Communication and Technique are Componets of Fireground Search

When conducting Fireground searches two components for a successful search are communication and technique.  Using your basic left hand/right hand search patterns and communicating  leads to a safer, faster, more efficient fire ground search. While doing an evolution in a training class my partner and I went upstairs and entered what I thought to be a small room. I started on a left hand search pattern stretched out as much as I could with a New York hook in hand.  When I searched out with the tool I hit what appeared to be another wall. I instructed my partner to stay at the door, and told him it was a small room and not enough room for two to search. My partner continued to communicate with me as I swept the room. The room had been cleared in about fifteen seconds.  So when conducting your fire ground search remember the basics of left and right hand search patterns and communication. Talk to your partner as to what you feel and what you see. A standard 10×12 bedroom should take about 30 seconds to clear. When approaching small rooms or tight hallways communication is paramount. We do not want to get to many firefighters committed in to a smaller room or jammed in a hallway and the incident turn south.