Water Rescues - IRP M - PDF

Incident Response Overview

• Water-related incidents categorized into swift water, flat water, and ice rescue.
• Swift water: moves faster than a person can walk; flat water: moves slower than this; ice refers to any ice formation.
• Personnel must only operate within their training scope and certification levels.

Training Levels

• Awareness-level training includes classes like Practical Rescue or Rescue Technician Site Operations.
• Operations-level certification: MCFRS Boat Crew or Boat Operator.
• Technician-level certification: MCFRS Swift Water Rescue Team (SWRT) Boat Crew or Boat Operator.

Initial Response Considerations

• Water rescue incidents are high risk, low frequency, and can create stress for responders.
• Quick action is encouraged, but it must follow a rational risk-based approach.
• Evaluate situation thoroughly and control hazards before taking action.

Common Occurrences

• Urban street flooding: caused by rainfall exceeding stormwater capacity, leading to rapid water rises and recedes.
• Creek flooding: results from excessive rainfall overflowing banks and downstream flow.
• Flat water emergencies: involve incidents on bodies like the Potomac River or lakes, often due to falls or disabled crafts.

General Approach

• Response must follow clear objectives and ongoing risk assessments.
• Objectives based on ACRE mnemonic:
  • Assess: Scene evaluation, hazard identification, and risk analysis.
  • Control: Isolate hazards, deny entry, and establish isolation zones.
  • Rescue: Utilize appropriate methods and equipment for rescue.
  • Evacuate: Remove victims to safety.

Water Hazards

• Water pressure can be significant, necessitating careful risk assessment before entering the water.
• Considerations for risk assessment include personnel certification, victim danger, immediate circumstances, evident and potential hazards, responder arrival times, and scene stability.

Risk Reduction Strategies

• Establish an Incident Commander for clear leadership.
• Encourage stranded individuals to stay in place if water is receding.
• Use markers to indicate water lines, and ensure they are secured.
• Set up downstream safety and upstream spotters for added safety.

Policy on Personnel Actions

• Personnel must not exceed their training levels in operations.
• Only SWRT members can conduct swift water hot zone activities.
• Non-SWRT personnel cannot connect personal floatation devices to ropes unless on ice.

Initial Actions Protocol

• The first arriving Primary Unit Officer executes an Initial On-Scene Report (IOSR) and assesses the scene.
• Gathering eyewitness information is crucial for situational updates.
• Provide a Situation Update Report (SUR) detailing location, conditions, actions taken, and resource needs.

Rescue Sequence

• Maintain communication with victims to facilitate self-evacuation instructions.
• Employ available tools and equipment for reaching victims.
• Extending rescue involves using boats for flat water rescues or entering the water physically.

Post-Rescue Actions

• Mark stranded vehicles with caution tape when safe.
• Record details of involved vehicles for reporting.
• Coordinate with agencies to restrict access to flooded areas.
• Ensure decontamination of personnel and equipment post-incident.

Cancellation Note

• Previous information bulletin (07-10) regarding water rescue updates has been cancelled.

Incident Types

• Water-related incidents are categorized into swift water, flat water, and ice rescue.
• Swift Water: Water flowing faster than a person can walk comfortably.
• Flat Water: Water moving slower than walking speed.
• Ice Rescue: Involves ice formation over either swift or flat water, presenting unique hazards.

Training and Certification

• Awareness-level training includes courses like Practical Rescue or Rescue Technician Site Operations.
• Operations-level certification is recognized for MCFRS Boat Crew or Boat Operator.
• Technician-level certification applies to MCFRS Swift Water Rescue Team (SWRT) members.

Incident Dynamics

• High-risk, low-frequency events create stress for responders.
• Victim or crowd behavior must not dictate the rescue approach; a rational risk assessment is crucial.
• Initial evaluations should prioritize controlling hazards and reducing risks.

Common Occurrences

• Urban street flooding: Potomac River below Seneca Breaks known for its danger, attracting kayaking practitioners.
• Rapid changes in floodwater levels can create and remove danger quickly.
• Hazards include missing manhole covers, washed-away roads, and significant water pressure.
• Ice behavior under load is unpredictable and can complicate rescues.

Risk Assessment Factors

• Certification levels and relative danger of victims need consideration.
• Hidden hazards often lie beneath the water's surface.
• Water pressure can overpower personnel; careful evaluation needed before entering the water.

Risk Reduction Strategies

• An Incident Commander should be established for organized operations.
• Advise stranded individuals to remain in place if conditions are improving.
• Track water levels and ensure markers remain visible and intact.
• Setup downstream safety and upstream spotters to enhance safety.

Guidelines and Restrictions

• Personnel cannot operate beyond their training or certification levels.
• Only SWRT members may conduct swift water hot zone activities.
• Non-SWRT personnel cannot tie personal flotation devices (PFDs) to ropes unless on ice.

Rescue Sequence Actions

• Establish contact with victims and devise self-evacuation instructions.
• Use tools and throw bags to reach and rescue victims safely.
• Certified boat crew can initiate river rescues using rowboats or by entering the water if within guidelines.

Post-Rescue Protocol

• Mark stranded vehicles with high-visibility caution tape.
• Record make and color of any involved watercraft or vehicles for emergency command.
• Ensure decontamination of personnel and equipment post-rescue, especially if floodwaters were involved.

Documentation and Updates

• The Fire Chief can publish and update operational checklists for water-related incidents.
• Personnel must adhere to incident operation checklists when available.