USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) 2021 Overview
The USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) 2021, a critical resource for Urban Search and Rescue teams, is published by rescueDIRECT, Inc., with permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It serves as a pocket guide for Federal disaster response operations, detailing structural collapse patterns and hazard identification. The 2021 version is a technical reference for emergency response.
Purpose and Authorization of the 2021 USAR FOG
The 2021 USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) is primarily authorized and published by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, designed to guide Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel during major disasters or emergencies. Its main purpose is to facilitate effective and safe federal disaster response operations. The guide provides essential information for USAR teams in the field, allowing them to quickly assess situations, identify hazards, and understand structural collapse patterns. This ensures a coordinated and informed approach to rescue missions. The FOG is prepared as a public service and is made available at cost to Federal, State, and Regional US&R and Technical Rescue Teams, and is not intended for sale or profit by subsequent purchasers. The document aims to support the mission of the U.S. Fire Administration by strengthening fire and emergency medical services to prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to all hazards. Ultimately, the purpose of the 2021 FOG is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of USAR operations during critical times of need, providing a reliable guide for personnel involved in disaster response. It serves as a technical reference, ensuring a standardized approach to rescue operations.
Key Content Areas in the 2021 USAR FOG
The 2021 USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) encompasses several key content areas essential for effective urban search and rescue operations. A significant portion is dedicated to structural collapse patterns, offering detailed insights into various types of collapses that USAR teams might encounter in disaster zones. Hazard identification and building monitoring are also crucial components, providing guidance on recognizing and managing potential dangers at a scene. The FOG also covers rapid assessment of buildings, allowing for quick evaluation of structural integrity and safety. Furthermore, it addresses operational procedures and guidelines to facilitate a coordinated and effective response. It serves as a comprehensive technical reference, incorporating elements from other USAR manuals and guides. These areas ensure that USAR personnel have a well-rounded understanding of the challenges they might face during disaster operations and are prepared with the knowledge and tools necessary for safe and effective rescue efforts. The guide’s key content areas are designed to be practical and accessible, enabling USAR teams to make informed decisions during critical situations.
Structural Collapse Patterns in the 2021 FOG
The 2021 USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) places significant emphasis on understanding structural collapse patterns, which is vital for the safety and effectiveness of USAR teams. It details various types of collapses, including pancake, lean-to, V-shape, and cantilever collapses, providing visual aids and descriptions to aid in identification. This section of the FOG aims to equip responders with the ability to quickly assess the stability of a collapsed structure, enabling them to plan safe entry and rescue operations. The guide outlines the characteristics of each collapse type, such as how the load is distributed and the potential for secondary collapses. This knowledge enables responders to anticipate risks and choose appropriate shoring techniques. The 2021 FOG also addresses the common causes of collapses and how they affect the stability of different building materials and construction styles. By understanding these complex patterns, USAR personnel are better prepared to navigate the chaotic conditions of a disaster site, making informed decisions to maximize safety for both the rescue team and potential victims.
Availability and Distribution of the 2021 FOG
The 2021 USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) is made available as a public service, printed by rescueDIRECT, Inc., with permission from the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This key resource is distributed at cost to Federal, State, and Regional US&R and Technical Rescue Teams, ensuring wide access for those involved in disaster response. The physical copies of the FOG are not intended for profit, meaning they cannot be resold by subsequent purchasers, emphasizing the guide’s purpose as a public safety tool. Furthermore, the FOG is also accessible in digital formats, specifically as a PDF, which allows for easy download and distribution among relevant personnel. The digital availability ensures that the guide can be accessed in the field via electronic devices, and it also offers the advantage of being able to be updated quickly. The dual format approach, physical and digital, enhances the accessibility of the manual and supports the efficiency of rescue operations.
Updates and Revisions to the USAR FOG
The USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) is subject to updates and revisions to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy in the rapidly evolving field of urban search and rescue. For example, the 2021 version is itself a revision of previous editions, incorporating new findings and best practices. These updates are vital, as they incorporate any lessons learned from previous disaster responses and incorporate the latest techniques and technological advances in the field. Furthermore, the 2021 FOG is a key document for USAR personnel, so maintaining its accuracy is essential for effective response operations. The process for updating the FOG involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA, ensuring that revisions are informed and beneficial for the intended users. Announcements regarding updated versions, like the FIRESCOPE FOG App, are made available to the public, highlighting the importance of staying current with the latest manual.
Relationship to Other USAR Manuals and Guides
The 2021 USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) exists within a broader ecosystem of USAR manuals and guides, each serving a distinct yet complementary purpose. For instance, the FOG is closely related to the USAR Shoring Operations Guide (SOG), with Sections 1 through 4 being identical in both documents. This overlap ensures consistency in core operational procedures. The FOG also works in conjunction with manuals like the Rescue Systems 1, 2, and 3 manuals, which cover specific technical rescue techniques. Furthermore, the FOG relates to the FEMA USAR Rescue Field Operations Guide (ROG) and other guides. These various manuals and guides provide a comprehensive set of resources for USAR personnel, covering everything from general operational guidelines to highly specific technical procedures. Understanding the relationship between these documents is crucial for effective and coordinated disaster response. The FOG serves as a key reference point within this system, providing essential operational information for USAR teams.
Digital Access and the FIRESCOPE FOG App
The 2021 USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) is not only available in print but also through digital platforms, enhancing accessibility for USAR personnel. A significant development in this area is the FIRESCOPE FOG App, which provides a convenient way to access critical information on mobile devices. An updated version of this app became available on September 10, 2024, on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The app’s release included direct access QR codes on the FIRESCOPE FOG tab, allowing for easy download. This update replaced the older application, which became unavailable on the same date. The FIRESCOPE FOG App offers an interactive experience, enabling users to quickly navigate the guide’s contents, including information on structural collapse patterns and hazard identification. This digital approach ensures that the FOG’s essential guidance is readily available to responders in the field.
Intended Use and Target Audience of the FOG
The 2021 USAR Field Operations Guide (FOG) is designed as a practical, on-the-ground resource for personnel involved in Urban Search and Rescue operations during major disasters and emergencies. Its primary purpose is to provide clear, concise guidance to Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/FEMA USAR teams. The intended audience includes a wide range of personnel, from federal to state and regional US&R and technical rescue teams. This FOG acts as a pocket guide, offering essential information on topics such as structural collapse patterns, hazard identification, and building monitoring. It is crafted to be easily accessible in the field, allowing responders to quickly reference crucial details. The FOG is a tool for both experienced and new USAR members, facilitating effective response and enhanced coordination within the team. Its content is structured for efficient application in real-world scenarios.