First 2,000 Rescues: TIC Use

Data from the first 2,000 recorded rescues (you read that right) has been collected, calculated, and collated for all you nerds.

Data Drop.....TIC Use v Total Recorded Rescues and Survival Rate

The analyzed data and graph below show us that of the recorded rescues to date, 65% of the time a TIC was not used by the crew that located the victim; or if you prefer, a TIC was used by the crew locating the victim 35% of time. We can also see that the survival rate of victims located without the use of a TIC (67%) was slightly higher than when a TIC was used (54%).

​This may likely seem counterintuitive to most of us, but remember that this is a singular data set, and as always, a singular data set needs more context to be truly understood. A quick example of adding context to this data set, would be to parce out rescues made when the victim was located in low or no viz...would this change the numbers? Like in all things, the more we learn about something, the more questions arise.

• Does your department have quality TIC training?
• How and when do we incorporate TIC use into our search training?
• Is it possible to properly use a TIC if we are searching with a hand on a wall/partner and are also advancing a hoseline during our search?
• Who are the TIC SMEs within your department?
• Etc.,etc.

Was a Thermal Imaging Camera Used to Assist Search v Total Recorded Rescues:
Yes - 35% (624/1778)
No – 65% (1154/1778)
Was a Thermal Imaging Camera Used to Assist Search v Survival Rate:
Yes - 54% (333/617)
No – 67% (769/1145)