Questions and Answers
What is the initial action for all types of water rescue incidents based on the document?
What is a key characteristic of urban street flooding?
Why is the risk assessment crucial in water rescue operations?
Which water-related incident is managed by SWRT according to the document?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the four common objectives for water rescue events?
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What is the primary purpose of conducting a risk assessment in water rescue incidents?
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What does the 'Control' objective include in the water rescue approach?
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Which type of flooding occurs due to excessive rainfall leading to creeks overflowing?
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Which factor is NOT considered in a risk assessment for water rescue incidents?
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What action is recommended when flood conditions are present?
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In what scenarios are flat water emergencies likely to occur?
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Which is a critical risk mitigation method to be established during water rescue incidents?
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In what scenario are non-SWRT personnel advised regarding personal flotation devices (PFDs)?
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What does establishing an upstream spotter during a water rescue facilitate?
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What should personnel consider regarding the stability of the scene during water rescues?
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Which of the following is NOT a risk mitigation method for water rescue incidents?
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Who is authorized to engage in water or ice rescue of animals?
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What is the first action the Primary Unit Officer must take upon arrival?
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What information is NOT included in the Situation Update Report (SUR)?
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What must the officer announce after providing the Initial On-Scene Report (IOSR)?
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Which of the following must a Primary Unit Officer ensure is marked?
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What does the Primary Unit Officer need to determine during the incident?
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What should the Primary Unit Officer communicate to the team?
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What level of certification must personnel be aware of during a rescue?
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What type of water rescue involves water that moves faster than an average person can comfortably walk?
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What is the highest certification level recognized for personnel involved in swift water rescue?
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What is a critical factor that should govern the tempo of a rescue operation?
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Which of the following types of incidents is NOT categorized under water rescue incidents?
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What should personnel operating in water rescue incidents prioritize during a rescue?
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Which of the following statements best describes ice rescue?
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In water rescue scenarios, personnel are reminded that incidents are typically categorized by their:
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What aspect is particularly emphasized for personnel responding to water rescue incidents?
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What is the first step in the rescue sequence for water rescue incidents?
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What position should be assigned to ensure safety downstream in a water rescue incident?
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Which method is NOT part of the established rescue sequence?
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What should be done after rescue operations are deemed unnecessary?
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Who must coordinate with the appropriate agency to deny access to flooded roadways?
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Which of these actions is part of the rescue sequence for personnel certified as boat crew?
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What is the purpose of using a bull horn or PA system during a rescue operation?
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What information should be recorded if the incident involves a boat or vehicle?
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What is the significance of personnel operating within their training certification during water rescue incidents?
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Which aspect is emphasized as a critical factor for managing stress during water rescue incidents?
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What element must be considered by personnel when arriving at the scene of an urban street flooding incident?
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Which of the following statements best captures the rationale behind taking time to evaluate the situation in water rescues?
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Which certification level allows personnel to engage in swift water rescue operations?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of water-related incident response, including swift water, flat water, and ice rescue categories. It emphasizes the importance of operating within training and certification levels while also addressing initial response considerations for high-risk situations. Participants will gain insights into effective response strategies and common occurrences related to urban flooding.
