Vertical Flashcards
What legislation governs ACTFR response?
The emergency act 2004
SOG 16
Who is lead for the following;
Rescue (built up)
Vertical Rescue (rural area)
Water
All other rescues
ACTF&R
AFP
AFP
ACTF&R
Who controls the primary rescue activities within the inner perimeter?
ACTF&R
Who has organisational commitment to the following:
Inner perimeter
Outer Perimeter
Patient Care
ACTF&R inner perimeter
Primary Rescue Agency
AFP Outer Perimeter
Overall control, coordination, investigation of scene. Outer perimeter control.
ACTAS Patient care and transport
Which appliances respond to vertical rescue?
Initial response to a vertical rescue incident 48 and 49
1x Pumper and 1x Commander
6 key positions of the vertical rescue team:
- Incident controller- first arriving S.O
- Operations Officer- must be a level 2 Vert operator
- Safety officer- supervision & checking of all personnel, rigging and safety systems. Must be level 2 vert
4.Edge Controller- coordination + communication between crews above and below the edge - Patient access/Litter attendant- responsible for access, first aid, packaging and extrication.
- Haul team- team responsible for hauling of rescue load
How can ACTF&R respond interstate?
At the request of NSW police
What is the acronym (and meaning) for a rescue size up?
LAST
Location
Access + Egress
Stabilise
Transport
List 10 considerations during scene reconnaissance and size up
Number/type of casualties
Location access routes
Weather conditions and forecast
Night operations
Ground stability
Anchors
Sheer faces
Clearances and overhangs
Greasy and oily surfaces
Hot surfaces
Air quality
4 Post incident considerations
Critical Incident Stress Management
Debrief post incident
Recording and reporting
Coroner’s requirements/reports
Who’s responsibility is it to safely check their equipment and systems prior to receiving checks from a safety officer?
Everyone’s
PPE For Vertical Rescue?
Station level
Helmet
Study Footwear
Gloves*
Eye protection*
What is a safety / ‘No Go Zone’?
Clearly identified at any edge or hole, extending approx 2 meters, further if other hazards exist.
No one is permitted into this area without a Safety Line (edge restraint kit).
Base of towers to protect from falling objects.
ALL operators must be made aware of this area ASAP.
What is ARCHER?
An acronym to check all equipment
A- Anchors: in line, secure, bombproof
R- Ropes: secured, protected, in line, manned
C- Carabiners: Locked and correctly loaded
H- Harness: Fitted and secured correctly
E- Equipment: suitable and safe
R- Reeving: correct and attached
List 10 personal touch checks
Anchor
Rope
Helmet
Neck clear of slings
Lanyard
Carabiner/s
Harness equipment
Sleeves down
Gloves
Boots
What is SUDS
Stop: one blast, stop action
Up: two basts, haul in
Down: three blasts , pay out
Shit: continuous blast, danger need assistance
Australian rescue line construction
Kernmantle:
Kernmantle design has a kern consisting if core fibres that supports the major load and a protective outer sheath that protects the rope from dirt and damage.
Kermantle Strengths
SWL of the following
6mm
8mm
11mm
13mm
8mm System Prusik
Purcell Loop
6mm- 100kg
8mm- 225kg
11m- 375kg
13mm- 500kg
8mm Prusik- 200kg
Purcell Loop- 125kg
Webbing strengths
SWL of the following
50mm Flat
25mm tube
25mm sewn tape sling
50mm- 250kg
25mm- 250kg
25mm sewn sling- 290kg
Hardware Strengths
SWL
Carabiner
MPD
Swivel Pulley
Petzl Pulley
Carabiner- 500kg
MDP- 272kg
Swivel Pulley- 800kg
Petzel pulley- 450kg
Safety ratio in vertical
8:1
How are ropes damaged?
Chemically
Mechanically
Why is an undressed knot bad?
It can reduce safety load by up to 50%
Care for carabiners:
Screwed finger tight
Do not cross load
Do not drop
Do not cut/file or stamp
Keep lock free of dirt/debris
No oil or WD40
What are the types of anchors?
Existing: trees, boulders, railings
Created: Vehicles, pickets, hydraulic ram, anchor bolts
How to check ropes?
Look for: discolouration, glossy marks, eposed core fires, sheath wear, change in diameter
Feel for: spongey spots, change in diameter, any hard stiff areas, exposed core fibres
What is Orthostatic Intolerance?
When blood pools in the lower legs when a person is suspended and not moving.
Results in a fainting-like condition.
May result in unconsciousness and can lead to suspension trauma.
Signs and symptoms: light headedness, palpitations, poor concentration, fatigue, headache, faintness, breathlessness, sweating, paleness, nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, low heart rate and loss of vision.
What is Suspension Trauma?
Suspended in harness with limited movement.
Blood can pool in the lower parts of the body causing a build-up of waste products, electrolyte imbalance and a loss of blood volume. This can result in suspension trauma and can lead to death.
Factors that impact risk of suspension trauma:
Injury from a fall, shock, hypothermia, blood loss, dehydration, inability to move legs and pre-existing cardio/respiratory problems.
