09/23/2026
Last weekend, Instructor McNabb had the opportunity to present Residential Search Operations at the Old Forge Firefighter Drill School. The class was attended by 58 firefighters from departments across New York State, all focused on improving one of the most important functions we perform on the fireground—searching for and rescuing trapped occupants.
This lecture combines data and information from the Firefighter Rescue Survey and UL FSRI research with real-world fireground experience to provide firefighters with an informative, practical approach to residential search operations. The program focuses on aggressive, purposeful search techniques, victim survivability, search priorities, decision-making, and tactics designed to give trapped occupants the greatest opportunity for survival.
At Fingerlakes Fire Training, we believe aggressive firefighting must be supported by training, education, science, and experience. Understanding where victims are found, how conditions impact survivability, and how our tactics affect the fire environment allows firefighters to make better decisions when seconds matter.
Thank you to the Old Forge Drill School for the opportunity to present, the 58 firefighters who attended and invested their time in becoming better prepared to serve their communities, and to Instructor Jessie for the pictures as well as sitting at our booth at the firehouse.
Train Smart – Train Often – Save Lives.