and apply modern search tactics, fire behavior, victim survivability profiling, search-oriented size-up, oriented search concepts, VEIS considerations, TIC usage, hose-assisted searches, firefighter rescue considerations, and decision-making under stress. The course places a heavy emphasis on aggressive but calculated interior operations while reinforcing crew integrity, communication, and survivability.

This is not a sit-back-and-relax lecture. Students should expect high participation, physical activity, problem solving, and constant engagement throughout the day. The majority of the course is conducted through hands-on drills and realistic search scenarios designed to challenge firefighters in low-visibility, high-stress environments.

Students will work through multiple practical evolutions that force them to adapt tactics, communicate effectively, and think independently while operating in modern fire conditions. Group discussion and after-action reviews are strongly encouraged to connect real-world fireground experience with modern search theory and tactical application.

This is one topic the fire service cannot afford to take lightly. Finding victims remains one of the most important responsibilities on the fireground, and aggressive search operations demand firefighters who can think, move, communicate, and operate with purpose under pressure.

Course Objectives

Course Objectives
Describe several aggressive search tactics and search theories used on the modern fireground.
Demonstrate proper search techniques in zero-visibility environments.
Apply oriented search concepts during realistic fireground scenarios.
Demonstrate effective firefighter communication and crew accountability during search operations.
Identify factors affecting victim survivability and search priorities.
Demonstrate TIC integration during search operations.
Perform hose-assisted and wall-oriented search techniques.
Discuss and apply VEIS/targeted search concepts.
Demonstrate victim removal considerations and firefighter rescue priorities.
Explain modern fire behavior considerations related to search operations.
Apply risk-versus-gain decision making during aggressive interior operations.
Participate in scenario-based problem solving and tactical decision-making exercises.

Course Details

• Hours: 8
• Maximum Students: 25
• Prerequisites: Basic Firefighter
• Practical Skills Sheets Available: n

Standards & JPRs

• Associated NFPA Standard(s) & Edition(s): 1001
• NFPA Chapter(s): chapter 4
• Associated JPRs: 4.3.9

Equipment & Training Props

• Student Equipment / PPE: Structural FF PPE / SCBA / Spare Cylinder
• Host Agency Equipment / Props: Access to a training ground, Basic hand tools and apparatus
• Vendor-Supplied Training Props: Lumber / SCBA Confidence Maze / Smoke Machine / Limited Viz Props