Spring Fire Department Guidelines - High & Low Angle Rescue Operations (PDF) - 01/20/2022

Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 PURPOSE This procedure is to establish guidelines for response of Spring Fire Department personnel and equipment to inc...

Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 PURPOSE This procedure is to establish guidelines for response of Spring Fire Department personnel and equipment to incidents involving rope rescue involving any high or low angle rescue emergencies. SCOPE This policy pertains to all Spring Fire Department personnel and shall be adhered to. Deviations from this guideline may be made when the incident commander determines a different course of action is needed to mitigate the incident. RESPONSIBILITY All Spring Fire Department personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with this guideline. REVIEW The Fire Chief or designee(s) is responsible for reviewing this guideline annually and ensuring its accuracy. TACTICAL PRIORITIES 1. Remove endangered or trapped victim(s) that are beyond the scope of fire suppression personnel capabilities that apply to a rope rescue incident. 2. Stabilize the incident and provide for life safety. 3. Monitor safety and accountability for all aspects of the technical rescue operation. Safety is the absolute priority throughout the incident. DEFINITIONS/REFERENCES Anchors: The anchor point is the beginning of the main line and/or safety line system. Anchors for rope rescue should be tied to substantial structural members. Rescue members shall tie a single and independent rope rescue anchor for every lowering/hauling system and safety system. Anchors will consist of screw locking carabineers used with anchor straps, green webbing, or prusik cords. Evacuation Harness: The evacuation harness is a Class III harness and is fully adjustable to include all but the smallest of children, and extremely large adults. This harness can be quickly donned and does not require the rescuer to tie any knots. Ground Control: An engine or ladder company assigned by the Incident Commander to control access to the area below the victim(s) of the high angle incident. Page 1 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 Hardware: Nonfabric components of equipment used for rope rescue that may include carabiners, pulleys, and friction devices. Hauling System: A rope hauling system is used to move the rescuer(s) and/or victim(s) in high or low angle rescues. These systems consist of either pre-rigged or site-built systems consisting of rope, pulleys, and friction/capture devices and are carried on the Rescue Truck. Hot Zone: An area that is reserved for the Rescue Team to operate rescue equipment. This area is usually defined by the location of the victim(s) or where operations of lowering/hauling systems, safety systems, and anchors are tied. Incident Commander (IC): The individual who is responsible for management of all incident operations. Main Line Bag: A red backpack style bag located on Rescue 71 containing red rescue rope and the primary equipment necessary for the establishment of lowering and hauling rope systems for rescue purposes. Main Line System: A main line system is an independent rope and anchor system attached to the rescuer’s harness and/or patient packaging device. The main line system will be constructed using an independent anchor point, red rescue rope, and a Multi-Purpose Device (MPD) or Rappel Rack. Operations and construction of the main line system will be overseen by the Rescue Division and members assigned to the Rescue Team during the incident. Recovery Mode: Any incident that involves the extrication of victim(s) who are considered to be biologically deceased or evidence indicating that the potential for a viable, savable victim(s) is extremely low. This is not an emergency function. All risk that could endanger personnel while operating in the recovery mode should be extremely low. Rescue Division: The individual assigned by the incident commander responsible for managing the tactical objectives needed for the rescue or recovery of the identified victim(s). In addition, the Rescue Division will oversee the establishment of the rope systems and personnel assigned to the Rescue Team during the rescue incident. This member must be trained to at least the operations levels of NFPA 1006 and 1670. Rescue Firefighter(s): A trained and qualified Spring Fire Department (SFD) Rescue Team Member and/or a trained and qualified Mutual-Aid Rescue Team Member. This member will be assigned by the Incident Commander and/or Rescue Division for the purpose of conducting the rescue or recovery of the identified victim(s). Members assigned to this team must be trained to at least the operations levels of NFPA 1006 and 1670. Rescue Mode: Any incident that involves extrication and care of the victim(s) for whom biological death has not yet occurred. Page 2 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 Rescue Rope: Life safety rope used for high and low angle rescues. This rope is inspected monthly and after each use. Records are kept for each life safety rope including the manufacturer and model, the month and year when the rope was made, date of purchase, date placed into service, and each incident or training with how it was used and when. Rescue Team: The members assigned for the construction and operation of rescue lowering and hauling rope systems during a rescue incident. Members assigned to this team must be trained to at least the operations levels of NFPA 1006 and 1670. Safety Line Bag: A blue backpack style bag located on Rescue 71 containing blue rescue rope and the primary equipment necessary for the establishment of safety rope systems for rescue purposes. Safety Line System: A safety line system is an independent rope and anchor system attached to the rescuer’s harness and/or patient packaging device. The safety system will be constructed using an independent anchor point, blue rescue rope, and a 540° rescue belay or munter hitch. Munter hitches are to be used only when the load of a single rescuer/victim is applied to the safety line system. Operations and construction of the safety line system will be overseen by the Rescue Division and members assigned to the Safety Team during the incident. Safety Officer: The individual assigned by the Incident Commander responsible for overseeing safety related functions during the incident. This member must be trained to at least the operations levels of NFPA 1006 and 1670. Safety Team: The members assigned for the construction and operation of safety rope systems during a rescue incident. Members assigned to this team must be trained to at least the operations levels of NFPA 1006 and 1670. Support Firefighter: A SFD firefighter who is untrained or unqualified to conduct a rescue, construct lowering, hauling, or safety systems. These members shall be utilized for the transportation of required equipment to the Hot Zone or related support type functions. Support members shall not be utilized for the construction or primary operation of lowering, hauling, or safety rope systems. ASSIGNMENTS Incident Commander A. The Incident commander shall work within the Incident Management System (IMS) that is in place with the Spring Fire Department. B. The Incident Commander will assign members to the role of Rescue Division and Safety Officer upon arrival of rescue and support units. Page 3 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 C. The Incident Commander with assistance from the Rescue Division will establish an initial Incident Action Plan (IAP). It is strongly advised to develop a back-up IAP as early as possible into the incident. D. The Incident Commander and the Rescue Division will maintain the tactical priorities for the resolution of the rescue. E. The Incident Commander and Rescue Division will also determine equipment and personnel needs required for the rescue event. F. The Incident Commander shall be responsible for the overall safety of responders, patient(s), and bystander(s). G. The Incident Commander shall assign one or more members to be “Ground Control” for the incident. An established debris area shall be established and communicated with the Incident Commander and Rescue Division. Rescue Division The Rescue Division is a member of the Rescue Team identified by the Incident Commander. Once on location and assigned, the Rescue Division is responsible for but not limited to the following: A. Determine the location of the victim(s) and the approximate height from ground level or distance over an edge the victim(s) is/are located. B. Once the victim(s) is/are located, the Rescue Division will assist the Incident Commander in establishing an incident action plan for the rescue of the victim(s). C. For high angle incidents on high-rise buildings, the Rescue Division or designee should try to contact the building management or building engineer to determine: a. Access to the roof b. Information on glaziers for the building and estimated time for arrival c. Work being performed on exterior of building d. Condition of victim(s) D. The Rescue Division will coordinate with SFD Rescue Team Members and support personnel for transportation of the necessary high angle equipment to the hot zone for the incident. Note: Do not piecemeal equipment, have support personnel bring all rope rescue equipment to the incident. E. For rope rescue incidents involving high rise buildings the Rescue Division should make all attempts through the building management to use a glazier to remove the glass on the floor that the victim(s) are located. If glass is to be removed from the exterior of the Page 4 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 building, and due to fluctuations of air movement due to the opening and closing of access points within a building, all personnel, glaziers and fire department shall be tied off with a harness and fall protection within a ten-foot radius of the glass to be removed. When a glazier cannot be located or the medical needs of the victim(s) warrant, then the Rescue Division should develop an IAP to retrieve the victim(s) using ropes on the outside of the building. F. The Rescue Division shall identify and maintain a back-up team ready to assist the rescuer should the need arise. This back-up team can participate in other activities in the immediate area of the Hot Zone but must have a full body harness and helmet donned and ready to go online if needed. Additional back-up teams may be needed as the situation warrants. G. The Rescue Division or designee will issue all commands once the Rescue Firefighter’s safety checks are completed, and rescue operations are ready to begin. The Rescue Division or designee will issue all commands from the time members are online until operations have been completed. Safety Officer The Safety Officer is the member assigned for the purpose of scene safety as assigned by the Incident Commander or Rescue Division. Once on location and assigned, the Safety Officer is responsible for but not limited to the following: A. Scene safety for rescue and fire service personnel. B. Shall ensure the completion of a safety check and reporting to the Rescue Division and Incident Commander prior to sending any rescuer over the edge of any building, pit, tank, or related item. C. Constant observation of all rescue firefighters and related personnel until the rescue or recovery operations are completed. D. Communicate with the Incident Commander and Rescue Division as needed related to safety items. Rescue Team The Rescue Team is the member(s) assigned by the Rescue Division whose primary role will be constructing and operating the lowering and/or haul systems. The Rescue Team will be responsible for but not limited to the following: A. Coordinate with the Rescue Division to construct the most effective means to execute the rescue in the most prompt and safe manner. Page 5 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 B. Identify a substantial anchor point and construct a main line system. The main line system will be constructed using an independent anchor point, red rescue rope, and a MPD or Rappel Rack. C. Operate the main line system in conjunction with commands given by the Rescue Division or designee. D. Construct a conversion system, piggyback system, or related item necessary to convert a lowering system to a hauling system as directed by the Rescue Division. E. Assist with assigned tasks to support the rescue operation as directed by the Rescue Division. Safety Team The Safety Team is the member(s) assigned by the Rescue Division whose primary role will be constructing and operating the safety line system. The Safety Team will be responsible for but not limited to the following: A. Coordinate with the Rescue Division to construct the most effective means to execute safety line systems to support the construction of a rescue system. B. Identify a substantial anchor point and construct a safety line system. The safety line system will be constructed using an independent anchor point, blue rescue rope, and a 540° rescue belay or munter hitch. Munter hitches are to be used only when the load of a single rescuer/victim is applied to the safety system. C. Operate the safety line system in conjunction with commands given by the Rescue Division or designee. D. Assist with assigned tasks to support the rescue operation as directed by the Rescue Division. Rescue Firefighter(s) The Rescue Firefighter(s) is/are the member(s) assigned by the Rescue Division whose primary role will be completing the physical functions of rescue or recovery of the victim(s). The Rescue Firefighter(s) will be responsible for but not limited to the following: A. Coordinate with the Rescue Division to identify the most effective means to execute the rescue or recovery of the victim(s). B. Don full body harnesses and related safety equipment. C. Descend to identified victim(s) while attached to constructed lowering and safety systems. Page 6 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 D. Communicating victim(s) medical needs and conditions to the Rescue Division. E. Disentangling victim from victim’s lowering system or related entrapment. F. Packaging and/or preparing the patient for removal. G. Connecting relevant lowering/hauling systems to the evacuation harness or patient packaging device and conducting a safety check of all items before retrieval. H. Communicating patient or rescue firefighter needs to the Rescue Division as needed from the time the member goes online until the rescue or recovery is completed. Ground Control A. Define an area on the ground below the victim(s) and cordon off this area with scene tape. This area is defined as the debris zone. Note: the higher the victim(s), the larger this area should be defined. B. Restrict access to this area to the public from objects that may be dropped from above. C. Update Incident Commander and/or the Rescue Division on any changes visible from the ground. SAFETY 1. All members assigned as Rescue Firefighter(s) or potential back-up Rescue Firefighter(s) will be in a SFD owned harness at all times. Any other member working within the Hot Zone will use discretion along with oversight from the Rescue Division or Safety Officer when a harness is deemed necessary. Members located in elevated positions will be tied off to a fixed substantial anchor point when working within 3 ft. of the edge of a building, hole, or related area. **Note: SFD Rescue Team Members are issued a NFPA rated CMC uniform belt that is approved for edge protection** 2. Members shall not wear bunker gear or related department issued firefighting PPE while working at height. Members may wear station uniforms or technical rescue attire, and duty boots or structural firefighting boots during rescue operations. A department issued firefighting helmet or rescue helmet is also necessary. 3. Support members shall not be utilized for the construction or primary operation of lowering, hauling, or safety line systems. Support or untrained personnel are permitted to assist in the handling of equipment or related functions as directed by the Incident Commander or Rescue Division. Page 7 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 4. Prior to sending a rescue firefighter over the edge of any structure, a full rescue plan and safety brief will occur. The briefing is to be led by the Incident Commander or Rescue Division and will include the initial IAP, secondary IAP, Rescue Firefighter(s), back-up Rescue Firefighter(s), Rescue Team members, Safety Team members, and escape routes if necessary. 5. Prior to sending a Rescue Firefighter over the edge of any structure, a full safety check of all lowering, hauling, and safety systems will be completed. The Safety Officer shall ensure the completion of a safety check and reporting to the Rescue Division and Incident Commander prior to sending any member over the edge. 6. All motion orders (lower, raise, stop, etc.) will be given by the Rescue Division or designee while Rescue Firefighter(s) are online and lowering/hauling operations are in progress. Any member identifying a safety hazard shall notify the Rescue Division or designee or shout “Stop” if such a situation arises. 7. Air monitoring operations and ventilation will be established and maintained when deemed necessary by the Incident Commander, Rescue Division, or Safety Officer. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS When dispatched or otherwise necessary, the Spring Fire Department Rescue Team will respond in Rescue 71 and Engine 71 along with other pre-determined dispatched units. First arriving officer shall perform a size up of the situation.       Gather Information, to include number of patients, location of patients etc. Assess immediate and potential hazards to rescue personnel Assess the need for additional resources Determine if the situation is a rescue or recovery Keep non-essential personnel out of the hot zone and debris zone Keep civilians out of the hot zone and debris zone All rescue operations will follow department incident command procedures and will include the following identified command/operations positions with radio designations:     Incident Commander (i.e., Command) Rescue Division (i.e., Rescue) Safety Officer (i.e., Safety) Rescue trained members for rescue and safety team functions Operations shall not begin until appropriate personnel are on location and an incident action plan is discussed with all onsite personnel. The incident commander is the ultimate responsible party Page 8 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 for the scene; however, the Rescue Division or designee will command all raising, lowering, and safety functions from the time that rescuers are online until operations have been completed. Operations should be conducted with as little risk to the rescue personnel as possible, this may not always be the case, but should be considered. When needed, rescue personnel from mutual aid companies can be used for critical command & operational positions. Extricated victim(s) shall be removed in the safest manner possible. Once on the ground or safe location, victim(s) shall be medically evaluated and transported by EMS if necessary. If an event is extended, could be considered “High Profile”, or otherwise attract media attention, the Incident Commander shall designate a specific media operations area. The Incident Commander or Public Information Officer should provide regular media updates if necessary. HAND SIGNALS Where the use of portable radios is not possible, the following hand signals are to be used: Hand Signals One Hand extended above head One Hand on Head Point left/right Both arms crossed above head Both arms crossed in front of chest Distress, Need Assistance Okay Move left or right Stop Need Medical Kit and Help EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE Upon returning to the fire station, all associated equipment shall be inspected for the necessity to be cleaned prior to being repacked or reloaded. In accordance with NFPA 1858, any rope, webbing, anchor strap or related nylon-based piece of equipment that was utilized for any incident shall be inspected by a Rescue Team Member qualified to inspect rescue software. This inspection will be recorded in PSTrax for the appropriate equipment listed under ‘Life Safety Equipment Inspection’. SFD logistics division shall be contacted if any equipment is damaged, lost, or otherwise non-operational. Personnel assigned to the SFD Rescue Team will be responsible for completing routine monthly maintenance for all high angle rescue software and hardware. This inspection will be recorded in PSTrax for the appropriate equipment listed under ‘Life Safety Equipment Inspection’. This inspection will be completed on the first Saturday of every month. SFD logistics division shall be contacted if any equipment is damaged, lost, or otherwise non-operational. Inspection and operations testing will include the following minimum items: Page 9 of 10 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Guidelines Document Title: High & Low Angle Rescue Operations Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.069 Date: 01/20/2022 Revision Number: 00 1. Visual and tactile inspection and documentation of all rope, hardware, anchor devices, and related contents of all high angle rescue bags. Any damaged equipment is to be removed from service and the SFD logistics division notified. 2. Visual inspection of all support hardware bags, pre-rigged systems, packaging equipment, Skedco Tripod, and the Arizona Vortex. Any damaged equipment is to be removed from service and the SFD logistics division notified. 3. Verify nylon-based materials are 7 years of age or younger. Any material found to be 7 years or older is to be removed from service and replaced. Page 10 of 10