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
What are some ways to avoid abrasions on a rope?
Use rope pads - various materials. Don’t use nylon on nylonUse Edge rollers - protect rope and reduce frictionUse Pulleys - can change direction to avoid friction
What signs do you look out for when visually inspecting a rope?
Discolouration - Dirty/chemically damaged rope- Glossy marks - Heat fusion damage- Exposed core fibres - damage sheath/core- Lack of uniformity in diameter size - may indicate core damage- Inconsistency in texture and stiffness - Soft Spots may indicate core damage- sheath wear - fibres on the sheath are cut, producing a furry look and reduce the SWL of rope
What do you feel for when inspecting a rope?
Stiffened fibres - Aged rope or Heat damage- Changes in diameter - core damageDirt and grit on rope - Wash and clean
What is the retirement age for ropes (in years)
10 years
What is the process for when you discover a damaged rope that needs to be replaced?
Report to a Level 2 Operator or Station Officer and remove damaged/old rope from service and tag it.Return it to TOSS for replacement and disposal
Ropes should never be put away wet. True or False
TRUE
What are the SWL for 48mm flat, 25mm tube and 25mm sewn tube tape?
48mm flat: 250kg25mm tube: 250kg25mm sewn: 400kg
Why is the 25mm tape the preferred tape to use for anchors or in rescue systems?
It aligns closer to the spine of the carabiner and does not apply as much load to the gate side of the carabiner
An undressed knot can reduce the strength of a knot by…
50%
What is the minimum tail for a knot?
75mm
Precaution During operations (in relation to carabiners)
• Make sure the keeper on the carabiner gate is screwed home finger tight only• Do not permit cross loading of the carabiner, particularly across the gate• Treat carabiners and mallions carefully. Dropping may cause hairline fractures resulting in failure under load• Do no cut, file or stamp descenders, carabiners or mallions. Use only paint or engrave for identification• Keep the gate lock mechanism clean• No oil or WD40
Factors affecting the risk of Suspension trauma
Injury from fall, shock, hypothermia, blood loss, dehydration, inability to move legs and pre-existing cardio/respiratory problems
A Safety or ‘XXX’ must be clearly identified at any edge or hole, extending approximately 2 two metres back from the edge, further if other hazards exist
No Go Zone
Signs and symptoms of Orthostatic Intolerance
Faintness, breathlessness, sweating, paleness, nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, low heart rate and loss of vision
Definition/what is Suspension trauma
The sustained immobility may lead to a loss of consciousness and depending on the amount of time suspended and venous pooling; the resulting orthostatic intolerance may lead to death
Severe venous pooling causes
a reduction in the quantity and quality (oxygen content) of blood flowing to the brain causing fainting. This reduction can also affect other vital organs e.g. kidneys
Venous pooling typically occurs….
in the legs due to the force of gravity and a lack of movement
What is the SWL of a MPD?
500kg
Name two types of anchor and some examples of each
Existing anchors: items already in place - Natural and man made - trees, rocks, beams, rails, postsCreated anchors: Anchors produced by utilising equipment - pickets, vehicles, hydraulic rams, bolts
What are the limitations with sling angles?
The angle between two legs should be kept below 90 degrees and must not exceed 120 degrees
SWL for a Carabiner?
500kg
SWL for Sewn Prusik Loops (8mm)
240kg
SWL for Purcell Prusik loop (44 inch) - 6mm
130kg
SWL for Prusik Minding & Swivel Pulley
450kg
If the load bearing internal wall is damaged from fire or other structural impact this will affect the roof’s ability to carry any additional live loadingTrue/Flase
TRUE
Corrugated fibro contains asbestos and is extremely brittle. Never walk on this type of roofTrue/False
TRUE
The integrity of concrete or terracotta roof tiles are affected by radiant heat from a fireTrue/False
TRUE
All Firefighters operating a RSS (Roof Safety System) must wear an ACTF&R approved harnessTrue/False
TRUE
The climber must not be able to move laterally on the roof further than the distance between the last anchor pint on the roof and the gutter. (to avoid pendulum effect)True/False
TRUE
On a pitched metal roof under no circumstances should a firefighter walk on a metal roof without a RSS (Roof Safety System)True/False
TRUE
What must have all unsecured rope ends have?
A stopper knot 1 to 1.5m from roof edge
