By Alan M. Petrillo

When faced with a swift water rescue, fire departments break out specialized equipment to safely reach and rescue victims and employ tactics and techniques designed to provide overarching and redundant levels of safety for both victims and rescuers.

Throw bags

1 Rescue 3 International and Rescue Source make four types of throw bags for swift water rescue work.

Mike Turnbull, chief executive officer of Rescue 3 International and the Rescue Source, says that throw bags are the primary tool used by fire departments, police, and sheriff’s organizations when making a swift water rescue. “It’s a bag holding 50 feet of rope or more that a rescuer throws to a victim in a swift water situation,” Turnbull says. “You hold onto one end of the rope and throw the bag to the victim. The bag has a float in its bottom so it floats, and we use a floating rope that stays on top of the water.”

Rescue Source makes four types of throw bags: Standard, Pro, Second Chance, and Mini. “The RQ3 Standard is our workhorse bag made of high-tech nylon fabric that’s tough, ultraviolet-resistant, and fast drying,” Turnbull says. “There’s a grab handle over the top for accurate and smooth bucket throws and a reverse taper for easy loading.” The Pro model sports a side pocket to store a carabiner and has reflective tape around the bag. The Second Chance adds a floating weight to the end of a 75-foot rope, while the Mini is small enough to carry in a personal flotation device (PFD) along with 50 feet of ¼-inch-diameter rope.”

2 Safety lines and tension lines are often rigged downstream, in case a victim or rescuer is washed down from the initial rescue site.

Dive Rescue International makes throw bags that will hold between 65 and 100 feet of rope, says Justin Fox, Dive Rescue’s president and chief executive officer. “The throat of our bags has an expandable collar so there’s always enough room for rope in the bag,” he says. “We use 3⁄8-inch-diameter floating ropes made by PMI or BlueWater Rope that are a large enough size for a victim with cold hands to grab onto. All our bags have a foam float in the bottom that keeps them from sinking into the river.”

Alex Boughamer, inside salesman for rescue and government at NRS, says his company makes the NRS Pro Rescue Throw Bag of highly visible and durable Cordura®. “The throw bags have internal floatation to keep them on the surface and use floating rope to keep it on top of the water,” Boughamer says. “A polyethylene-sheathed grab loop makes it quick and easy to hook onto a carabiner, and a two-inch mesh panel allows for better drainage and reduced dry time.”

3 Typical swift water rescue operating procedures usually call for all rescuers to wear personal flotation devices and helmets. (Photos 1-3 courtesy of Rescue 3 International Read more 172 0 Article rating: No rating Posted: Feb 10, 2017 Regulations and Standards for Special Rescue Incidents   Richard Marinucci Firefighting has continued to evolve to the point where there is more universal recognition of the need for training and compliance with standards by those individuals and organizations that respond to emergencies. But, there are very specific events that require specialized training and specific equipment. There is not as much “wiggle room” regarding this from a regulatory and standard perspective. These events-hazmat responses and technical rescue scenarios-are relatively late additions to fire departments’ responsibilities, and they have been regulated almost from day one. As such, it behooves organizations to know the requirements so they not only provide the quality service their customers expect but also avoid liability should something go wrong. I am certain that some response teams don’t comply 100 percent with the various regulations and standards that provide guidance and direction to responders. And, as with many circumstances similar to this, it only becomes an issue when something goes wrong. To put it another way: Many drivers do not comply with various posted speed limits or other roadway regulations. They don’t get into trouble unless they are caught by law enforcement or, worse yet, they cause a crash. They only suffer consequences after a mishap. Similar thought processes can contribute to neglect on the part of response teams to these special incidents. Only if there are unexpected outcomes will there be challenges. If there are, there will be a review of applicable regulations and standards. Some have the force of law, and others are expected to be followed. Hazmat Response Responses to hazmat incidents may have been the first official add-on to fire departments’ responsibilities other than emergency medical services (EMS). And, like EMS, hazmat has established protocols with a requirement to comply with accepted standards. Departments cannot purchase a supply of “kitty litter” and buy a few encapsulating suits to begin responding to calls. They must have the equipment commensurate with the types of hazards they can reasonably expect along with the appropriate training. This will vary according to expectations for what will be done regarding identifying and mitigating hazards. There is a qualification classification system-awareness, operations, technician, specialist-that identifies the involvement an individual may have during a hazmat incident. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents (2013 ed.), establishes criteria for response to hazmat incidents. Those involved with response teams must be intimately familiar with this document. Chief officers, even if they are not direct responders, must also know the standard and take steps for compliance. Even though some may argue this is an advisory standard, ignoring its contents would be foolish. Should something run afoul, there will be consequences. There will be legal liabilities relative to the standard, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states will consider this as an acceptable standard that must be followed. Fortunately, almost anyone with official responsibilities in the hazmat arena will know this. It is those who are not prepared who should reconsider. Speaking of OSHA, there are regulations identified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that responders must know and follow. This is not to imply that they need to be memorized, but a working knowledge is essential, and the contents of Read more 214 0 Article rating: No rating Posted: Feb 10, 2017 Regulations and Standards for Special Rescue Incidents   Richard Marinucci Firefighting has continued to evolve to the point where there is more universal recognition of the need for training and compliance with standards by those individuals and organizations that respond to emergencies. But, there are very specific events that require specialized training and specific equipment. There is not as much “wiggle room” regarding this from a regulatory and standard perspective. These events-hazmat responses and technical rescue scenarios-are relatively late additions to fire departments’ responsibilities, and they have been regulated almost from day one. As such, it behooves organizations to know the requirements so they not only provide the quality service their customers expect but also avoid liability should something go wrong. I am certain that some response teams don’t comply 100 percent with the various regulations and standards that provide guidance and direction to responders. And, as with many circumstances similar to this, it only becomes an issue when something goes wrong. To put it another way: Many drivers do not comply with various posted speed limits or other roadway regulations. They don’t get into trouble unless they are caught by law enforcement or, worse yet, they cause a crash. They only suffer consequences after a mishap. Similar thought processes can contribute to neglect on the part of response teams to these special incidents. Only if there are unexpected outcomes will there be challenges. If there are, there will be a review of applicable regulations and standards. Some have the force of law, and others are expected to be followed. Hazmat Response Responses to hazmat incidents may have been the first official add-on to fire departments’ responsibilities other than emergency medical services (EMS). And, like EMS, hazmat has established protocols with a requirement to comply with accepted standards. Departments cannot purchase a supply of “kitty litter” and buy a few encapsulating suits to begin responding to calls. They must have the equipment commensurate with the types of hazards they can reasonably expect along with the appropriate training. This will vary according to expectations for what will be done regarding identifying and mitigating hazards. There is a qualification classification system-awareness, operations, technician, specialist-that identifies the involvement an individual may have during a hazmat incident. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents (2013 ed.), establishes criteria for response to hazmat incidents. Those involved with response teams must be intimately familiar with this document. Chief officers, even if they are not direct responders, must also know the standard and take steps for compliance. Even though some may argue this is an advisory standard, ignoring its contents would be foolish. Should something run afoul, there will be consequences. There will be legal liabilities relative to the standard, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states will consider this as an acceptable standard that must be followed. Fortunately, almost anyone with official responsibilities in the hazmat arena will know this. It is those who are not prepared who should reconsider. Speaking of OSHA, there are regulations identified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that responders must know and follow. This is not to imply that they need to be memorized, but a working knowledge is essential, and the contents of Read more 269 0 Article rating: No rating Posted: Feb 10, 2017 Regulations and Standards for Special Rescue Incidents   Richard Marinucci Firefighting has continued to evolve to the point where there is more universal recognition of the need for training and compliance with standards by those individuals and organizations that respond to emergencies. But, there are very specific events that require specialized training and specific equipment. There is not as much “wiggle room” regarding this from a regulatory and standard perspective. These events-hazmat responses and technical rescue scenarios-are relatively late additions to fire departments’ responsibilities, and they have been regulated almost from day one. As such, it behooves organizations to know the requirements so they not only provide the quality service their customers expect but also avoid liability should something go wrong. I am certain that some response teams don’t comply 100 percent with the various regulations and standards that provide guidance and direction to responders. And, as with many circumstances similar to this, it only becomes an issue when something goes wrong. To put it another way: Many drivers do not comply with various posted speed limits or other roadway regulations. They don’t get into trouble unless they are caught by law enforcement or, worse yet, they cause a crash. They only suffer consequences after a mishap. Similar thought processes can contribute to neglect on the part of response teams to these special incidents. Only if there are unexpected outcomes will there be challenges. If there are, there will be a review of applicable regulations and standards. Some have the force of law, and others are expected to be followed. Hazmat Response Responses to hazmat incidents may have been the first official add-on to fire departments’ responsibilities other than emergency medical services (EMS). And, like EMS, hazmat has established protocols with a requirement to comply with accepted standards. Departments cannot purchase a supply of “kitty litter” and buy a few encapsulating suits to begin responding to calls. They must have the equipment commensurate with the types of hazards they can reasonably expect along with the appropriate training. This will vary according to expectations for what will be done regarding identifying and mitigating hazards. There is a qualification classification system-awareness, operations, technician, specialist-that identifies the involvement an individual may have during a hazmat incident. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents (2013 ed.), establishes criteria for response to hazmat incidents. Those involved with response teams must be intimately familiar with this document. Chief officers, even if they are not direct responders, must also know the standard and take steps for compliance. Even though some may argue this is an advisory standard, ignoring its contents would be foolish. Should something run afoul, there will be consequences. There will be legal liabilities relative to the standard, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states will consider this as an acceptable standard that must be followed. Fortunately, almost anyone with official responsibilities in the hazmat arena will know this. It is those who are not prepared who should reconsider. Speaking of OSHA, there are regulations identified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that responders must know and follow. This is not to imply that they need to be memorized, but a working knowledge is essential, and the contents of Read more 160 0 Article rating: No rating RSS FirstPrevious3467346834693470347134723473347434753476NextLast Theme picker Section Quick Links   Fire Mechanics Documents EVT Discussion Forum Fire Mechanic Photo Gallery Training & Testing 2019 Scholarship Logo Wear Store Upcoming Events Theme picker Sponsors Fire Mechanics Section Board Chair Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Chair Elliot Courage North Whatcom Fire & Rescue Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Vice Chair Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Vice Chair Mike Smith  Pierce County Fire District #5 Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Secretary Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Secretary Greg Bach South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Director #1 Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Director #1 Doug Jones South Kitsap Fire & Rescue Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Director #2 Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Director #2 Paul Spencer  Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Director #3 Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Director #3 Jim Morris Mountain View Fire Department Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Director #4 Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Director #4 Arnie Kuchta Clark County Fire District 6 Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Director #6 Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Director #6 Brett Annear Kitsap County Fire District 18 Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Director #5 Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Director #5 Jay Jacks Camano Island Fire & Rescue Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating Legislative Representative Posted: Oct 21, 2015 Legislative Representative TBD TBD Read more 3280 0 Article rating: No rating Immediate Past Chair Posted: Oct 20, 2015 Immediate Past Chair Brian Fortner Graham Fire & Rescue Read more 0 0 Article rating: No rating RSS Theme picker 2020 CAR SHOW Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement - Copyright 2024 by Washington Fire Chiefs Home Members About Us News Calendar Resources Documents Sections County Fire Chiefs FRWC WSAFM