PN581 Water rescue Flashcards
Water operations are divided into how many levels of response?
3
Levels 1 is?
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.
Level 2 is?
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.
Level 3 is?
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.
Who can provide advice at water incidents?
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.
When will a TAR be mobilised?
Mobilised when level 2 water operations are implemented.
What information should be sought from witnesses?
4
- 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.
How many FRU’s carry swift water rescue kit?
10
How big should the restricted zone be if no protective edge is present?
Establish a 3m restricted zone.
Why must care be taken when walking in areas covered by floodwater?
There may be underwater hazards.
If there is a risk of personnel entering the water accidentally the IC should nominate a what?
A Safety officer.
What should a Safety officer have with them?
Equipped with a throw line.
Where should “spotters” be located?
Upstream and downstream.
Downstream spotters should be equipped with What?
Throw lines.
What is the hierarchy of rescue?
Talk, Reach, Throw (Level 1)
Wade, Row, Go/Tow (Level 2)
The final three types of water rescue can ONLY be carried out by?
FRU SRTs.
Emergency rescue boat (ERB) has a maximum capacity of?
7 people (650kg), which includes rescuers and equipment.
IC’s must not commit untrained personnel on mud, ice or partially frozen water unless?
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.
Firefighters MUST NOT attempt rescues which involve what?
Placing their head under the surface of the water.
Can breathing apparatus be used under water?
No.
What does Fluvial refer too?
River water.
What does Pluvial refer too?
Rain water.
A flooding incident typically has how many sequential phases?
Three.
Phase 1- life-saving rescues.
Phase 2- rescue/recovery.
Phase 3- Body recovery.
First responders will be clearly identifiable by what colour water safety helmet?
Yellow.
FRU Swiftwater technicians are clearly identifiable by what colour water safety helmet?
Red.
TRAs will be identifiable by a surcoat with TRA insert and what colour water safety helmet?
White.
The maximum wading depth for firefighters is?
60cms (2 feet).
What should be used to identify holes or other underwater hazards?
Wading poles.
Where are the flood response kits stored?
5 x flood response kit are stored at the Brigade Distribution Centre (BDC) located in Croydon.
What does a FRK consists of?
5 x 4m flood response boats (FRB), 1 x Versadock raft and PPE for up to 20 firefighters.
An FRB is rated to carry how many adults?
The FRB is rated to carry up to 8 adults and it can be pulled or towed by line, paddled or powered.
Example message.
“From ………; at………… water operations level 1 implemented.
When additional resources are required to resolve the incident safely, a priority assistance message should be sent.
“From ………; at………… implement Water Operations Level 2.
How should you treat a casualty who has been recovered from the water, to prevent hypothermic shock?
keep the casualty in a horizontal position.
If the brigade is called to conduct a rescue the casualty should be presumed to be alive unless?
(3)
- 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.
