330-02 Water Rescue

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of a Spotter in water rescue operations?

To provide medical assistance to victims

To account for a specific deployed swimmer (correct)

To conduct water rescues independently

To operate rescue equipment during the operation

Which of the following items is NOT listed as required equipment for Level I Basic Swimmers?

Swim attire without long pants

Water rescue rope (correct)

Red Flotation Device

Long blade fins

Which characteristic is essential for Spotters to maintain a clear line-of-sight with deployed swimmers?

Being positioned at water level

Wearing a reflective vest (correct)

Donning a buoyancy compensator

Utilizing a dive light

What additional equipment is required for Level I Rescue Swimmers compared to Level I Basic Swimmers?

Water rescue rope Signup and view all the answers

What role do Shore Support personnel play in water rescue operations?

Providing medical and transportation services Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is NOT listed as water rescue equipment available at specified Fire Rescue Stations?

Diving suits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct placement for Spotters to maintain oversight during water rescues?

In an elevated position such as a sand dune Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must Level I Basic Swimmers avoid wearing during water rescues?

Long pants Signup and view all the answers

What is the required ratio of Spotters to swimmers during a water rescue operation?

1 Spotter for every 1 Swimmer Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is the Fire Rescue personnel likely to decide on Recovery Mode?

The elapsed time since submersion exceeds one hour Signup and view all the answers

What factors should be assessed by arriving companies during a risk/benefit analysis?

Weather, surf conditions, and swimmer abilities Signup and view all the answers

When might responding units or the Communication Center request a Dive Team response?

Prior to the arrival based on information received Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for assigning additional Accountability Officers at a rescue scene?

The assigned Accountability Officer as needed Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines whether the emergency is classified as Rescue or Recovery Mode?

The time since submersion and victim status Signup and view all the answers

What should be taken into account to operate in Rescue Mode?

The visibility of the victim under the surface Signup and view all the answers

What may influence the decision to send Fire Rescue personnel into the water?

The chance to rescue a viable victim Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a dive operation during open water rescues?

Attempting to locate a submerged victim without Fire Rescue supervision. Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment is suggested for swimmers in open water rescues?

A water rescue paddle board, rescue buoy, and appropriate PFD. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended first step in the action plan for water rescue operations?

TALK – assist the victim with self-rescue if possible. Signup and view all the answers

During an open water rescue, if conditions permit, what should the rescuer ideally do first?

Guide the victim to self-rescue through verbal communication. Signup and view all the answers

How many swimmers are required for the extraction of victims to safety?

One swimmer per victim at a minimum. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a boat-based operation is needed in an open water rescue?

Determine early if a boat operation is required and request it. Signup and view all the answers

What item is NOT recommended to be used initially in a low-risk water rescue operation?

A powered jet ski for quick access. Signup and view all the answers

What must both the primary and backup swimmers possess for effective open water rescue?

Identical open water swimming capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum personnel requirement for a rescue operation?

One Incident Commander and three Fire Rescue personnel Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario can a swimmer be deployed for a rescue?

If immediate action can prevent imminent loss of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a 'Last-Seen-Point' during a water rescue?

To prioritize rescue efforts and narrow the search area Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with witnesses during the scene size-up process?

Interview them separately to avoid leading answers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended method to gather information from witnesses?

Ensure witnesses discuss the incident in groups for consensus Signup and view all the answers

How should first arriving units prioritize gathering information?

By gathering all pertinent information from bystanders and witnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is Recovery Mode primarily focused on?

Dive rescue operations as specified in SOG 330-03 Signup and view all the answers

What is critical to do when there are witnesses to a water rescue incident?

Ensure they do not leave the scene until questioned Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of marking the Last-Seen-Point with a pelican float?

To indicate the victim's last known position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required action while operating in a navigable waterway during a rescue?

Continuously monitoring weather conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommendation for swimmers concerning entry and exit to the water?

Ropes or ladders should be provided when necessary Signup and view all the answers

To which personnel category do all individuals entering the work area belong?

Shore Support personnel Signup and view all the answers

How many swimmers are required at a minimum for each victim during a rescue operation?

One Primary Swimmer and one Backup Swimmer Signup and view all the answers

Which factor should NOT be part of the information collected about a victim?

Location of the victim's home Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is it particularly important to have sufficient lighting during a rescue operation?

During nighttime operations Signup and view all the answers

What should be done prior to deploying a swimmer to the water, when possible?

Review hand signals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Personnel Roles and Responsibilities

Spotter: Designated Fire Rescue personnel accountable for each deployed swimmer.
Shore Support Personnel: Assigned to non-water activities like medical, transport, and decontamination.
Victim: An individual in need of rescue.

Equipment Requirements

Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Mandatory for Shore Support personnel with emergency inflation feature.
Spotter Equipment:
- Elevated position for clear line-of-sight.
- Reflective vest for visibility.
- Binoculars for distance observation.
Level I Basic Swimmer Equipment:
- Swim attire (no long pants).
- Red flotation device (rescue buoy).
- Long blade fins.
Level I Rescue Swimmer Equipment:
- All Basic Swimmer gear, additionally includes:
  - Water rescue rope.
  - Water rescue paddle board.
  - Short blade fins.
Additional Water Rescue Equipment: Available at specific Fire Rescue Stations includes:
- Water rescue paddle boards, ropes, short blade fins, board shorts, dive lights, portable air horns, flare guns, binoculars, marker flags.

Incident Management and Accountability

Refer to 200 Series SOGs for Incident Management System and Accountability.
Accountability Structure:
- Assign Accountability Officer for incidents with two or more swimmers.
- Maintain a one-to-one ratio of Spotters to swimmers.

Risk Assessment

Scene Assessment: Check for hazards like weather conditions, currents, and swimmer capabilities.
Requests for Dive Team may occur based on initial scene assessment or delays in response.
Decision to deploy personnel into water based on victim rescue viability and associated risks.

Operational Modes

Rescue Mode: Effective within one hour of submersion indicating a possibility to save a life.
Recovery Mode: Handed over to Law Enforcement once rescue chances diminish, prioritizing body recovery over life-saving.

Scene Size-Up Procedures

Gather witness and bystander information to assess incident specifics.
For victims above water, ascertain number and recommend additional resources if needed.
For submerged victims, establish a "Last-Seen-Point" to streamline search and rescue efforts, interview witnesses for accurate location details.

Safety Considerations

Deploy dive flags and proper lighting during operations to alert vessels.
Limit the work area to essential personnel and establish a safe point of entry and exit for swimmers.
Use visual hand signals before swimmer deployment for effective communication.

Resource Allocation

Ensure a minimum staffing ratio:
- One primary swimmer per victim.
- One backup swimmer per primary.
- One spotter for each primary swimmer.
- Medical and Incident Safety Officers present.

Open Water Rescue Guidelines

Avoid below-surface dives unless victim submersion is witnessed.
Engage both primary and backup swimmers with matching capabilities and equipment for open water scenarios.
Follow a step-by-step rescue action plan focusing on:
- Talk: Encourage victims to self-rescue.
- Reach: Utilize equipment to reach victims.
- Throw: Attempt to throw rescue aids.
- Row: Consider boat assistance if necessary.
- Go: Deploy swimmer for direct rescue, stabilizing with paddle boards and flotation devices before extraction.

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Description

This quiz covers the roles and responsibilities of Fire Rescue personnel during water rescue operations as outlined in SOG 330-02. It emphasizes the importance of designated spotters, shore support, and proper preparation for daily assignments. Test your knowledge on water rescue protocols and ensure readiness for emergency situations.