204.11 WATER RESCUE OPERATIONS

Question 1

Who is responsible for the following?
• Assuming technical rescue operations control.
• Identifying hazards and critical factors.
• Developing a rescue plan and back-up plan.
• Communicating with and directing TRT resources assigned to Rescue Sector.
• Informing Command of conditions, actions, and needs during all phases of the rescue operation.

Answer 1

The first arriving TRT company officer

Question 2

Considerations for Safety Officer include:

Answer 2

• One of the Regional Special Operations qualified Safety Officers.
• A Special Operations qualified Battalion Chief and/or FIT.
• Any experienced TRT Company Officer assigned to the incident.

Question 3

In making the general area safe all non-essential civilian personnel should be moved at least ___ feet away from the hazard
zone.

Answer 3

150 feet

Question 4

All personnel operating at or near the water shall be in proper personal protective equipment (PPE) which will include at a minimum:

Answer 4

personal flotation device (PFD), approved water rescue helmet, and approved footwear.

Question 5

Identify hazards that are present which include but are not limited to:

Answer 5

• The volume of water.
• The velocity of the water.
• Debris in the water.
• Hydraulics.
• Depth of the water – rising / falling.

Question 6

why should personell be assigned up stream?

Answer 6

Rescue personnel shall be assigned upstream to advise Rescue Sector of any
upstream hazards that may affect the rescue operation.

Question 7

why should personnel be assigned down stream?

Answer 7

Rescue personnel shall be assigned downstream with throw bags to capture rescue personnel or victim(s) that may be washed downstream.

Question 8

The order of rescue from low-risk to high-risk are:

Answer 8

talk, reach, throw, row, go, helo

Question 9

definations:

talk

Answer 9

TALK – if water is calm or slow moving, try to talk the victim into self-rescue if
possible.

Question 10

definations:

reach

Answer 10

REACH – extend an arm, pike pole, rescue hook, or any other such object to reach
the victim and pull from the water.

Question 11

definations:

Throw

Answer 11

THROW – attempt to throw the victim(s) a throw-bag rescue line or some other type of approved safety flotation device and “pendulum-belay” or “haul” the victim(s) to thebank.

Question 12

definations:

Row

Answer 12

ROW - If it is determined that a boat-based operation shall be utilized, Rescue
Sector shall assign a company on the opposite bank to assist in establishing an anchor for an approved rope system.

Question 13

definations:

Go

Answer 13

GO - If it is not possible to row to the victim, Rescue Sector should consider putting a rescuer or rescuers in the water to reach the victim. This is a very high risk operation and shall be conducted exclusively by trained TRT personnel. Prior to entering the water, rescue personnel shall be briefed on the plan, the back-up plan and emergency procedures. Rescue personnel shall never be attached to a life line without the benefit of a quick-release mechanism approved for water rescue. .

Question 14

is it ok for a rescure to do a “breath-hold” surface dive while searching for a victim beneath the surface of the water?

Answer 14

Rescue personnel shall never do a “breath-hold” surface dive in an attempt to locate a victimbeneath the surface of the water

Question 15

Definations:

Helo

Answer 15

HELO - Helicopter operations are considered high-risk and shall be decided upon through consultation with Rescue Sector, Safety, Command, and the Technical Advisor. Prior to considering the use of a helicopter for rescue operations, Command must determine if a rescue-qualified pilot is available for the rescue operation.