1. Assisting Special Rescue Teams

2. 26
Objectives (1 of 3)
Define the types of special rescues encountered by fire fighters.
Describe the steps of a special rescue.
Describe the general procedures at a special rescue scene.
Describe how to safely approach and assist at a vehicle or machinery rescue incident.

3. 26
Objectives (2 of 3)
Describe how to safely approach and assist at a confined space rescue incident.
Describe how to safely approach and assist at a rope rescue incident.
Describe how to safely approach and assist at a trench and excavation rescue incident.
Describe how to safely approach and assist at a structural collapse rescue incident.

4. 26
Objectives (3 of 3)
Describe how to safely approach and assist at a water or ice rescue incident.
Describe how to safely approach and assist at a wilderness search and rescue incident.
Describe how to safely approach and assist at a hazardous materials rescue incident.
Describe how to safely approach and assist at an elevator or escalator rescue.

5. 26
Introduction (1 of 3)
Fire departments have taken on added roles as the number of fires and amount of loss from fire have decreased.
Emergency medical services
Hazardous materials response
Technical rescue incident (TRI) responses
Fire departments are seen as agencies that handle all types of emergencies.

6. Introduction (2 of 3) A technical rescue incident (TRI) involves:26
Introduction (2 of 3)
A technical rescue incident (TRI) involves:
Vehicles or machinery
Water or ice
Rope techniques
Trench, excavation, or structural collapse
Confined spaces or hazardous materials
Wilderness search and rescue

7. 26
Introduction (3 of 3)
Training in technical rescue incidents is conducted at three levels:
Awareness
Operations
Technician

8. 26
Types of Rescues (1 of 2)
Fire departments respond to a variety of special rescue situations:
Confined space rescue
Rope rescue
Trench and excavation rescue
Structural collapse rescue
Water and ice rescue
Wilderness rescue
Hazardous materials incidents

9. 26
Types of Rescues (2 of 2)
It is important for awareness-level responders to have an understanding of special rescues.
A formal course is required to gain proficiency in handling special rescue situations.

10. Guidelines for Operations26
Guidelines for Operations
When assisting rescue team members, follow five guidelines:
Be safe.
Follow orders.
Work as a team.
Think.
Follow the Golden Rule of public service.

11. Be Safe Look for hidden hazards.26
Be Safe
Look for hidden hazards.
Have the knowledge and training to recognize a situation as hazardous.
Determine the necessary actions to ensure safety of yourself, your team members, victims of the incident, and bystanders.

12. 26
Follow Orders
Grasping paramilitary attitudes will facilitate understanding of the command and control aspect of fire departments.

13. 26
Work as a Team
Team members must work together to complete the goal of fire suppression.
Rescue is a different goal but requires the same team effort.
Your role in the team rescue effort is essential.

14. Think Constantly assess and reassess the scene.26
Think
Constantly assess and reassess the scene.
Observations a fire fighter should bring to a superior officer’s attention include:
Changing weather conditions
Suspicious packages or other items at the scene
Broken equipment

15. Follow the Golden Rule of Public Service26
Follow the Golden Rule of Public Service
Remember that the victim needs your emotional support and encouragement.
It is helpful to tell the victim what actions will be performed during the rescue process.

16. F-A-I-L-U-R-E Reasons for rescue FAILURE: 26
Failure to understand the environment
Additional medical problems not considered
Inadequate rescue skills
Lack of teamwork or experience
Underestimating logistics of the incident
Rescue versus recovery mode not considered
Equipment not mastered

17. Steps of Special Rescue26
Steps of Special Rescue
Ten steps of special rescue sequence:
Preparation
Response
Arrival and size-up
Stabilization
Access
Disentanglement
Removal
Transport
Security of the scene and preparation for the next call
Postincident analysis

18. Preparation Know the terminology used in the field.26
Preparation
Know the terminology used in the field.
Know the hazards in your response area.
Before responding to a TRI call, a department must address:
Whether it is equipped to do so
Whether it meets NFPA and OSHA standards for TRI calls
How it will respond

19. Response (1 of 2) A TRI should have a dispatch protocol.26
Response (1 of 2)
A TRI should have a dispatch protocol.
Agency with own TRI team: Responds with rescue squad, medic unit, engine company and chief.
Agency without TRI team: Responds with EMS unit, engine company, and chief, with rescue squad from outside agency.

20. 26
Response (2 of 2)
Many technical rescues involve factors, such as electricity or sewer pipes, that may require heavy equipment to which utility companies have ready access.
Often necessary during a TRI to notify power or utility companies for possible assistance.

21. Arrival and Size-Up (1 of 2)26
Arrival and Size-Up (1 of 2)
Immediately upon arrival, the first company officer assumes command.
A rapid, accurate size-up is needed to avoid placing rescuers in danger and to determine what other resources are needed.
When responding to a worksite or industrial facility, the officer contacts the responsible party (RP).

22. Arrival and Size-Up (2 of 2)26
Arrival and Size-Up (2 of 2)
The most important part of any rescue is identification of hazards and the decision of recovery versus rescue.
Do NOT rush into the incident.
Stop and think about possible dangers.
Do not make yourself part of the problem.

23. 26
Stabilization (1 of 5)
Once resources are on the way and the scene is safe to enter:
An outer perimeter is established to keep out media and the public (cold zone).
A smaller perimeter is set up around the rescue (warm and hot zones).
Rescue area surrounds the incident site
Its size is proportional to the hazards that exist.

24. 26
Stabilization (2 of 5)
Zones should be established by identifying and evaluating hazards at the scene:
Observe the geographical area.
Note the routes of access and exit.
Observe weather and wind conditions.
Consider evacuation problems and transport distances.

25. Stabilization (3 of 5) Hot zone Warm zone: Cold zone: 26
For entry teams and rescue teams only; immediately surrounds the danger.
Warm zone:
For properly trained and equipped personnel; where decontamination and hot zone support take place.
Cold zone:
For staging vehicles and equipment; contains the command post; public and media kept clear at all times.

26. 26
Stabilization (4 of 5)
Lockout/tagout systems should be used to secure a safe environment.

27. Stabilization (5 of 5) Lockout/tagout26
Stabilization (5 of 5)
Lockout/tagout
Ensures that electricity has been shut down and electrical switches are “locked” so they cannot be switched on
Atmospheric monitoring should also be started to identify situations immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) of rescuers and victims.

28. Access Communicate with victim at all times during rescue.26
Access
Communicate with victim at all times during rescue.
Initiate emergency medical care as soon as access is made to the victim.

29. Disentanglement Free victim as safely as possible.26
Disentanglement
Free victim as safely as possible.
A team member should remain with the victim to direct rescuers during disentanglement.

30. 26
Removal
Once victim is disentangled, efforts should be redirected to removal.
Prepare the victim for removal by packaging the victim.
Consider rapid extrication.
Maintain safety throughout removal.

31. Transport Remove victim from hazard area.26
Transport
Remove victim from hazard area.
Transport to proper medical facility.

32. Postincident Duties Secure the scene and prepare for next call.26
Postincident Duties
Secure the scene and prepare for next call.
Repair or replace equipment.
Perform a postincident analysis.

33. General Rescue Scene Procedures26
General Rescue Scene Procedures
Safety to you, your company, and the public is paramount.
Evaluate situation before approaching victim or accident area.
Consider hazards
Utilities
Hazardous materials
Confined spaces
Environmental conditions

34. Approaching the Scene (1 of 3)26
Approaching the Scene (1 of 3)
Compile facts and factors about the call.
Gain size-up information.
Information is important to overall success of the rescue operation.

35. Approaching the Scene (2 of 3)26
Approaching the Scene (2 of 3)
Information received in an emergency call should include:
Location of incident
Nature of incident (kinds and number of vehicles)
Condition and position of victims
Number of people trapped or injured, and types of injuries
Any specific or special hazard information
Name of person calling and number where he or she can be reached

36. Approaching the Scene (3 of 3)26
Approaching the Scene (3 of 3)
Identify and correct life-threatening hazards.
A size-up should include:
Scope and magnitude of the incident
Risk and benefit analysis
Number of known and potential victims
Hazards
Access to the scene
Environmental factors
Available and necessary resources
Establishment of control perimeter

37. 26
Utility Hazards (1 of 3)
IC should ensure proper procedures have been taken to shut off utilities.

38. Utility Hazards (2 of 3) For electrical hazards: 26
Park at least one truck span away.
Watch for falling utility poles; a damaged pole may bring other poles down with it.
Do not touch any wires, power lines, or other electrical sources until they have been deactivated by a power company representative.
It is not just the wires that are hazardous; any metal that they touch is also energized.

39. 26
Utility Hazards (3 of 3)
Both natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are nontoxic but classified as asphyxiants.
They displace breathing air.
Both are explosive.
If a call involves leaking gas, call the gas company.
Take appropriate measures if a victim has been overcome by leaking gas.

40. 26
Scene Security
Coworkers, family members, and sometimes other rescuers will enter an unsafe scene and become additional victims.
IC should coordinate with law enforcement to secure and control the scene.
Maintain a strict accountability system to control access to the rescue scene.

41. Protective Equipment Firefighting gear restricts movement.26
Protective Equipment
Firefighting gear restricts movement.
Most specialist teams carry harnesses, small, light helmets, and jumpsuits that are easier to move in.

42. Incident Management System (IMS)26
Incident Management System (IMS)
First arriving officer assumes command and uses the IMS

43. Accountability Practiced at all emergencies Ensures safety26
Accountability
Practiced at all emergencies
Ensures safety
Tracks personnel on scene
Identities
Assignment
Location

44. Making Victim Contact (1 of 4)26
Making Victim Contact (1 of 4)
Attempt communications with victim.
Reassure victim of his or her safety.

45. Making Victim Contact (2 of 4)26
Making Victim Contact (2 of 4)
To help keep a victim calm:
Make and keep eye contact with the victim.
Tell the truth.
Communicate at a level he or she can understand.
Be aware of your own body language.
Always speak slowly, clearly, and distinctly.

46. Making Victim Contact (3 of 4)26
Making Victim Contact (3 of 4)
To help keep a victim calm (cont.):
Use a victim’s proper name.
Speak clearly and directly at victim.
Allow time for victim to respond to your questions.
Try to make the victim comfortable and relaxed.

47. Making Victim Contact (4 of 4)26
Making Victim Contact (4 of 4)
Many victims require medical care.
Medical care should only be given if it can be done so safely.
Do not become a victim during a rescue attempt.

48. Assisting Rescue Crews26
Assisting Rescue Crews
Train with rescue teams.
Three factors of safety apply to all scenes:
Approach cautiously.
Position apparatus properly.
Assist specialized team members as needed.

49. Vehicles and Machinery (1 of 2)26
Vehicles and Machinery (1 of 2)
Motor vehicle crashes are common incidents.
Safely approach vehicle.
Present a wide variety of hazards to rescuers and victims
Maintain safety of incident.

50. Vehicles and Machinery (2 of 2)26
Vehicles and Machinery (2 of 2)
You may have to assist with extrication and treatment of victims.
Protect victims when operating equipment around them.
You may be asked to do many other tasks.
Many tools are required for a successful vehicle or machinery rescue situation.

51. Confined Space (1 of 3) Confined space:26
Confined Space (1 of 3)
Confined space:
Location surrounded by a structure that is not designed for people to occupy
May be oxygen deficient or contain poisonous gases
Gather information from a bystander.
Always assume IDLH atmosphere at any confined space call.
Confined space rescues take time.

52. Confined Space (2 of 3) Your role is to secure the scene.26
Confined Space (2 of 3)
Your role is to secure the scene.
Share information with other arriving companies.
Complete a size-up upon arrival.
Observe conditions.
Note items of importance.

53. 26
Confined Space (3 of 3)
Supplied air breathing apparatus system is a key component in a confined space rescue.
Many tools are used in confined space rescue.

54. Rope Rescue Rope rescue skills may be used.26
Rope Rescue
Rope rescue skills may be used.
Divided into two categories.
Low-angle operations
High-angle operations

55. Trench and Excavation Collapse (1 of 2)26
Trench and Excavation Collapse (1 of 2)
Occurs when earth has been removed and sides collapse.
Safety is of paramount importance.
Being near edge can cause further collapsing of sides.

56. Trench and Excavation Collapse (2 of 2)26
Trench and Excavation Collapse (2 of 2)
Soil is removed from excavation and placed in a pile is called the spoil pile.
Very unstable
Attempt to make contact with victims.
Look for evidence of location of victims.
Various tasks may be assigned to you and your company during the rescue.
Many different tools will be used.

57. Structural Collapse (1 of 3)26
Structural Collapse (1 of 3)
Structural collapse: Sudden and unplanned fall of part or all of a building.
Collapse can occur for numerous reasons.
Consider building construction.
Dynamics of building change.
Fire fighters should always be alert of building collapse.
In a partial collapse be aware of secondary collapse.

58. Structural Collapse (2 of 3)26
Structural Collapse (2 of 3)
Be aware of safety when approaching.
Consider shutting off utilities to structure.
IC makes decision regarding whether a building is safe to enter.

59. Structural Collapse (3 of 3)26
Structural Collapse (3 of 3)
Rescue operations vary due to size of structure and amount of damage.
Many tools are used during a building collapse incident.

60. Water and Ice Rescue (1 of 2)26
Water and Ice Rescue (1 of 2)
Almost all fire departments have the potential to be called to perform a water rescue.
Safety is key when dealing with a water rescue.
Turnout gear is not designed for water rescue.
Use gear designed for water rescue.
If you are within ten feet of water, wear a PFD.

61. Water and Ice Rescue (2 of 2)26
Water and Ice Rescue (2 of 2)
Attempt communication with victims.
Ice rescues are common in colder climates.
There are many ways to assist in a water or ice rescue.
Be familiar with the tools used for water and ice rescues.

62. Wilderness Search and Rescue (1 of 2)26
Wilderness Search and Rescue (1 of 2)
Wilderness search and rescue (SAR) is conducted by a limited number of fire departments.
Two categories consist of:
Search
Rescue
Wilderness can include many varied environments.

63. Wilderness Search and Rescue (2 of 2)26
Wilderness Search and Rescue (2 of 2)
There are many opportunities to assist with SAR.
Always work in teams of two or more
Tools used for SAR are often tools used with other rescue situations.

64. Hazardous Materials Incidents (1 of 3)26
Hazardous Materials Incidents (1 of 3)
Hazardous materials: Any material or substance that poses a significant risk to the health and safety of persons or to the environment if it is not properly handled.
Often involve petroleum products
Many retail businesses contain hazardous materials.
Can be used in domestic terrorism

65. Hazardous Materials Incidents (2 of 3)26
Hazardous Materials Incidents (2 of 3)
Fire departments are trained to recognize incidents.
Safety is paramount when dealing with a hazardous materials incident.
Important to recognize presence of hazardous materials

66. Hazardous Materials Incidents (3 of 3)26
Hazardous Materials Incidents (3 of 3)
You must have proper training in order to assist with a hazardous materials incident.
Hazardous materials incidents require the use of many tools.

67. 26
Elevator Rescue (1 of 2)
Elevator emergencies are increasing in frequency.
Never attempt to move or relocate an elevator.

68. 26
Elevator Rescue (2 of 2)
When responding to elevator incidents consider the following:
Always cut the power to a malfunctioning elevator.
Perform incident risk management and assessment.
Are there enough resources to perform rescue and extrication in a safe manner?
Once the incident has been resolved, leave the power supply off.

69. 26
Escalator Rescue (1 of 2)
Escalator emergencies can be challenging and complex.
Never attempt to move an escalator under any circumstances.
Good incident risk management and risk assessment skills are crucial with this type of incident.

70. 26
Escalator Rescue (2 of 2)
Responders to escalator incidents should consider these recommendations:
The escalator machinery must be stopped.
Are personnel completely trained for this type of incident?
The best action may be no action, until a trained professional arrives on the scene to apply special expertise.
Leave the power supply to the escalator turned off after the escalator incident has been resolved.

71. 26
Summary (1 of 2)
Fire fighters must know the steps to safely approach and stabilize an incident before specialty rescue personnel arrive.
Follow the five guidelines: be safe, follow orders, work as a team, think, and follow the golden rule of public service.

72. 26
Summary (2 of 2)
When making decisions about approaching dangerous scenes, responder safety must take top priority.
Responders need personnel protective equipment that is appropriate to the type of rescue, and they must operate within the IMS.