Swift/Moving Water Rescue Incidents Awareness Level Developed by The Plymouth Fire Department

Swift/Moving Water Rescue Awareness Level Technical Assistance The Hennepin County (MN) Sheriff’s Office Minnesota DNR Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Swift/Moving Water Current Velocity mph Legs lbf Body Swamped Boat 3 16.8 33.6 168 6 67.2 134 672 9 151 302 1512 12 269 538 2688 Current Velocitymph) Legs (lbf) Body Swamped Boat 3 16.8 33.6 168 6 67.2 134 672 9 151 302 1512 12 269 538 2688

Swift Water Hazards Top debris Suspended debris Bottom debris Rocks Bridge abutments Strainers Low head dams Cold water Speed/force of the water …

Awareness Level Rescue Options Reach (pike pole, etc) Throw (throw bag, downstream diagonal lines)

Swift Water Management Request technical rescue assistance Request shared communication talk group Maintain responder accountability Communicate rescue and safety plan

Awareness Level Rescue First Arriving Point last seen Number of victims Age Time since last seen Type/color of clothing, PFD? Swimming ability, with boat, etc Search immediate area Relay information

PFD, Helmet and Throw Bag If Within 10 Feet of Water NO TURNOUTS NO FIRE HELMETS

ID Hazards and Current Vector

Awareness Level Rescue Responder Actions First Arriving: Downstream Containment Personnel both sides PFD, technical rescue helmet, throw bags Search Second Arriving: Upstream Observers Watch for items traveling downstream that could injure swimmers in the water Water surge

Awareness Level Rescue Responder Safety PFD and throw bag if within 10’ of water Deploy upstream spotters (surge, debris) Deploy multiple downstream recovery points Do not wear structural turnout gear Do not wear structural fire helmet

Awareness Level Rescue Responder Safety Never tie a rope to yourself Do not enter moving water Always be ready for self-rescue Do not drive through moving water that is deeper than ½ height of the tire

Awareness Level Rescue Self Rescue PFD/Throw bag if within 10’ of edge Keep feet up, pointed downstream Do not drag feet Move your body at a 45 degree angle to the current Ferry angle Watch out for strainers

Awareness Level Rescue Victim Rescue PFD 10' Reach or Throw Only! Do not attach a rope to yourself Use throw bag Don’t forget about the speed of the water Deploy downstream diagonal lines Pendulum victim to shore Treat for hypothermia

First Shot - With Throw Bag

Second Shot By Recoiling Rope

Possible Injuries Head injuries Hypothermia Other ??? Minnesota waters should be considered cold water drowning, any time of the year Other ???