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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

New York City Fire Department | Evaluated Learning Experience

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Collapse Rescue Operations (SOC 200)

Course Category: 
Special Operations Command (SOC): Rescue
Length: 
Version 1 and 2: 40 hours (4 days). Version 3: 80 hours (5 days).
Location: 
New York City Fire Academy, Randalls Island.
Dates: 
Version 1: January 1995 - August 2007. Version 2: September 2007 – May 2015. Version 3: June 2015 - Present.
Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: implement skills to perform the rescue of trapped victim(s) of a structural collapse. Version 2: Students will be able to: make assessments of the different types of collapses; discuss how to stabilize and shore up weakened structures; and perform technical rescue-tunneling and breaching for rescue of trapped victims. Version 3: In addition to outcomes listed in Version 1 and 2, students will be able to: calculate and apply mathematical equations; size up an incident action plan and proper utilization techniques and implement these techniques to support collapse structures to enable safe and search rescue operations in or near a collapse structure. Students also learn about and use heavy rigging procedures to move and/or stabilize heavy objects to facilitate life safety operations.

Instruction: 

Version 1 or 2: Major topics include: basic building construction, warning signs and causes of collapse, shoring, collapse rescue methods, initial response methods, concrete cutting techniques, crush injury syndrome, and void search operations. Version 3: This course now includes Advanced Shoring (SOC 306) and teaches students the skills, techniques, and use of tools to function effectively at structural collapse operations. Major topics include: advanced shoring, vertical shoring, rigging equipment and operations, crane/rigging, basic collapse, crush injury syndrome, building construction, and safety. Methods of instruction include: lecture, examinations, case studies of FDNY collapse operations, scenario-based skill evolutions, and team and group activities.

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Fire Service, Emergency Management, or Emergency Medical Services (5/04 - review conducted by the American Council on Education). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Fire Service, Emergency Management, Occupational Health and Safety, or Emergency Medical Services (10/08 revalidation) (7/10 revalidation). Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Fire Science or 2 semester hours in Occupational Health and Safety and 2 semester hours in Building Construction (6/15 revalidation) (6/21 revalidation).

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