A653 Water Rescue Incidents

Question 1

In the absence of the AFD Special Operations Team, first arriving Company Officers will only initiate water rescue operations after

Answer 1

a thorough risk/ benefits analysis

Question 2

A water rescue should not be undertaken unless victim’s lives are in immediate peril or conditions are rapidly deteriorating

Answer 2

victim’s lives are in immediate peril
or
conditions are rapidly deteriorating

Question 3

What is a water rescue incident methodical sequential manner

Answer 3

1. Size-up – Situation Assessment: swift water; water evacuation; report of persons underwater.
2. Risk / benefits analysis: Life safety issues (victim and firefighters); risks of initiating rescue operation versus delaying until arrival of trained special operations resources.
3. Formulate incident action plan: control scene, ensure personnel safety, initiate rescue or prepare for arrival of special operations team

Question 4

Each AFD apparatus will maintain the following specialized water rescue equipment:

Answer 4

a. One PFD and a swift water rescue helmet for each firefighter .
b. At least one additional PFD for use by a victim.
c. Two water rescue throw bags.
d. Six, white in color, night-glow sticks with six zip ties.

Question 5

For Swift Water Incident at Night Responses;

Answer 5

each PFD will have an activated night-glow stick attached to it with a zip tie

Question 6

Position personnel with throw bags, __________ , as back-up safeties should personnel or citizens be swept downstream

Answer 6

downstream

Question 7

Position personnel ____________ as spotters to notify of debris moving downstream or any other significant information that could impact downstream rescue operations

Answer 7

upstream

Question 8

If a rescue must be initiated prior to the arrival of the Spec Ops Team, keep the plan

Answer 8

as simple as possible

Question 9

remember the water rescue adage of least hazardous rescue strategies to most hazardous rescue strategies

Answer 9

“Reach, Throw, Row, Go / Tow, Helo”

Question 10

Do not attempt to walk persons out when water rises above knees unless

Answer 10

absolutely necessary
and
water movement is minimal

Question 11

if a firefighter surrender’s his/her PFD they may not

Answer 11

enter the established “hot-zone” (15’ from water’s edge) for any reason

Question 12

__________ are the single most effective piece of safety / rescue equipment in water rescue situations

Answer 12

Throw bags