What is VES (Vent, Enter, Search) and when is it used?

• A. A method for ventilation-only outside the structure.
• B. A method to search a structure from the interior after ventilation conditions permit.
• C. A technique for exterior ladder placement.
• D. A procedure for water removal.

Answer: (B)

Vent, Enter, Search is a tactic used to locate occupants when interior conditions are made tenable by ventilation. The idea is simple: first create a ventilation opening to relieve heat and smoke and improve visibility and safety, then rapidly move inside to conduct a search for anyone inside. The search is performed from within the structure, often through the same opening that was vented or through another interior entry, with the goal of finding and rescuing occupants as quickly as possible. This approach is chosen when entry needs to be accelerated or when conditions would be dangerous without venting, and it’s not about ventilating alone, exterior ladder work, or removing water.