““Water Rescue Water Rescue Awareness”Awareness”

for for First Responders First Responders

Water Rescues Water Rescues EmergenciesEmergencies

Are governed by Cal OSHA and NFPA Are governed by Cal OSHA and NFPA 16701670

Are High Risk / Low Frequency Are High Risk / Low Frequency eventsevents

Continue to Injure and kill firefighters Continue to Injure and kill firefighters every yearevery year

Incidents in San Mateo Incidents in San Mateo CountyCounty

Last year 43 water rescue emergencies Last year 43 water rescue emergencies occurred in San Mateo Countyoccurred in San Mateo County

These emergencies occurred within the These emergencies occurred within the S.F. Bay, Lagoon Systems, Creeks and S.F. Bay, Lagoon Systems, Creeks and Swimming PoolsSwimming Pools

This year 19 water rescue emergencies This year 19 water rescue emergencies have occurred to datehave occurred to date

If you are dispatched to a water rescue If you are dispatched to a water rescue emergency today, are you prepared? emergency today, are you prepared?

Training OverviewTraining Overview

Water Rescue PhilosophyWater Rescue Philosophy NFPA and Cal OSHA standardsNFPA and Cal OSHA standards Preplanning and Incident ManagementPreplanning and Incident Management Size-Up, Terminology & Hazard AssessmentSize-Up, Terminology & Hazard Assessment PPE and Rescue EquipmentPPE and Rescue Equipment First-In ConsiderationsFirst-In Considerations Water Rescue Skills & TechniquesWater Rescue Skills & Techniques Rescuer and Victim SafetyRescuer and Victim Safety

Water Rescue PhilosophyWater Rescue PhilosophyWe need to change our thought process We need to change our thought process

regarding water rescueregarding water rescue

Water rescues and vehicles trapped in Water rescues and vehicles trapped in flooded waters are not public assists, they flooded waters are not public assists, they are technical rescues requiring specialized are technical rescues requiring specialized training and equipment training and equipment

Water rescue is dynamic with no certaintiesWater rescue is dynamic with no certainties Always consider the seven sequential steps, Always consider the seven sequential steps,

utilizing the lowest risk methods firstutilizing the lowest risk methods first There is no single way to do any kind of There is no single way to do any kind of

rescuerescue

We Keep Killing We Keep Killing OurselvesOurselves

1986-3 Texas Firefighters drown and died 1986-3 Texas Firefighters drown and died trying to rescue a lady who drove into a trying to rescue a lady who drove into a flooded roadwayflooded roadway 2 feet of water, 11 mph, No training, 2 feet of water, 11 mph, No training, no equipment, in full structural PPE no equipment, in full structural PPE

1996-Arizona Firefighter drown and died 1996-Arizona Firefighter drown and died while attempting to rescue a dead body in while attempting to rescue a dead body in a vehiclea vehicle No risk assessment, 4 feet of water, 17 mph,No risk assessment, 4 feet of water, 17 mph,

Denver Firefighter Swept Away by High Water Denver Firefighter Swept Away by High Water During RescueDuring Rescue

Five-Hour Search Ends TragicallyFive-Hour Search Ends Tragically An exhaustive five-hour search ended late An exhaustive five-hour search ended late

Thursday night when the body of a Denver Thursday night when the body of a Denver firefighter (Robert Crump, 37) swept away firefighter (Robert Crump, 37) swept away by high water while helping save a stranded by high water while helping save a stranded motorist was found in a drainage culvert.motorist was found in a drainage culvert.

August 2000

Crump leaves behind a wife and three children, daughters ages 9, 11 and 13.

NFPA 1670 StandardNFPA 1670 Standard

NFPA 1670 Standard on Operations and NFPA 1670 Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Rescue IncidentsTraining for Technical Rescue Incidents

States, The Authority Having Jurisdiction States, The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall establish written operating shall establish written operating procedures consistent with one of three procedures consistent with one of three operational levels: operational levels: Awareness, Awareness, OperationsOperations and and TechnicianTechnician

““Awareness Level”Awareness Level”

Does not include a manipulative skill component, Does not include a manipulative skill component, personnel are personnel are notnot intended to perform in the intended to perform in the capacity of rescuerscapacity of rescuers

The objectives are designed to develop The objectives are designed to develop “Knowledge” competencies within the following “Knowledge” competencies within the following areas:areas:

Scene Assessment & Size-UpScene Assessment & Size-Up Site Control and Scene ManagementSite Control and Scene Management Hazard Recognition and Mitigation ProceduresHazard Recognition and Mitigation Procedures Activation procedures for Water Rescue ResponseActivation procedures for Water Rescue Response

““Operations Level”Operations Level”

Builds on Awareness Level knowledge, with the primary Builds on Awareness Level knowledge, with the primary focus centering on the development of the skills required to focus centering on the development of the skills required to safely perform as a rescuer.safely perform as a rescuer.

Operations personnel are limited to lower risk tactics.Operations personnel are limited to lower risk tactics. They operate in the “Hazard Zone” and are required to They operate in the “Hazard Zone” and are required to

wear appropriate PPE and are trained to operate in the wear appropriate PPE and are trained to operate in the IDLH.IDLH.

Training Includes:Training Includes: Shore and Boat Based RescuesShore and Boat Based Rescues Technical RiggingTechnical Rigging Victim Care and Packaging Victim Care and Packaging Transfer of Incident InformationTransfer of Incident Information Scene EvaluationScene Evaluation

““Technician Level”Technician Level”

Builds on Awareness Level knowledge Builds on Awareness Level knowledge and Operations Level skillsand Operations Level skills

The difference is Technician Level The difference is Technician Level rescuers are trained to apply a full rescuers are trained to apply a full range of knowledge and provide the range of knowledge and provide the skills necessary to perform “High Risk” skills necessary to perform “High Risk” tactics at water rescue incidents.tactics at water rescue incidents.

““Cal OSHA”Cal OSHA”

Requires all personnel to wear a Requires all personnel to wear a personal floatation device (PFD) personal floatation device (PFD) when operating with 10’ of the water, when operating with 10’ of the water, or when there is a potential to fall in or when there is a potential to fall in the water the water

Basic Water - First Basic Water - First ResponderResponder

Today’s training covers basic Today’s training covers basic Awareness Level information, and Awareness Level information, and three Operations Level skillsthree Operations Level skills

The intent is to provide and develop The intent is to provide and develop basic knowledge and skills to safely basic knowledge and skills to safely conduct shore based tactics. conduct shore based tactics.

PreplanningPreplanning and Incident and Incident ManagementManagement

““Preplanning”Preplanning”

Examine all aspects:Examine all aspects: Potential of Future ProblemsPotential of Future Problems History of Past ProblemsHistory of Past Problems

Devise methods of dealing with them safely and effectivelyDevise methods of dealing with them safely and effectively

Information to be gathered may include:Information to be gathered may include: LocationLocation AccessAccess MapsMaps Resources (Auto or Mutual Aid)Resources (Auto or Mutual Aid) CommunicationsCommunications Equipment and Training NeedsEquipment and Training Needs

““Incident Management”Incident Management”

Dealing with a water rescue incident is first a management problemDealing with a water rescue incident is first a management problem Conduct a size-up and hazard assessmentConduct a size-up and hazard assessment Isolate and deny entry to shore lineIsolate and deny entry to shore line Assess resource and equipment needsAssess resource and equipment needs Provide safety for rescuers and victimProvide safety for rescuers and victim Utilize the ICS to identify specific roles or “positions”Utilize the ICS to identify specific roles or “positions”

Incident Commander (IC)Incident Commander (IC) Technical Safety Officer (TSO)Technical Safety Officer (TSO) Rescue Group Supervisor (RGS)Rescue Group Supervisor (RGS) Rescue Group or RescuerRescue Group or Rescuer Back-Up Rescue Group or RescuerBack-Up Rescue Group or Rescuer SpottersSpotters Support GroupSupport Group Medical GroupMedical Group

AssignmentsAssignments

IC

SAFETY

UP STREAMSPOTTER

VICTIM RESCUER

DOW N S TRE AM S AFE TYROP E BAG

DOW N S TRE AM S AFE TYROP E BAG

DOW N S TRE AM S AFE TYINFLATE D FIRE H OS E

BACKUP

IC

Rescue Group (Supervisor)

Support Group Medical Group

Rescuer

Technical Safety Officer

Back-UpRescuer

Safety

Spotters

Size-Up, Terminology & Hazard Size-Up, Terminology & Hazard AssessmentAssessment

““Size-Up”Size-Up”

FactsFacts – Includes information from preplanning and on scene observations: – Includes information from preplanning and on scene observations:

Time of day, number of Time of day, number of victims, victim situation, access and egress, past site history, water flow/stage/temp, rescue or victims, victim situation, access and egress, past site history, water flow/stage/temp, rescue or recoveryrecovery

Probabilities Probabilities – Determining the probable course of events allows personnel to make: – Determining the probable course of events allows personnel to make:

Decisions about rescuer and victim safety, resource needs and rescue methodsDecisions about rescuer and victim safety, resource needs and rescue methods

Own SituationOwn Situation – What options are available with existing resources? – What options are available with existing resources?

Talk, Reach, Throw, Wade, Row, Go, or specialized resources (Helo, Tech Rescue Team)Talk, Reach, Throw, Wade, Row, Go, or specialized resources (Helo, Tech Rescue Team)

Decisions Decisions – Choose an option – Choose an option

Compile information from Facts, Probabilities and Own Situation Compile information from Facts, Probabilities and Own Situation

Plan of OperationPlan of Operation – Implement the option – Implement the option

Plan ahead and have a contingency planPlan ahead and have a contingency plan

““Still Water”Still Water”Size-UpSize-Up

““S.F. Bay”S.F. Bay”Size-UpSize-Up

““Swiftwater”Swiftwater”Size-UpSize-Up

Terminology & Hazard Terminology & Hazard AssessmentAssessment

UP ST REAM

DO W N ST REAM

RIV

ER

RIG

HT

RIV

ER

LE

FT

EDDY

STRAINER

PILLO W

““Terminology of flow”Terminology of flow”

Boil L ine

PillowEddy

Current FeaturesCurrent Features

FAST

LAMIN

AR FLOW

SLO W

SLO W EST

Low Head Dam-HydraulicLow Head Dam-Hydraulic

LO W HEAD DAM

Hydraulic

“ “Hazard Assessment”Hazard Assessment” During your size-up, recognizing hazards is vitalDuring your size-up, recognizing hazards is vital Operate only to your level of training and consider PPE and rescue equipment Operate only to your level of training and consider PPE and rescue equipment

availableavailable

Some of the hazards that may be encountered are:Some of the hazards that may be encountered are:

Utilities Utilities Electrical – Power lines and sheared power polesElectrical – Power lines and sheared power poles Natural Gas – Roadways may be undermined exposing both main and service linesNatural Gas – Roadways may be undermined exposing both main and service lines

Haz MatHaz Mat Flood waters, vessels or vehicles may contain, Fuel, Pesticides and other ChemicalsFlood waters, vessels or vehicles may contain, Fuel, Pesticides and other Chemicals

IDLH – Potential engulfment hazardIDLH – Potential engulfment hazard

Flowing WaterFlowing Water The force of Flowing water is deceptiveThe force of Flowing water is deceptive The wisest action an awareness level responder can make is usually to request The wisest action an awareness level responder can make is usually to request

specialized resourcesspecialized resources Numerous would –be rescuers drown every year because they fail to assess the Numerous would –be rescuers drown every year because they fail to assess the

hazards of still and moving water hazards of still and moving water

““Utility and Haz Mat” Utility and Haz Mat” ConsiderationConsideration

““IDLH & Current Flow”IDLH & Current Flow”

Don’t drive your Fire Apparatus Don’t drive your Fire Apparatus into the water if…into the water if…

You can’t see the roadYou can’t see the road The water is movingThe water is moving The water is 6” or deeperThe water is 6” or deeper

““Road Hazards”Road Hazards” May or may not be visibleMay or may not be visible

Would-Be rescuers!Would-Be rescuers!“Delayed Response”“Delayed Response”

““FORCE OF WATER”FORCE OF WATER”

3 mph = 33.6 lbs3 mph = 33.6 lbs 6 mph = 134 lbs6 mph = 134 lbs 9 mph = 302 lbs9 mph = 302 lbs 12 mph = 538 lbs12 mph = 538 lbs

The flow of some The flow of some rivers and creeks in rivers and creeks in the summer = 1-2 the summer = 1-2 mphmph

The flow of the same The flow of the same river in the winter = river in the winter = 10-15+ mph10-15+ mph

Personal Protection Personal Protection Equipment and Equipment and

Rescue EquipmentRescue Equipment

Personal Flotation DevicesPersonal Flotation Devices Type IType I

Less than 15 lbs. of buoyancyLess than 15 lbs. of buoyancy Ski beltSki belt

Type IIType II Greater than 15.5 lbs. of buoyancyGreater than 15.5 lbs. of buoyancy Over the head styleOver the head style

Type IIIType III Greater than 34 lbs. of buoyancy, vest style Greater than 34 lbs. of buoyancy, vest style

or float coator float coat Keeps you face up in the water Keeps you face up in the water

Type IVType IV Throwable devices: Rings, cushions, Throwable devices: Rings, cushions,

etc.etc. Type VType V

Special use devices, RescueSpecial use devices, Rescue 30-40 lbs. buoyancy30-40 lbs. buoyancy

Personal Floatation DevicePersonal Floatation Device ”PFD””PFD”

Personal Protection Personal Protection EquipmentEquipment

Gloves, ShoesGloves, Shoes

FinsFins

AccessoriesAccessories

Personal Protection Personal Protection EquipmentEquipment

Wet and Dry Suits HelmetsWet and Dry Suits Helmets

Rescue EquipmentRescue Equipment

““Rescue Boards”Rescue Boards” 120 lbs. +/- flotation 120 lbs. +/- flotation

River XRiver X CarlsonCarlson

Rescue EquipmentRescue EquipmentThrow BagsThrow Bags

75' of 3/8" high 75' of 3/8" high quality floating quality floating Polypropylene ropePolypropylene rope

1,200 lb. tensile 1,200 lb. tensile strength strength

First-In ConsiderationsFirst-In Considerations

Initial ActionsInitial Actions Rescue PlanRescue Plan

Safety!Safety!

Initial ActionsInitial Actions

Establish Incident CommandEstablish Incident Command Isolate and deny entry, Isolate and deny entry,

accountabilityaccountability Proper PPE (No Turnouts)Proper PPE (No Turnouts) Call for back up, Auto/Mutual Call for back up, Auto/Mutual

Aid, Water Rescue TeamAid, Water Rescue Team Assign spotters - Still Water Assign spotters - Still Water

2 (Triangulate), Swiftwater 1 2 (Triangulate), Swiftwater 1 up stream, up stream,

Develop a Rescue plan, IAPDevelop a Rescue plan, IAP Conduct RescueConduct Rescue EvaluateEvaluate

Rescue PlansRescue Plans

The “The “Seven SequentialSeven Sequential” rescue methods:” rescue methods:

TALKTALK REACHREACH THROWTHROW WADEWADE ROWROW GOGO HELOHELO

Always use the fastest, lowest risk and least complex Always use the fastest, lowest risk and least complex methods during water rescue emergenciesmethods during water rescue emergencies

Water Rescue Skills & Water Rescue Skills & TechniquesTechniques

TalkTalk ReachReach ThrowThrow WadeWade RowRow Go Go HeloHelo

““Talk”Talk”

Direct victim to safetyDirect victim to safety Victim may be able to walk, float or Victim may be able to walk, float or

swim to shoreswim to shore Consider utilizing a P.A. or Mega Consider utilizing a P.A. or Mega

Phone Phone

““REACH”REACH”Safe operations for rescuer and victimSafe operations for rescuer and victim

““Reach”Reach”How safe is this operation?How safe is this operation?

““THROW”THROW”

““Throw”Throw” Utilizing Throw BagsUtilizing Throw Bags

First throw 45degrees up river,

In front of thevictim

Second throw 45degrees dow n

river, In front ofthe victim

75’ Throw Bag75’ Throw Bag

Perfect ThrowPerfect Throw

““Wade”Wade”

““Wade”Wade”

Wading in waterWading in water Never wade in water Never wade in water

unless you have…unless you have… The proper trainingThe proper training The proper PPEThe proper PPE Considered Haz MatConsidered Haz Mat

Always beware of potential Always beware of potential

foot entrapmentsfoot entrapments

““Foot Entrapment”Foot Entrapment”Rescue removal techniqueRescue removal technique

Some Some “Row”“Row” operations are simple operations are simple evacuationsevacuations

““ROW”ROW”Some are more complexSome are more complex

““ROW”ROW”Utilizing a motorized rescue boatUtilizing a motorized rescue boat

““ROW”ROW”

““GO”GO”In-Water RescueIn-Water Rescue

““HELO”HELO”

Rescue gone bad!Rescue gone bad!

Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Engine CompanyEngine Company

4 F/F’s rescued 4 F/F’s rescued by helicopterby helicopter

$100,000 $100,000 damagedamage

Another reason Another reason why we should why we should stop at all red stop at all red signal lights!signal lights!

Some rescues require specialized Some rescues require specialized equipmentequipment

Rescuer and Victim SafetyRescuer and Victim Safety

Develop a policy or SOP/SOGDevelop a policy or SOP/SOG Locate trouble spots - PreplanLocate trouble spots - Preplan Obtain the proper equipmentObtain the proper equipment Obtain trainingObtain training Maintain skill proficiencyMaintain skill proficiency Utilize the “Utilize the “Seven SequentialSeven Sequential” steps ” steps Remember the “Remember the “15 Absolutes”15 Absolutes” of water of water

rescue!rescue!

The 15 Absolutes of Water The 15 Absolutes of Water RescueRescue

Always wear a PFDAlways wear a PFD Always deploy spottersAlways deploy spotters Priorities are: self-rescue 1Priorities are: self-rescue 1stst, crew 2, crew 2ndnd, victim 3rd , victim 3rd Have a back up planHave a back up plan Always have multiple downsteam safetiesAlways have multiple downsteam safeties Always Keep it simpleAlways Keep it simple Use the right equipmentUse the right equipment Never put your feet down if swept awayNever put your feet down if swept away Never count on the victim to assist in the rescueNever count on the victim to assist in the rescue

Never tie a rope around a rescuerNever tie a rope around a rescuer Never tie a line across the water at a Never tie a line across the water at a

right angleright angle When working from shore, always When working from shore, always

stand on the upstream side of the stand on the upstream side of the roperope

Upon contact with the victim, never Upon contact with the victim, never lose themlose them

Do not wear turnouts or fire helmetsDo not wear turnouts or fire helmets Always be pro-activeAlways be pro-active

Vehicles in Vehicles in the waterthe water

Over 120 people killed every year in the United Over 120 people killed every year in the United States by driving their vehicles into the waterStates by driving their vehicles into the water

A few examplesA few examples

Successful rescues Successful rescues are based on:are based on:

Training Training PracticePractice

ExperienceExperienceJudgmentJudgment

Don’t count on Don’t count on Luck! Luck!

Be Safe Be Safe

Submit Your InformationSubmit Your Information

Click here when finished viewing the presentation. Once Once you enter the information that is requested, the you enter the information that is requested, the RSC will receive an email indicating your course RSC will receive an email indicating your course completion. A member of the RSC will manually completion. A member of the RSC will manually update your PDS after that. You will not receive a update your PDS after that. You will not receive a certificate after you review the presentation.certificate after you review the presentation.