CHAPTER 15 The ISO at Technical Rescue Incidents

Questions and Answers

What is the official NFPA definition of a technical rescue incident?

Incidents requiring specialized training and equipment for complex rescues (correct)

Emergencies that occur in urban areas only

Any situation that requires basic first aid skills

Simple rescues that can be managed by volunteers

Which federal regulation mandates the presence of an Incident Safety Officer (ISO) for confined space incidents?

29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory Protection

29 CFR 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy

29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces (correct)

29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication

What role does the Assistant Safety Officer – Rescue Technician (ASO-RT) fulfill?

They have overall responsibility for rescues.

They are responsible for victim recovery in all incidents.

They assist the ISO and work with technician-level groups while the ISO retains overall responsibility. (correct)

They work independently from the ISO without responsibilities.

Which of the following is NOT a component of a technical rescue incident as defined for this context?

Firefighting in residential buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical responsibility of the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) in a technical rescue?

Ensuring that the incident complies with federal regulations Signup and view all the answers

Which NFPA standard outlines the competencies needed for technical rescue personnel?

NFPA 1670 and NFPA 1006 for rescue incident types Signup and view all the answers

What type of incident would NOT typically require an ISO?

Routine vehicle accident extrications Signup and view all the answers

In the context of technical rescues, what does sitstat refer to?

The current status and evaluation of the situation Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured during the recon of a medevac helicopter LZ?

Specific procedures must be followed, and crews must be briefed. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification determines the severity of damage in building collapses?

Surface, light, moderate, heavy. Signup and view all the answers

In what areas does the acronym LCES assist the safety officer?

Developing safety briefings for various incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect to manage during flooding rescues?

Rescue operations may require documenting exposures for health concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Incident Safety Officer prioritize at roadway incidents?

Addressing the risk of responders being struck by traffic. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hazards is NOT associated with water incidents?

Dizzying heights Signup and view all the answers

What minimum PPE equipment should be included for water incidents?

Personal flotation device, helmet, and rope throw bag Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following incidents requires the ISO to consider a discretionary response due to high risk?

Motor vehicle accidents Signup and view all the answers

At what type of incident should the ISO expect a combination of hazmat, confined space, and structural collapse issues?

Railway/subway incidents Signup and view all the answers

Which hazard does NOT apply to rope rescue situations?

Light rain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should an ISO monitor primarily at a vehicle accident scene?

Other traffic and environmental hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which risk/benefit evaluation is fundamental for ISO functions at high-angle incidents?

Determining whether rescuers are trained and willing Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of a heavy collapse?

Access is often impeded by stressed concrete or steel girders Signup and view all the answers

What should an ISO initially conduct at a technical rescue incident?

Meet with IC to ascertain sitstat/restat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical early consideration for the ISO at flooding incidents?

Assessing overall rescue resource availability Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the conditions during a moderate collapse?

There is a significant risk of secondary collapse that requires serious attention. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a hazard listed for roadway incidents?

High-angle situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a four-gas monitor during rescue operations?

To monitor oxygen levels and hazardous gases like sewer gas Signup and view all the answers

What potential hazard is presented by aircraft incidents?

Blood-borne pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What aspect should be considered when executing trench rescues according to regulated procedures?

Implementing escape routes with escape ladders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common hazard at an industrial entrapment incident?

Complicated access due to heavy machinery and systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of these types of currents is particularly dangerous at water incidents?

Swift/hidden currents Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of overtaxing resources during a flood incident?

Health issues for responders Signup and view all the answers

Which regulation governs confined space rescues?

OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.146 Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the site safety plan for a rescue operation?

Predefined emergency plans for various scenarios Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of the LCESC approach during trench rescues?

Developing reliable escape routes Signup and view all the answers

Which hazard is associated with cave-ins and trench rescue operations?

Oxygen deficiency due to soil cover Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue should rescuers be cautious about during rescue operations?

Impacts from unsecured hazardous energy Signup and view all the answers

During an incident, what is the role of lookouts in the LCESC approach?

To provide surveillance and alert teams to hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which type of collapse typically involves significant void space concerns?

Moderate collapse Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial element for managing air quality during rescue operations?

Conducting air monitoring early in the rescue efforts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the ISO regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) during technical rescues?

To determine PPE based on a realistic worst-case scenario Signup and view all the answers

In which mode are victims determined to be deceased, necessitating a shift to recovery efforts?

Recovery mode Signup and view all the answers

What role does the ASO-RT primarily play in relation to control zones during a rescue operation?

Delineate the boundaries of control zones Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial function of accountability systems during technical rescues?

To prevent freelancing and self-deployment Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication method might not be effective during technical rescue situations due to bandwidth limitations?

Constant instructions through radio Signup and view all the answers

What should an IC or PIO do when the fire department switches efforts to a reduced-risk recovery mode?

Notify police and request assistance to control onlookers Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for the ISO when evaluating helicopter landing zones?

The presence of overhead obstructions and safety measures Signup and view all the answers

What may complicate the evaluation process during technical rescue incidents?

Uncontrolled media coverage increasing onlooker numbers Signup and view all the answers

What describes the established procedures for tracking assigned resources at technical rescue incidents?

They should follow procedures applicable to other types of incidents. Signup and view all the answers

How should the ISO respond if there are pressing incident action plan or control zone issues?

By prioritizing control zone issues over recon Signup and view all the answers

What can serve as a challenging factor when establishing control zones during technical rescue operations?

Marking zones may not be practical due to proximity Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary roles of an ISO in relation to established control zones?

To relay ASO-RT directives to the IC for inclusion in IAP Signup and view all the answers

What should be developed to ensure effective communication during a technical rescue operation?

A series of hand signals, message boards, and cheat sheets Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Technical Rescue Overview

Technical rescue encompasses complex search and rescue operations requiring specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment.
The term applies to incidents involving ropes, confined spaces, structural collapses, machinery, water, wilderness, mines, tunnels, and caves.
An Incident Safety Officer (ISO) is mandatory for managing safety in technical rescue incidents.

Federal Regulations Impacting ISO Functions

Relevant OSHA regulations affecting ISO responsibilities include:
- Occupational Noise Exposure (29 CFR 1910.95)
- Hazardous Waste Operations (29 CFR 1910.120)
- Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
- Permit-Required Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1910.146)
Legal liability exists when regulations are in place; an ISO is essential for confined space and hazmat incidents.

ISO General Functions

The ISO must assess the situation status (sitstat) including:
- Victim location, predicament, likelihood of rescue, and environmental integrity.
Understanding of committed resources (restat) and plans from the command post is vital.
Factors for updating the incident action plan (IAP) include risk profiles, control zone requirements, personnel safety systems, and traffic management.

Risk Evaluation

Risk levels correspond to operation modes:
- Rescue Mode: Feasibility of saving victims with apparent need.
- Recovery Mode: Victims presumed deceased with unsafe conditions.
- Incident Stabilization Mode: Rescued victims with potential for further hazards.

Control Zones

Established zones (hot, warm, cold) are crucial for the safety of responders; boundaries may need practical markings.
The ISO determines PPE requirements based on realistic worst-case scenarios to safeguard personnel.

Safety Systems Effectiveness

Accountability Systems: Track assigned resources to mitigate risks of freelancing.
Communications: Constant instruction through radio must be managed carefully to avoid congestion.
Rehabilitation: Continuous evaluation of comfort, energy replacement, and medical observation is necessary during extended operations.

Helicopter Operations

Increased media attention can distract responders, requiring proactive management from the ISO/ASOs.
Helicopters introduce hazards like rotor wash; effective landing zone preparation is essential.

Considerations for Specific Incidents

Building Collapse: Classify collapses by severity to understand appropriate risks and response needs.
Industrial Entrapments: Focus on hazards from machinery, unsecured energy, and complicated access to ensure safety.
Trench Rescues: Must adhere to OSHA regulations; an effective safety plan addressing potential hazards is critical.
Confined Spaces: Governed by stringent regulations; a comprehensive site safety plan is mandatory.
Water Rescues: Multiple water scenarios present various hazards; proper PPE and timekeeping are essential for safety.
Rope Rescues: High-angle incidents necessitate careful risk management and awareness of the environment and personnel readiness.
Transportation Incidents: Focus on traffic barriers and calming strategies to protect responders; prepare for potentially hazardous environments.

Summary of Technical Rescue Dynamics

The compelling drive for action in technical rescues must be balanced with safety, adherence to regulations, and proper assignment of roles like ISO and ASO.
Initial ISO activities include establishing situational awareness and safety measures to prevent accidents, ensuring effective rescue outcomes while prioritizing responder safety.### IAP Evaluation and Adjustment
Overall risk-taking profile should be assessed, tailored to modes of operation: active rescue, recovery, or incident stabilization.
Risk-taking should be minimized during recovery and stabilization operations to enhance safety.
Control zones must be established, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be mandated.

Safety Systems and Personnel Accountability

Personnel safety systems encompass accountability measures, communication protocols, and rehabilitation processes.
Critical issues related to traffic management and medevac helicopter operations require thorough evaluation.

MedEvac Helicopter Hazards

Hazards associated with medevac helicopters primarily involve rotary wings and tail rotors, increasing the risk of accidents.
Inspection of the landing zone (LZ) by the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) or Air Safety Officer (ASO) is essential before helicopter operations.
An LZ officer should oversee operations to ensure adherence to procedures and safety briefings for crews.

Building Collapse Classifications

Building collapses can be categorized as surface, light, moderate, or heavy based on construction type and damage severity.
Familiarity with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) building classification and structural assessment marking systems is crucial for ISO/ASOs.
Addressing the needs for structural engineering assistance, air monitoring, and improvisation is vital during collapses.

Cave-ins and Trench Rescues

Cave-ins and trench rescues are regulated by OSHA; formal safety briefings and situational safety plans are required.
The LCES acronym (lookouts, communications, escape routes, and safety zones) serves as a framework for safety briefing development.

Confined Space and Water Rescues

Compliance with OSHA regulations is essential for confined space incidents.
Water rescues necessitate the use of PPE and personal floatation devices (PFD) to mitigate environmental risks.
Dive rescue operations require precise timekeeping to inform risk-reduction decisions.

Flood Incident Challenges

Flooding rescues can create access difficulties and strain available resources.
Operations should consider decontaminating responders and documenting exposures for health risk assessments.

Rope Rescue Considerations

Rope rescues must be evaluated by an ASO-RT to verify that rigging is thoroughly inspected (triple-checked).

Roadway Incident Safety

Immediate threats during roadway/transportation incidents include the potential for responders being struck by vehicles.
Mandatory traffic safety measures include employing barriers (large apparatus) and traffic-calming devices such as cones, flaggers, and flashing lights.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of technical rescue operations, emphasizing the role of the Incident Safety Officer (ISO). Learn about the specific federal regulations that impact ISO functions and their responsibilities in various rescue scenarios. Test your knowledge on safety protocols for complex rescue situations involving confined spaces and hazardous materials.