Rescue operations Swift water rescue

1 rescue operations

1.1 zones of operation
1.2 risk algorithm
1.3 laminar flow
1.4 live bait rescue

rescue operations

as swift water rescue scene evolves, incident command system (ics) emerge. ics national protocol used managing emergencies in united states. created use united states forest service , united states bureau of land management manage wild fires, ics has become benchmark disasters managed in united states. ics based upon flexible, scalable response organization providing common framework within people can work effectively. these people may drawn multiple agencies not routinely work together, , ics designed give standard response , operation procedures reduce problems , potential miscommunication on such incidents. rescue operations demand vigilance regards safety. ics provides safety officer present monitor , address safety issues. 1 of these issues pertains incident scene.

swiftwater rescue exercise


zones of operation

the immediate area of operations @ incident, divided 3 zones of operation, cold , warm , , hot . requirements regarding training , personal protective equipment (ppe) exist personnel operating within these 3 zones. cold zone considered greater 15 feet (4.6 m) water s edge,. awareness level personnel shall approach no closer cold zone. warm zone begins 15 feet water s edge, , ends @ water s edge. personnel operating in warm zone shall trained operations level, , must wear fitted , secured personal flotation device (pfd). hot zone refers , activities taking place in water. these activities shall performed personnel trained technician level, provided wearing fitted , secured personal flotation device.

risk algorithm

in order provide safety of both rescuer , victim, low high risk algorithm has evolved implementation of various rescue methods in swift water rescue. under times of stress, implementation of algorithm helps prevent rescuer endangering himself , victim, providing sound, step step approach when effecting rescue. algorithm progresses, danger , threat rescuer , victim increases. algorithm is, talk , reach , wade , throw , helo , row , go , , tow (this has been changed due increase safety of helicopter operations , increased deaths of rescuers in boats). while safest talk victim performing self-rescue, there exists substantial increase in danger once rescuer enters water. talk refers dialogue takes place between rescuer , victim, , includes rescuer directing victim in methods of self-rescue, such swimming shore. if unsuccessful, rescuer attempt reach object, such tree branch, paddle, or pole, victim, victim can pulled safety.

usage of throw bag in swift water rescue exercise


laminar flow

since laminar flow of moving body of water carves path of movement, experiences friction caused resistance along shallows , outer or higher banks, , travels @ slower speed @ edges center. therefore, rescuer has opportunity wade along banks of moving body of water more talk to, or reach victim. 80% of moving water rescues effected using throw bags , other throw devices. rescuer can throw throw bag or other throw device boat, stable platform, or dry land, or may elect wade shallows , initiate throw. row includes, not limited to, forms of boat-based operations. includes boat on highline tyrolean midpoint drop , two- , four-5point boat on tether systems.

live bait rescue

in situations, such unconscious patient, 1 might go , tow victim shore. unlike other methods of rescue, rescuer enters water in swimming capacity. method of rescue referred live bait rescue , rescuer swims aid of victim while tethered team member @ anchor point, bait on hook @ end of fishing pole. example, parent children trapped in vehicle in flowing water needs extricate , control scared or injured children on roof of vehicle (there greater 50% chance of dying in vehicle flooded). if platform (car, rock, bridge, roof etc.) becomes unstable or begins succumb rising water, rescuer may need tow victim shore, eddy or pre-planned egress point. towing rescues extremely difficult , require training practiced rescuer victim. actual tows scared, hypothermic, exhausted, injured or panicked victims extremely difficult , dangerous both parties , should left rescuers versed in proper rescuer/victim communication, holds, , swimming techniques. when victim not accessible of previous rescue methods, resources permitting, helicopter rescue may attempted. helicopter, or helo , stable rescue platform variety of rescue methods can initiated. while helicopter must equipped rescue work, crew must equipped, trained , practiced in art of swift water rescue