Water and Ice Rescue Procedures: MCFRS Guidelines

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What is the purpose of the provided direction in the text?

To outline a risk/benefit analysis framework

To create a standard operational guideline for water rescue technicians

To prescribe how SWRT members should operate on water incidents

To guide first responding personnel during water or ice rescue incidents (correct)

Who is this appendix applicable to?

SWRT members only

Personnel certified by MCFRS to the Swift Water Rescue Team level

Fire Chief Scott E. exclusively

All MCFRS personnel and personnel from other organizations operating in Montgomery County (correct)

What is the primary focus of this appendix?

Creating a training manual for SWRT members

Encouraging personnel to decisively execute removal of people from hazards (correct)

Providing detailed guidance for water rescue technicians

Reducing the timeframe for executing rescues

From where is the MCFRS operational approach to water rescue incidents derived?

Experience of MCFRS personnel and national best practices Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT intended by this appendix?

To reduce the number of SWRT assets entering the water Signup and view all the answers

In what situation does the text encourage personnel to execute removal of people from hazards?

When the risk analysis supports it and it is within their certification level Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Potomac River below the Seneca Breaks that attracts kayakers?

It is considered one of the most dangerous and challenging stretches of river in the country. Signup and view all the answers

Why do floodwaters pose a significant danger, according to the text?

Floodwaters tend to rise quickly and may recede rapidly, catching people off guard. Signup and view all the answers

What risk factor makes ice rescues particularly challenging?

Ice behavior can be unpredictable, especially when it forms over moving water. Signup and view all the answers

Why must personnel slow down their action sequence in water rescue incidents?

To ensure a deliberate risk assessment before entering the water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor that should be considered in a risk assessment for water rescue incidents?

The certification level of available personnel. Signup and view all the answers

How can risk be reduced to the lowest achievable level during a water rescue incident?

Implementing risk mitigation methods such as having an Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

What makes it challenging for rescuers to determine how ice will behave under load?

The difficulty even seasoned experts face in making determinations about ice behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential hazard hidden under the surface of water that can pose risks to personnel?

Rocks and boulders Signup and view all the answers

Why should personnel resist the urge to rush in emotionally charged water calls?

To ensure careful risk assessment before taking action. Signup and view all the answers

What role does establishing isolation zones play in hazard control during a rescue operation?

To prevent unauthorized entry and reduce exposure to hazards. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for water entry?

Dry suits, PFD, water rescue helmet, and whistle Signup and view all the answers

What are the initial actions to be taken during a water rescue incident?

Deploy upstream spotters and downstream safety personnel Signup and view all the answers

During a water rescue incident, what are the recommended rescue sequences to follow?

Yell, reach, throw, and boat crew Signup and view all the answers

What factors are considered when determining if it is safe for a shallow water crossing?

Certification of personnel, safety plan, and personal protective equipment (PPE) availability Signup and view all the answers

What must the Incident Commander ensure with regard to personnel and equipment?

That decontamination is carried out as required Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having upstream spotters and downstream safety personnel during a water rescue incident?

To enhance overall safety by covering key areas along the water flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum water rescue personal protective equipment (PPE) required in the Hot Zone?

Flotation device, helmet, whistle, and dry suits Signup and view all the answers

When can non-SWRT personnel work in the Hot Zone on the Potomac River according to the text?

Both a and b Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited for non-SWRT personnel when operating near water according to the text?

Wearing structural firefighting gear within 10' of the water's edge Signup and view all the answers

In what instances can the Warm Zone be expanded beyond the minimum of 10' from the water's edge according to the text?

When personnel may inadvertently enter the water due to certain conditions Signup and view all the answers

What should downstream safety personnel be prepared for according to the text?

Rescue of victims or rescuers swept downstream Signup and view all the answers

When should downstream safety and upstream spotters be utilized according to the text?

Only when throw bags are not reachable Signup and view all the answers

What is a shallow water crossing according to the text?

Entering water less than 18 inches deep on foot for rescue operations Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT permitted regarding personal floatation devices (PFDs) near water according to the text?

PFDs must always be worn and not tied to ropes within 10' of the water's edge. Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do during flooding situations according to the text?

Ensure continuous monitoring of the water level. Signup and view all the answers

Which action should personnel certified as boat crew be prepared to take on Flat Water?

Row Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the first arriving Primary Unit Officer at a water rescue incident?

Ensure the water line is marked Signup and view all the answers

In what situation may only the SWRT operate on ice that is in or above moving water?

When animals are in danger Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do before engaging in any water or ice rescue of animals?

Decontaminate with a detergent solution Signup and view all the answers

When may personnel initiate boat-based rescue operations?

When there is a safety plan in place Signup and view all the answers

What does the Incident Commander need to coordinate with the appropriate agency for?

Denying access to flooded roadways Signup and view all the answers

Who has the discretion to publish and update checklists for use on water-related incidents?

The Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary requirement for personnel to make a shallow water crossing?

Meeting the minimum requirement of boat crew Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do if stranded vehicles are involved in a water rescue incident?

Mark them with caution tape when safe to do so Signup and view all the answers

When should personnel communicate the incident objectives during a water rescue operation?

At the beginning of the rescue sequence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the basic types of water-related incidents mentioned in the text?

White water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with urban street flooding as described in the text?

Exceeding storm water management capacity Signup and view all the answers

What certification is recognized for Operations-level in water rescue incidents?

MCFRS Boat Crew Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical advice given in the text regarding rescues in high-risk, low-frequency incidents?

Base actions on a rational risk-based approach Signup and view all the answers

Which body of water is NOT mentioned as a location for flat water emergencies in the text?

Seneca Breaks Signup and view all the answers

What is the general approach mentioned in the text for all types of water rescue events?

Risk analysis and clear objectives Signup and view all the answers

What mnemonic is referred to in the text for the four objectives common to all water rescue events?

'ACRE' Signup and view all the answers

What does 'swift water' refer to according to the text?

Water moving faster than average walking speed Signup and view all the answers

Which certification level is specifically required to be part of an MCFRS Swift Water Rescue Team (SWRT)?

'SWRT Boat Crew' Signup and view all the answers