75 Questions
What is the preferred method for aerial rigging?
Low point rigging using a ground level class 'A' anchor
What is the maximum load allowed when using the aerial device as a Change of Direction (COD) or high point rigging?
One person load
What is the recommended procedure for securing a patient with a suspected spinal injury?
Secure the patient to a backboard before placing them in the Stokes basket
What is the purpose of the belay line in aerial rigging?
To provide a separate safety system anchored at the lowest possible point
What is the recommended procedure for inspecting and maintaining life safety rope?
All of the above
What is the purpose of the U joints on the aerial platform?
To provide additional anchor points for the platform
What is the primary purpose of the lowering system?
To allow for controlled lowering of patients or equipment
What is the purpose of edge protection when using rope or webbing?
To prevent damage to the rope or webbing
What is the recommended procedure for inspecting and maintaining harnesses?
Harnesses should be inspected monthly and after each use
What is the recommended procedure for maintaining an inventory of rescue equipment?
All of the above
What is the primary purpose of the guidelines developed by St. Johns County Fire Rescue?
To prevent unnecessary loss of life or injury due to improper procedures or equipment use
According to the guidelines, which of the following is NOT included in the scope of these guidelines?
Providing guidelines for structural firefighting operations
What is the minimum operational level required for all Operations Section personnel, according to the guidelines?
Awareness Level
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility at the Awareness Level, according to the guidelines?
Implement the rope rescue operation
According to the guidelines, what is the definition of a rope rescue operation?
Any rescue attempt that requires rope and related equipment to safely gain access to and remove victims from hazardous geographic areas with limited access
According to the guidelines, which of the following statements is true regarding rope rescue operations?
They have the potential to be extremely dangerous to both victims and responders
What is the minimum staffing requirement for Transport Area security?
1 Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)
Where is the Transport Area typically located in relation to the incident activities?
In the cold zone
What type of medical facilities should be notified in the event of an overwhelming influx of patients arriving by non-conventional transport means?
Area medical facilities like Hospitals and Urgent Care Clinics
Who is responsible for orchestrating patient transport to appropriate receiving facilities in the Transport Area?
SJCFR personnel
What are examples of non-conventional transport options for patients mentioned in the text?
LEO cruisers and Fire/Rescue vehicles
In what circumstances may LEO need to interview patients prior to transportation from the scene?
When there is a suspected criminal element to the incident
What is the minimum number of SJCFR personnel that should be part of the recommended RTF staffing?
5
What is the primary responsibility of the SJCFR lead in an RTF?
Responsible for patient care
What is the purpose of the Casualty Collection Point (CCP)?
All of the above
What is the recommended characteristic for a CCP location?
Provide concealment of vehicular ingress and egress
What is the recommended procedure for patients entering the CCP?
Patients must be searched for weapons, and secondary searches will be paramount
What is the recommended treatment approach for the most critical patients in an ASHER incident?
Focus on patients with penetrating injuries to the chest/abdomen area
What is the recommended approach for restocking equipment in the CCP during extended operations?
Restock medical supplies and consider adding oxygen, IV supplies, and cardiac monitors
What is the recommended approach for using non-conventional transport of patients if the conventional transport by ambulance is overloaded?
Non-conventional transport can be used, but it must be staffed with a SJCFR personnel or a TECC-trained LEO for patient monitoring/treatment
What is the recommended procedure for identifying multiple CCPs that are established during an incident?
CCPs should be identified sequentially as CCP-1, CCP-2, etc.
What is the recommended approach for identifying multiple RTFs that are deployed during an incident?
RTFs should be identified sequentially as RTF-1, RTF-2, etc.
What is the primary purpose of this guide?
To provide information to personnel to assist in the mitigation of incidents
What is the definition of a 'tower' as used in this guide?
All of the above
What is the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) required for personnel working near a potential fall hazard?
Helmet and gloves
What is the primary responsibility of the Safety Officer in a tower rescue operation?
To check all systems and personnel prior to loading the system
What is the minimum number of Special Operations responders required to conduct a tower rescue operation?
7
Which of the following is NOT a required position for a tower rescue operation?
Medic
What is the primary consideration for selecting the appropriate rescue technique?
All of the above
What medical condition must be addressed when dealing with a victim in prolonged body suspension?
Compartment syndrome and reflow
What is the primary responsibility of the Rig Master in a tower rescue operation?
To ensure proper rigging techniques
Which of the following is NOT an indicator that it is safe to approach the scene before radio confirmation?
LEO outside the buildings appearing to actively seek cover
What should the initial Unified Command (UC) start to develop based on the information provided?
Immediate strategies and tactics
Which of the following should be considered when selecting the staging area?
Adequate cover and concealment, yet close enough for timely response
What should responding units attempt to do when approaching the staging area?
Not pass within direct sight of the facility, detouring if necessary
According to historical data, what should responding Chief Officers consider regarding local medical facilities?
Both A and B
What should Chief Officers assume in accordance with SJCFR policy?
IMS roles
What should be established as soon as reasonably possible, according to the text?
Personnel accountability
What should be considered regarding communications, according to the text?
Requesting multiple tactical channels to allow timely communications
What should the initial arriving SJCFR Chief Officer and LEO Command vehicles do, according to the text?
Establish a forward command post to enable face-to-face communications and monitoring of radio traffic
What should be considered when establishing an Incident Public Information Officer (PIO), according to the text?
Both A and B
What is the primary role of the Rescue Task Force (RTF) during an Active Shooter/Hostile Event?
To provide tactical emergency casualty care and victim extraction
What is the primary responsibility of SJCFR personnel during an Active Shooter/Hostile Event?
To operate in a way that preserves evidence whenever possible
Which of the following is NOT a potential indicator of an Active Shooter/Hostile Event upon arrival?
People outside behaving in an orderly manner
What should be the initial action taken by SJCFR personnel if they have any indication that the situation is an Active Shooter/Hostile Event?
Evacuate the area if possible, or move to an area that provides cover and concealment
What is the recommended response for SJCFR units when responding to an Active Shooter/Hostile Event?
Stage at a safe distance and yield the right of way to allow incoming law enforcement units to pass
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the first-arriving SJCFR unit during an Active Shooter/Hostile Event?
Establishing a Unified Command Post and coordinating with law enforcement
What is the purpose of the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) training program?
To teach emergency medical care under the Threat-Based Care and MARCH protocols model
What is the primary objective of the Unified Command Post during an Active Shooter/Hostile Event?
To manage the incident through an Incident Action Plan based on law enforcement and SJCFR strategies and tactics
What should SJCFR personnel be aware of when responding to an Active Shooter/Hostile Event?
All of the above
What is the main purpose of conducting preplans on towers in response areas?
To ensure personnel safety and expedite the rescue process
Where should the tower rescue preplan form be kept?
In the preplan book
What information should the tower rescue preplan cover?
Both of the above
What is the goal of the policy outlined in the text?
All of the above
What is the difference between an Active Shooter (AS) and an Active Assailant (AA)?
An AS uses firearms, while an AA uses other means to harm or kill people
What is the purpose of a Casualty Collection Point (CCP)?
To gather, triage and stabilize casualties
What is the difference between Cover and Concealment?
Cover provides physical protection from firearms or other hostile weapons, while Concealment prevents direct observation from the AA/AS
What is the purpose of a Forward Command Post?
To enable face-to-face communications between agencies outside of the Unified Command Post
What is the definition of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)?
Any variety of homemade explosive devices
What is the main responsibility of the Rig master during a rope rescue operation?
To oversee incident safety and check all systems and personnel prior to loading the system
What is the minimum number of trained personnel at the Operations Level required to conduct a basic rope rescue operation?
Five personnel
What is the purpose of a Class III harness in a rope rescue operation?
To effect the rescue while over the edge
What is the primary responsibility of the Edge man during a rope rescue operation?
Ensuring that all items traveling over the edge are doing so safely
Which type of rope is allowed for actual rope rescue operations?
Life Safety Rope
Who is responsible for watching the rescuer and signaling the haul/lower team during a rope rescue operation?
Edge man
Study Notes
Tower Rescue Operations
- The purpose of the tower rescue guide is to provide information to personnel to assist in the mitigation of tower rescue incidents.
- The scope of the guide is to assist initial arriving units and special operations personnel in the mitigation of tower rescue incidents, maintaining compliance with NFPA 1006, NFPA 1670, and NFPA 1983.
First Arriving Unit
- The first arriving unit will establish command in accordance with Department policy.
- Ensure no personnel or civilians take any action that would jeopardize their safety.
- Perform scene assessment and evaluate the need for additional resources.
- Establish working zones around the incident area (Hot, Warm, and Cold).
- Mitigate all hazards associated with the tower (de-energize power, lock out/tag out, consult preplan, etc.).
- Estimate the height of the victim's location, obtain victim information, and try to establish contact.
Arrival of Special Operations Apparatus
- Special Operations officer will obtain a complete briefing from IC.
- Develop a rescue plan based on the information gathered and the tower preplan.
Positions
- A minimum of seven Special Operation responders will be required to conduct a tower rescue operation.
- The following positions will be required to hold a minimum certification of Operations Level rope rescue training:
- Operations
- Safety
- Main Climbers
- R.I.T. Climbers
- Rig Master
Rescue Techniques
- The technique implemented will be based on tower height, victim location, tower structure, personnel available, and preplan information.
- Life safety rope is the only rope allowed for actual rope rescue operations.
Medical
- Prolonged body suspension creates several issues that must be considered when determining patient care and rescue.
- Compartment syndrome and reflow must be addressed and appropriate treatment planned.
Preplans
- Preplans should be conducted on towers in response areas to ensure personnel safety and expedite the rescue process.
- The tower rescue preplan form should be filled out and kept on file in the preplan book.
Edge Protection
- Always protect sharp edges that come in contact with rope or webbing.
Raising System
- A raising system appropriate for the task will be utilized.
- The mechanical advantage should not be so great that the haul team does not feel significant resistance or is not over-exerting.
Lowering System
- An approved friction device compliant with NFPA standards will be utilized.
Stokes Basket Operations
- If the patient has a suspected spine injury, always secure the patient to the backboard before placing into the litter.
- All patients will be secured to the basket using the most effective method in relation to the extent of injuries and the situation.
Aerial Rigging
- Aerial ladders are not designed as high point anchors.
- Extreme care should be used to prevent side loading or overloading the tip.
- Low point rigging with a COD is the preferred method for aerial rigging.
Life Safety Rope
- All department life safety rope will be in compliance with NFPA 1982.
- All life safety and training rope will be labeled with the load limit, color, number of the cut from the spool, rope diameter, and length.
Termination
- During the termination phase, all personnel must remain attentive.
- Many trip and fall hazards still remain.
- All gear must be inspected and inventoried before placing back in service.
- A debrief will be conducted at the earliest opportunity.### RTF Deployment and Operations
- RTF deployment depends on factors such as threat level, number of victims, victim wounds, and triage color assignment.
- An RTF should have a minimum of 5 SJCFR personnel, including at least 2 Paramedics, and 2 LEO.
- Each RTF member should have a department-issued BPE with stocked medical equipment, a portable radio, and a CCP Bag from SJCFR Rescue.
- Each RTF will identify one LEO and one SJCFR lead, who will serve as command for their respective subordinates.
RTF Command and Operations
- The LEO lead will control the movement of the RTF, while the SJCFR lead will be responsible for patient care.
- In the event of multiple RTF deployments, they will be identified sequentially (e.g., RTF-1, RTF-2, etc.).
- SJCFR personnel assigned to an RTF will maintain situational awareness, including identifying potential improvised explosive devices.
Casualty Collection Point (CCP)
- A CCP is a protected location where victims can be staged for triage and provided immediate lifesaving intervention until a planned evacuation to a formal Transport Area is established.
- The CCP should provide concealment of vehicular ingress and egress and be established early in the incident.
- The LEO Contact Teams will establish an initial CCP and notify UC.
- In the event of multiple CCPs, they will be identified sequentially (e.g., CCP-1, CCP-2, etc.).
Medical Interventions
- Medical treatment should be based on the TECC's Threat-Based Care model.
- The most critical patients have usually sustained penetrating injuries to the chest/abdomen area and require immediate transport.
- Victims triaged as "BLACK" will not be moved unless directed by UC.
Transport Operations
- The Transport Area will be controlled by SJCFR personnel responsible for orchestrating patient transport to appropriate receiving facilities.
- Transport Area security staffing shall include a minimum of 1 LEO.
- The Transport Area will be located in a safe location relative to the incident activities and is typically located in the cold zone.
- Non-conventional transport options for patients may include LEO cruisers, Fire/Rescue or LEO Command/Staff vehicles, buses, and transport.
Technical Rescue Operations
- Rope rescue operations have a potential to be extremely dangerous to the victim and responder.
- The three operational levels are Awareness Level, Operations Level, and Technician Level.
- The purpose of the guide is to prevent the unnecessary loss of life or injury due to improper procedures or improper use of equipment.
Rope Rescue Operations
- Rope rescue is defined as any rescue attempt that requires rope and related equipment to safely gain access to, and remove victims from, hazardous geographic areas.
- The first arriving unit will establish command in accordance with Department policy.
- Ensure that no personnel or civilians take any action that would jeopardize their safety.
- All personnel will don appropriate PPE to include helmet and gloves at a minimum.
- All personnel working near a potential fall hazard will be secured by a tether line.
Special Operations Response
- The Special Operations officer will obtain a complete briefing from IC and develop a rescue plan.
- Always consider the victim's condition and safety.
- A minimum of five personnel trained at the Operations Level for rope rescue should be utilized to conduct a basic rope rescue operation.
- Assigned responders hold certification and competencies at the minimum of Operations Level in rope rescue training.
Learn about the basic guidelines for technical rope rescue operations developed by St. Johns County Fire Rescue to prevent unnecessary loss of life or injury. This guide provides direction for first arriving units and Special Operations apparatus during all phases of a rope rescue operation.
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