Safe Operations Technical Rescue Incidents

This is the Fifth of a six part series on safety actions that can be taken at different incidents.

This week I will discuss Technical Rescue

Please feel free to make this page information into an actual checksheet you can use on the fireground. Train all members what you expect and everyone will be involved in the safety process.

This is not a tactical worksheet to be used by an incident commander, but a secondary sheet to be used by a safety person after the fact.

The order of the activities can be adjusted or enhanced for your own departmental needs.

Technical Rescue Emergencies

Establish staging area and operating area.

Establish on scene accountability.

Limit and minimize entry to the area.

All Related utilities adjacent to the problem controlled. (Gas, Electric, Water)

All unstable objects should be assessed and stabilized

Minimize the number of personnel involved in high risk rescue situation.

Ensure and confirm proper technical equipment and expertise is enroute / on-scene.

If heavy machinery is used establish safe operating area

Insure adequate lighting and or ventilation

Establish protection from the elements for victim and crew if possible

Establish an EMS presence on scene for operational crews.

Establish a REHAB area for operating crews.

Establish refreshments and re-hydration capabilities.

Determine if there is adequate qualified manpower to support current operations.

Review, Monitor, recheck, evaluate current conditions.

 Conduct an accountability check at any and all points of these steps as necessary.