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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of a Back-up Swimmer in a water rescue operation?
What is the primary role of a Back-up Swimmer in a water rescue operation?
- To execute the main rescue of the victim
- To communicate rescue signals to the shore
- To provide support and stand-by for the Primary Swimmer (correct)
- To monitor water conditions for safety
Which classification applies to Fire Rescue personnel who possess superior swimming abilities and experience in ocean water?
Which classification applies to Fire Rescue personnel who possess superior swimming abilities and experience in ocean water?
- Level I Basic Swimmer
- Watermanship Proficient Swimmer
- Level I Rescue Swimmer (correct)
- Non-Swimmer
What is a requirement for Shore Support personnel during a water rescue?
What is a requirement for Shore Support personnel during a water rescue?
- They need to carry a rescue buoy at all times.
- They should don a Fire Rescue issued Personal Flotation Device (PFD). (correct)
- They must wear long pants for safety.
- They should be in the water assisting with the rescue.
How should Spotters maintain a clear line-of-sight with deployed swimmers?
How should Spotters maintain a clear line-of-sight with deployed swimmers?
What equipment must Level I Basic Swimmers possess during rescue operations?
What equipment must Level I Basic Swimmers possess during rescue operations?
Which of the following individuals is responsible for accounting for a specific deployed swimmer?
Which of the following individuals is responsible for accounting for a specific deployed swimmer?
What is the purpose of the Watermanship proficiency evaluation mentioned in the guidelines?
What is the purpose of the Watermanship proficiency evaluation mentioned in the guidelines?
Which guideline specifically applies to the entire Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Emergency Operations personnel?
Which guideline specifically applies to the entire Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Emergency Operations personnel?
What is the primary purpose of using a water rescue paddle board in open water rescues?
What is the primary purpose of using a water rescue paddle board in open water rescues?
What is required for extraction to safety when rescuing a victim?
What is required for extraction to safety when rescuing a victim?
What is the role of the Spotter during a water rescue operation?
What is the role of the Spotter during a water rescue operation?
Which hand signal indicates that assistance is needed?
Which hand signal indicates that assistance is needed?
What should swimmers avoid when encountering submerged vehicles in moving water?
What should swimmers avoid when encountering submerged vehicles in moving water?
Why is a person with a radio required during boat operations?
Why is a person with a radio required during boat operations?
After an incident, what procedural step should be taken according to established guidelines?
After an incident, what procedural step should be taken according to established guidelines?
In the event of a helicopter operation request, who is responsible for contacting external authorities?
In the event of a helicopter operation request, who is responsible for contacting external authorities?
What is required when a rescue operation has been initiated and there may be an imminent loss of life?
What is required when a rescue operation has been initiated and there may be an imminent loss of life?
During a water rescue operation, which of the following conditions would typically result in a shift from Rescue Mode to Recovery Mode?
During a water rescue operation, which of the following conditions would typically result in a shift from Rescue Mode to Recovery Mode?
What should be assessed to determine if the Fire Rescue personnel can conduct operations in Rescue Mode?
What should be assessed to determine if the Fire Rescue personnel can conduct operations in Rescue Mode?
What equipment is NOT part of the additional water rescue equipment listed for certain Fire Rescue Stations?
What equipment is NOT part of the additional water rescue equipment listed for certain Fire Rescue Stations?
What enhances the safety of operations in a navigable waterway during a rescue?
What enhances the safety of operations in a navigable waterway during a rescue?
Why is it critical to gather information on the Last-Seen-Point in water rescues?
Why is it critical to gather information on the Last-Seen-Point in water rescues?
Which of the following equipment would NOT typically be found in a basic water rescue team assembly?
Which of the following equipment would NOT typically be found in a basic water rescue team assembly?
In the context of water rescues, what is the significance of having Accountability Officers?
In the context of water rescues, what is the significance of having Accountability Officers?
What must be established to ensure the safety of swimmers during a water rescue?
What must be established to ensure the safety of swimmers during a water rescue?
What is the purpose of conducting a risk/benefit analysis prior to engaging in a rescue operation?
What is the purpose of conducting a risk/benefit analysis prior to engaging in a rescue operation?
In water rescue operations, how should bystander information be utilized?
In water rescue operations, how should bystander information be utilized?
What is the primary responsibility of the first arriving Fire Rescue unit during a water rescue operation regarding victims above the water?
What is the primary responsibility of the first arriving Fire Rescue unit during a water rescue operation regarding victims above the water?
What should the Incident Commander consider when determining the operations in Rescue Mode?
What should the Incident Commander consider when determining the operations in Rescue Mode?
What specific safety measure should be in place at night during water rescue operations?
What specific safety measure should be in place at night during water rescue operations?
Which role is PRIMARILY responsible for victim management on the shore during a water incident?
Which role is PRIMARILY responsible for victim management on the shore during a water incident?
What is the INITIAL required action to establish swimmer safety before entering the water?
What is the INITIAL required action to establish swimmer safety before entering the water?
During a rescue operation involving moving water, what is a critical step to take when encountering a submerged vehicle?
During a rescue operation involving moving water, what is a critical step to take when encountering a submerged vehicle?
What is the PRIMARY purpose of the Last-Seen-Point
information in water rescue?
What is the PRIMARY purpose of the Last-Seen-Point
information in water rescue?
Which of these is the most critical reason to conduct a risk and benefit analysis before a rescue?
Which of these is the most critical reason to conduct a risk and benefit analysis before a rescue?
In a water rescue, what is the first action to take when verbal communication with the victim is possible?
In a water rescue, what is the first action to take when verbal communication with the victim is possible?
Which rescue technique should be attempted before deploying a swimmer in the water?
Which rescue technique should be attempted before deploying a swimmer in the water?
During open water rescues, what is the primary use of a rescue paddle board?
During open water rescues, what is the primary use of a rescue paddle board?
What is the minimum number of swimmers required for a victim's extraction to the shore?
What is the minimum number of swimmers required for a victim's extraction to the shore?
Who is responsible for contacting Law Enforcement or the Coast Guard to help with a helicopter rescue?
Who is responsible for contacting Law Enforcement or the Coast Guard to help with a helicopter rescue?
Why is it essential for Shore Support personnel to wear a Fire Rescue-issued Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or buoyancy compensator with an emergency inflation device?
Why is it essential for Shore Support personnel to wear a Fire Rescue-issued Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or buoyancy compensator with an emergency inflation device?
In what scenario would it be MOST critical for Shore Support personnel to utilize the emergency inflation device on their buoyancy compensator?
In what scenario would it be MOST critical for Shore Support personnel to utilize the emergency inflation device on their buoyancy compensator?
What inherent limitation exists regarding the PFD requirement for Shore Support personnel?
What inherent limitation exists regarding the PFD requirement for Shore Support personnel?
Under which circumstance might a Fire Rescue-issued buoyancy compensator be preferred over a standard PFD for Shore Support personnel?
Under which circumstance might a Fire Rescue-issued buoyancy compensator be preferred over a standard PFD for Shore Support personnel?
How does the requirement for Shore Support to wear a PFD contribute to the overall safety strategy of a water rescue operation?
How does the requirement for Shore Support to wear a PFD contribute to the overall safety strategy of a water rescue operation?
What specific advantage does a buoyancy compensator with an emergency inflation device offer compared to a standard PFD in a dynamic water rescue scenario?
What specific advantage does a buoyancy compensator with an emergency inflation device offer compared to a standard PFD in a dynamic water rescue scenario?
Why is it important that the PFD or buoyancy compensator be 'Fire Rescue issued'?
Why is it important that the PFD or buoyancy compensator be 'Fire Rescue issued'?
In the context of a water rescue, what is the potential risk of NOT using a Fire Rescue issued and approved PFD or buoyancy compensator?
In the context of a water rescue, what is the potential risk of NOT using a Fire Rescue issued and approved PFD or buoyancy compensator?
What strategic advantage is gained by having Shore Support personnel equipped with emergency inflation devices on their PFDs or buoyancy compensators during a complex water rescue operation?
What strategic advantage is gained by having Shore Support personnel equipped with emergency inflation devices on their PFDs or buoyancy compensators during a complex water rescue operation?
How would the PFD or buoyancy compensator requirement be adapted for Shore Support personnel working close to fast-moving water versus those in a command post further away from the water's edge?
How would the PFD or buoyancy compensator requirement be adapted for Shore Support personnel working close to fast-moving water versus those in a command post further away from the water's edge?
What is the minimum number of Fire Rescue personnel required on-scene before deploying a swimmer for immediate life-saving action?
What is the minimum number of Fire Rescue personnel required on-scene before deploying a swimmer for immediate life-saving action?
When should a swimmer be deployed with only the minimum number of personnel on scene?
When should a swimmer be deployed with only the minimum number of personnel on scene?
Why is the minimum number of three Fire Rescue personnel important before deploying a swimmer?
Why is the minimum number of three Fire Rescue personnel important before deploying a swimmer?
Under what circumstances is it permissible to deploy a swimmer with the minimum number of on-scene personnel?
Under what circumstances is it permissible to deploy a swimmer with the minimum number of on-scene personnel?
What is the most critical factor to consider when deciding to deploy a swimmer with only three personnel on scene?
What is the most critical factor to consider when deciding to deploy a swimmer with only three personnel on scene?
If there is no imminent threat to life, how many Fire Rescue personnel are required on scene to deploy a swimmer?
If there is no imminent threat to life, how many Fire Rescue personnel are required on scene to deploy a swimmer?
What should fire rescue personnel consider before deploying a swimmer with the minimum of three personnel?
What should fire rescue personnel consider before deploying a swimmer with the minimum of three personnel?
In a situation where immediate action is needed, what is the primary justification for deploying a swimmer with only three personnel?
In a situation where immediate action is needed, what is the primary justification for deploying a swimmer with only three personnel?
What defines a situation where it is allowable to deploy a swimmer with the minimum personnel?
What defines a situation where it is allowable to deploy a swimmer with the minimum personnel?
What kind of scenario would justify sending in a swimmer with only 3 personnel?
What kind of scenario would justify sending in a swimmer with only 3 personnel?
What is the minimum number of Fire Rescue personnel required to be on-scene before initiating a rescue operation?
What is the minimum number of Fire Rescue personnel required to be on-scene before initiating a rescue operation?
Besides the Incident Commander, how many other Fire Rescue personnel must be present for a rescue operation?
Besides the Incident Commander, how many other Fire Rescue personnel must be present for a rescue operation?
Who must be present at the minimum to conduct a rescue operation.
Who must be present at the minimum to conduct a rescue operation.
What capability should the minimum number of Fire Rescue personnel possess for a rescue operation?
What capability should the minimum number of Fire Rescue personnel possess for a rescue operation?
What is the primary purpose of ensuring a minimum number of personnel are present before initiating a rescue?
What is the primary purpose of ensuring a minimum number of personnel are present before initiating a rescue?
Which role is always required when conducting a rescue operation?
Which role is always required when conducting a rescue operation?
What factor determines the level of operational capability required of Fire Rescue personnel for victim extraction?
What factor determines the level of operational capability required of Fire Rescue personnel for victim extraction?
Besides the Incident Commander and three personnel, what else should be considered before extraction?
Besides the Incident Commander and three personnel, what else should be considered before extraction?
If Fire Rescue personnel do NOT possess the required operational capability for extraction, what is the next appropriate action?
If Fire Rescue personnel do NOT possess the required operational capability for extraction, what is the next appropriate action?
How does having a sufficient number of trained personnel (minimum of four) contribute to the safety of a rescue operation?
How does having a sufficient number of trained personnel (minimum of four) contribute to the safety of a rescue operation?
What victim information should be obtained regarding clothing?
What victim information should be obtained regarding clothing?
What information about the victim's swimming abilities should be obtained?
What information about the victim's swimming abilities should be obtained?
What precise information is important regarding when the victim was last seen?
What precise information is important regarding when the victim was last seen?
Why is it important to determine the count of victims in a water rescue scenario?
Why is it important to determine the count of victims in a water rescue scenario?
What specific information is relevant regarding the age of the victim?
What specific information is relevant regarding the age of the victim?
Which piece of victim information dictates allocation of rescue resources?
Which piece of victim information dictates allocation of rescue resources?
In water rescue, why gather details on when the victim was last seen?
In water rescue, why gather details on when the victim was last seen?
Why is obtaining the victim's age important during a water rescue?
Why is obtaining the victim's age important during a water rescue?
What aspect of a victim's attire is crucial during a water rescue operation?
What aspect of a victim's attire is crucial during a water rescue operation?
What patient information needs to be obtained regarding swimming ability?
What patient information needs to be obtained regarding swimming ability?
Flashcards
Water Rescue Phases
Water Rescue Phases
A series of predetermined actions taken in a water rescue situation, designed to ensure the safety of both rescuers and victims.
Phase 1: Stabilization
Phase 1: Stabilization
Stabilize the victim in the water by providing buoyancy with a rescue aid like a paddle board, rescue buoy, or PFD.
Phase 2: Extraction
Phase 2: Extraction
Moving the victim from the water to a safe location like a boat, shore, or jet ski.
Spotter
Spotter
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Shore to Swimmer Hand Signals
Shore to Swimmer Hand Signals
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Swimmer to Shore Hand Signals
Swimmer to Shore Hand Signals
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Boat Radio Operator
Boat Radio Operator
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After Action Review
After Action Review
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Non-Swimmer
Non-Swimmer
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Level I Basic Swimmer
Level I Basic Swimmer
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Level I Rescue Swimmer
Level I Rescue Swimmer
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Primary Swimmer
Primary Swimmer
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Back-up Swimmer
Back-up Swimmer
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Shore Support Personnel
Shore Support Personnel
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Victim
Victim
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Incident Safety Officer
Incident Safety Officer
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Work Area
Work Area
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Dive Flag
Dive Flag
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Last-Seen-Point
Last-Seen-Point
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Rescue Mode
Rescue Mode
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Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode
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REACH
REACH
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TALK
TALK
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Water Rescue Equipment
Water Rescue Equipment
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Scene Size-up
Scene Size-up
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Accountability Officer
Accountability Officer
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Risk/Benefit Analysis
Risk/Benefit Analysis
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NFPA 1670
NFPA 1670
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Water Rescue Action Plan
Water Rescue Action Plan
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Emergency Swimmer Deployment
Emergency Swimmer Deployment
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Minimum Rescue Team Size
Minimum Rescue Team Size
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Number of Victims
Number of Victims
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Clothing Colors
Clothing Colors
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Victim's Age
Victim's Age
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Swimming Abilities
Swimming Abilities
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Time Last Seen
Time Last Seen
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Study Notes
Operational Classifications
- Non-Swimmer: Unable to enter water.
- Level I Basic Swimmer: Possesses basic swimming abilities.
- Level I Rescue Swimmer: Exhibits superior swimming abilities and ocean water experience.
- Company Officers: Authorized to evaluate abilities using the Watermanship proficiency evaluation.
- Swimmer Definition: Refers to Level I Basic or Rescue Swimmer, unless specified otherwise.
- Technical Rescue Personnel: Subject to specific training and certification requirements that may supersede standard swimmer qualifications. NFPA 1670 provides baseline guidelines.
Assignments
- Primary Swimmer: Actively deployed in the water.
- Back-up Swimmer: On standby for potential deployment.
- Spotter: Responsible for monitoring a specific deployed swimmer.
- Shore Support: Assigned to non-water activities, such as medical assistance, transport, and decontamination.
- Victim: The individual requiring rescue.
Equipment
- All Personnel: Must have Fire Rescue issued PFD or buoyancy compensator with emergency inflation device.
- Spotters: Should be in an elevated position, wearing a reflective vest, and equipped with binoculars.
- Level I Basic Swimmers: Swim attire (no long pants), rescue buoy (red), and long blade fins.
- Level I Rescue Swimmers: All Level I Basic Swimmer equipment plus water rescue rope, paddle board, and short blade fins.
- Specialized Equipment (Stations 15, 18, 37, 38, 91): Water rescue paddle board, rescue rope, short blade fins, board shorts, dive light, portable air horn, flare gun, binoculars, and marker flags.
- Additional Equipment: May be required based on incident specifics, including specialized life vests, buoyancy aids, or rescue gear.
General
- Accountability: Requires an Accountability Officer for 2+ swimmers, with additional Accountability Officers as needed; 1 spotter per swimmer.
- Risk/Benefit Analysis: Requires assessment of scene hazards (weather, surf, currents, ingress/egress, swimmer abilities); may require Dive Team request ahead of time; rescue decision depends on victim viability and personnel risk.
- Rescue/Recovery Mode: Rescue Mode is less than 1 hour post-submersion and indicates possible rescue; Recovery Mode is where no rescue is possible (typically transferred to Law Enforcement). Criteria include victim’s location, time since submersion, personnel abilities, witness credibility, and water conditions.
- Rescue Mode Operations: Requires Incident Commander and 3+ personnel with capabilities for victim extraction; may deploy swimmer when imminent loss of life.
- NFPA 1670 Compliance: Relevant sections of NFPA 1670 that pertain to technical water rescue operations must be adhered to.
Scene Size-up
- Victims Above Water: Gather information from bystanders, determine the number of victims, and consider requesting additional resources.
- Victims Below Water: Establish "Last-Seen-Point", interview witnesses separately; mark location based on witness statements or landmarks, direct swimmer to mark the location with a pelican float; gather victim information (number, clothing, age, swimming ability, time last seen).
- Safety Considerations: Deploy a dive flag (in navigable water or at night), establish a designated work area limiting access to essential personnel, establish entry/exit points for swimmers, and ensure proper hand signal use.
- NFPA 1670 Considerations: Evaluate the scene for potential hazards, such as underwater currents, unstable shorelines or submerged objects affecting swimmer safety, and refer to appropriate NFPA 1670 guidelines.
Open Water Rescue
- No Unsupervised Underwater Searching: Unless directly witnessed, do not dive below the surface. Refer to SOG 330-03 Dive Rescue.
- Rescue Sequence: Talk, reach, throw, row, or go (surface and extraction) – TALK, REACH, THROW, ROW, GO.
- Additional Personnel: Aim for minimum 1 Primary Swimmer per victim, 1 Backup Swimmer per Primary Swimmer, 1 Spotter per Primary Swimmer, medical presence, incident safety officer, transport units.
- Water Surface Rescue Operations: Employ water rescue paddle boards or other tools for victim buoyancy and extraction to safety.
- NFPA 1670 Considerations: Proper training and equipment selection for open water rescues per NFPA 1670 factoring in water conditions, obstacles, and risks.
Hand Signals
- General Communication: Used between swimmer and shore support.
- Swimmer to Shore Signals: One arm bent (on head); one arm straight overhead; one arm waving; two arms crossed overhead
- Shore to Swimmer Signals: "I'm Okay", "Assistance Needed", "HELP, DEPLOY BACK-UP SWIMMER!", "Victim Submerged", directions related to vehicle or vessel movement in the water.
- NFPA 1670 Considerations: Refer to NFPA 1670 for standardized hand signals for clarity and safety.
Vehicles/Vessels
- Avoid Submerged Vehicles in Moving Water: Request a Dive Team in these situations.
- Submerged Vehicles/Vessels (Still Water): Swimmers do not fully enter vehicles/vessels.
- NFPA 1670 Considerations: Evaluate for potential vehicle stability during rescue.
Boat Operations
- Designated Radio Operator: Someone on board the boat must handle communication with shore.
- GPS Use: Use of GPS is encouraged when available.
- NFPA 1670 Considerations: Boat's stability and capacity should be considered.
Post-Incident
- Decon/Contamination: Follow Fire Rescue SOGs for decontamination procedures.
- After Action Review: Conduct a review after each incident.
- NFPA 1670 Considerations: Include lessons learned from the rescue in the after-action review to improve future operations.
Additional Actions
- Water Rescue Sequence (Updated): The sequence is TALK, REACH, THROW, ROW, GO:
- Phase one: Stabilize the victim(s) using buoyancy aids (paddle boards, rescue buoys, PFDs)
- Phase two: Extraction to safety (boat, jet ski, shore).
- Extraction: At least one swimmer per victim is required, but more may be needed.
- HELO: Helicopter operations may be requested by the Incident Commander through the Communication Center, who will contact Law Enforcement or Coast Guard.
- Shore Support PFDs: Shore Support personnel should don a Fire Rescue issued Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or buoyancy compensator with emergency inflation device.
- A swimmer may be deployed when immediate action may prevent the imminent loss of life, with a minimum of three (3) Fire Rescue personnel on-scene.
- When the decision is made to conduct a rescue operation there should be a minimum of an Incident Commander and three (3) other Fire Rescue personnel who possess the level of operational capability required to extract the victim.
Scene Size-up
- Victims Below Water:
- Obtain the following victim information:
- Number of victims
- Clothing colors
- Age
- Swimming abilities
- Time the victim was last seen
- Obtain the following victim information:
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