PN581 Water rescue

Question 1

Water operations are divided into how many levels of response?

Answer 1

3

Question 2

Levels 1 is?

Answer 2

Operations where firefighters work within 3m of an unprotected waters edge, or enter water that is both shallow enough not to compromise their PPE (i.e. over the top of their fire boots) and slow moving enough that there is no foreseeable risk that they will be swept off their feet.

Question 3

Level 2 is?

Answer 3

Operations where firefighters may have to commit to water (still or moving) to affect a rescue. This includes all incidents involving people in the water and any other incidents beyond the limitations of level 1.
These incidents present specific hazards and will in all but exceptional circumstances only be carried out by Fire Rescue Unit (FRU) Swift Water Rescue Technicians (SRT) who have the training and equipment to implement safe systems of work.

Question 4

Level 3 is?

Answer 4

Operations which involve the deployment of the Flood Response Kits (FRK) where firefighters may be required to work under the guidance of FRU SRT near, on or in flood water. This equipment will normally be deployed for flooding over a wide area but it can also be used for more localised floods where significant numbers of firefighters need to be committed to the water.

Question 5

Who can provide advice at water incidents?

Answer 5

Technical rescue tactical advisors are available to provide advice and support to the Incident Commander (IC). A TAR can also act as a functional commander at incidents involving water operations.

Question 6

When will a TAR be mobilised?

Answer 6

Mobilised when level 2 water operations are implemented.

Question 7

What information should be sought from witnesses?

4

Answer 7

• The number of people involved.
• Where the casualty was last seen.
• Whether the casualty was wearing a life jacket.
• What clothing the casualty was dressed in.

Question 8

How many FRU’s carry swift water rescue kit?

Answer 8

10

Question 9

How big should the restricted zone be if no protective edge is present?

Answer 9

Establish a 3m restricted zone.

Question 10

Why must care be taken when walking in areas covered by floodwater?

Answer 10

There may be underwater hazards.

Question 11

If there is a risk of personnel entering the water accidentally the IC should nominate a what?

Answer 11

A Safety officer.

Question 12

What should a Safety officer have with them?

Answer 12

Equipped with a throw line.

Question 13

Where should “spotters” be located?

Answer 13

Upstream and downstream.

Question 14

Downstream spotters should be equipped with What?

Answer 14

Throw lines.

Question 15

What is the hierarchy of rescue?

Answer 15

Talk, Reach, Throw (Level 1)

Wade, Row, Go/Tow (Level 2)

Question 16

The final three types of water rescue can ONLY be carried out by?

Answer 16

FRU SRTs.

Question 17

Emergency rescue boat (ERB) has a maximum capacity of?

Answer 17

7 people (650kg), which includes rescuers and equipment.

Question 18

IC’s must not commit untrained personnel on mud, ice or partially frozen water unless?

Answer 18

The situation is so critical that to await the arrival of further resources is likely to result in loss of human life. In such circumstances every effort must be made to reduce the risk to firefighters.

Question 19

Firefighters MUST NOT attempt rescues which involve what?

Answer 19

Placing their head under the surface of the water.

Question 20

Can breathing apparatus be used under water?

Answer 20

No.

Question 21

What does Fluvial refer too?

Answer 21

River water.

Question 22

What does Pluvial refer too?

Answer 22

Rain water.

Question 23

A flooding incident typically has how many sequential phases?

Answer 23

Three.
Phase 1- life-saving rescues.
Phase 2- rescue/recovery.
Phase 3- Body recovery.

Question 24

First responders will be clearly identifiable by what colour water safety helmet?

Answer 24

Yellow.

Question 25

FRU Swiftwater technicians are clearly identifiable by what colour water safety helmet?

Answer 25

Red.

Question 26

TRAs will be identifiable by a surcoat with TRA insert and what colour water safety helmet?

Answer 26

White.

Question 27

The maximum wading depth for firefighters is?

Answer 27

60cms (2 feet).

Question 28

What should be used to identify holes or other underwater hazards?

Answer 28

Wading poles.

Question 29

Where are the flood response kits stored?

Answer 29

5 x flood response kit are stored at the Brigade Distribution Centre (BDC) located in Croydon.

Question 30

What does a FRK consists of?

Answer 30

5 x 4m flood response boats (FRB), 1 x Versadock raft and PPE for up to 20 firefighters.

Question 31

An FRB is rated to carry how many adults?

Answer 31

The FRB is rated to carry up to 8 adults and it can be pulled or towed by line, paddled or powered.

Question 32

Example message.

Answer 32

“From ………; at………… water operations level 1 implemented.

Question 33

When additional resources are required to resolve the incident safely, a priority assistance message should be sent.

Answer 33

“From ………; at………… implement Water Operations Level 2.

Question 34

How should you treat a casualty who has been recovered from the water, to prevent hypothermic shock?

Answer 34

keep the casualty in a horizontal position.

Question 35

If the brigade is called to conduct a rescue the casualty should be presumed to be alive unless?
(3)

Answer 35

• There is strong evidence that casualty has been face down in the water for over 90 minutes.
• The body has started to decompose.
• The casualty is pronounced dead by a qualified doctor.