Vertical Rescue Flashcards
Vertical Rescue
Under which Act can ACTF&R conduct Vertical Rescue within the ACT and surrounding areas its authority is stated in legislation?
The Emergencies Act 2004
Who are the different agencies involved in a Vertical Rescue in the ACT and what are their responsibilities?
AFP• Police Officer in Charge who has overall control and coordination of scene • AFP in charge of outer perimeter at siteACTF&R• Primary Rescue Agency• ACTFB Officer will coordinate activities within the inner perimeter at site• Industrial Rescue is included in responsibilities for ACTF&RACTAS• Responsible for all Patient Care
What are ACTF&R response arrangements for interstate assistance in NSW?
ACTF&R may only respond to rescue incidents in the State at the request of the NSW Police Service
What are the minimum response requirements to a Vertical Job from ACTF&R and which other agencies will be notified?
- 1 Pumper- Rescue 48 & Rescue 49- CommanderPolice and Ambulance will be notified
Which Post Incident Activities shall be given consideration to?
• Critical incident stress management • Debrief post incident• Recording and reporting• Coroners requirements/Reports
What are the 6 positions in a Vertical Rescue Team?
- Incident Controller2. Operations Officer3. Safety Officer4. Edge Controller5. Patient Access/Litter Attendant6. Haul Team
What is one of the responsibilities of the Safety Officer?
The safety officer is to inspect all systems, rigging and persons before committing to a rope
What does LAST stand for?
LocateAccessStabilise Transport
What factors need to be considered during scene reconnaissance and size up? List 10
• Number and type of casualties• Location• Access and egress routes• Weather conditions and forecasts• Night operations• Ground stability • Anchors• Clearances• Tides, wave, surf• Electrical conductors• Moving machinery• Greasy or oily surfaces• Hot surfaces• Unstable structures• Exhaust or steam outlets• Air quality• High winds• Rain• Swift Water• Fuels and chemicals• Slopes• Overhangs• Sheer faces
What is the minimum PPE for VR operations and training?
Helmet- Gloves- Station level uniform- Sturdy footwear- Eye ProtectionOther PPE such as lightweight coats, over pants, structural coats and weather gear etc may be used depending on conditions
What is the “No Go Zone” and what are some factors?
- ‘No Go Zone’ must be clearly identified at any edge or hole extending approximately two metres back from the edge- No one is permitted into this area without a safety line- A similar safety area must be established around the base of a mast or tower
Who conducts the safety check first?
It is each person’s responsibility to safety check their equipment and systems prior to receiving checks from a safety officer.
What does the acronym ARCHER refer to?
A - Anchors - in line, secure and bomb proofR - Reeving - correct and attachedC - Carabiners - locked and correctly loadedH - Harness - fitted and secured correctlyE - Equipment - suitable and safeR - Ropes - secured, protected, in line and manned
Name 10 items from the Personal Touch Check
ANCHOR - SecureROPE - Checked, protected, straightHELMET - Properly fitted, chin strap tightHEADLIGHTS - In position, workingSPECTACLES - SecuredNECK - Clear of slings, etcLANYARD - Whistle and Knife OKCHEST HARNESS - Properly fitted and attachedHARNESS LINK - secured between harnessesATTACHMENT TO ROPE - Properly rigged and gatedCARABINER(S) - Gates securedHARNESS - On properly, rigged and gatedSAFETY PRUSIK - On both ends, secured and gated (if required)HARNESS EQUIPMENT - Tidy with no loose ends, prusik ascent gear attachedSLEEVES - Down (as required)GLOVES - OnFOOT LOOPS - On (as required)BOOTS - Secure, suitableEQUIPMENT - Appropriate to the taskGENERAL - Comfortable and preparedBRIEFING FOR TASK - Completed satisfactorily
What are the whistle signals?
1 blast - Stop (short/sharp blast)2 blasts - Haul in/up3 blasts - Pay out/downContinuous blast - Danger, need assistance
What is the basic construction of a kernmantle rope?
A plaited sheath over a core
What is the diameter range for rescue ropes and what is the minimum Safe Working Load (SWL)?
11mm to 16mm375kg SWL for a 11mm rope - Safety Factor equivalent 8 to 1
What are the SWL for 6mm, 8mm and 13mm Kernmantle Rope?
6mm - 100kg8mm - 225kg13mm - 500kgThe capacity of ropes, rigging and VR systems is always calculated to the SWL and is not to be exceeded
Rope can be damaged if it is left:
- With permanent knots in it - This will eventually weaken portions of the rope yarn- In sunlight - All ropes will degrade under prolonged exposure to sunlight- Exposed to vehicle exhaust or battery fumes or residues- On Cement floors for long periods - because floors are alkaline having been treated with acid. Stepping on rope grinds in dirt and grit which can damage rope. Damaging substances can fall/spill on rope- Wet or damp areas - Will promote growth of mould/mildew- Kernmantle rope 20-30% weaker when wet- Avoid extreme heat/temperatures - May melt/damage rope- Contaminated with dirt/grit - Dirt can work its way into core and damage rope which may not be visible. Avoid dragging rope on ground and never step on it
What are some common substances that can destroy or damage rope?
Acids, especially battery Acids (nylon)- Bleaches (Polyester)- Alkali- Many strong chemicals. Avoid contact With chemicals at All times