This Field Operations Guide contains specific information
on technical rescue procedures.
THIS GUIDE IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE!
It is intended to be used as a tool for training and for
quick field reference. Refer to current training manuals
and your department policies for detailed explanations.
There is no substitute for regular, quality, hands-on
training by a qualified instructor.
The techniques and procedures illustrated in this guide follow
NFPA standards and OSHA regulations as much as possible.
This guide can be used by rescuers at all skill levels but was
specifically developed for fully qualified technical rescue
technicians. Special operations are inherently dangerous and
serious injury or fatality may result from improper performance
of these techniques. The author accepts no responsibility for
damage, loss, injury or death resulting from information
contained in or omitted from this guide.
Thanks to the Phoenix Fire Department and everyone who helped
make this guide possible. Special thanks to my friend Ron Jamison for
helping to write this guide, Kathy Darrow for editing and to George
Drees, Ken Phillips and Jim Frank for great ideas and input.
This guide is dedicated to all those people who go the extra inch
every day to make themselves better rescuers.
This handbook is based on the Phoenix Fire
Department and
State Fire MarshallΑs Office technical rescue programs.
ISBN 0-9675238-4-2 Third Edition October 2003
Illustrations and text copyright c1999-2003 Tom Pendley. All rights reserved.
No reproduction, storage or transmission without written permission of the author.
Published by Desert Rescue Research. Photos by Tom Pendley and Glenn Speight.
Cover art, text layout and design by Glenn Speight.
Contents
Key procedures in redNFPA Standards 2
Risk Management 3
Incident Management 4
Time Management 6
Rope Rescue
Rope Command Checklist 7
Personal Protective Equipment 8
Terrain Types 9
Mountain Rescue Decision Tree 10
Basic Life Safety Knots 11
Load Releasing Hitch (LRH) 15
Personal Purcell Prusik System 16
Self Rescue 18
Patient Packaging 19
Low Angle Evacuation 20
Anchor Systems 21
Back-Tie Anchors 23
Directional Anchors 24
Structural Anchors 25
Fixed Belay for Edgemen 26
Edge Protection 27
Tandem Prusik Belay Setup 28
Technical Evacuation 30
Technical Evacuation Commands 33
Technical Evacuation Lower 34
Technical Evacuation Raise 35
Steep Angle Evacuation 36
High Angle Litter Rigging 37
High Angle Evacuation 38
Mechanical Advantages 39
Ganged Mechanical Advantage 41
Conversion from Lower to Raise 42
Knot Passing 43
Mid-Face Litter Scoop 46
Rescue Pick-off 48
Rescuer Based Pick-off 50
Team Based Pick-off 55
Confined Space Rescue
Con Space Command Checklist 58
Con Space Definitions 60
Con Space Entry Safety Checklist 61
Personal Protective Equipment 62
Supplied Air Station Operation 63
Remote Air Cart 64
Communication Position 65
Intercom 66
Atmospheric Monitoring 67
Ventilation 68
Extrication Device 72
Rescue Tripod and Winch 73
Winch Cable Setup 75
Rescue Tripod and Pulley System 76
Aerial Apparatus 77
Swiftwater Rescue
Swiftwater Command Checklist 79
Equipment 80
Swiftwater Rescue Comm 82
Swiftwater Hazards 83
Safe Swimming Position 84
Shore-Based Rescue: Reach 85
Shore-Based Rescue: Throw 87
Shallow Water Crossing: Wade 89
Boat Operations: Row 91
Boat on Highline 94
Strong Swimmer Rescue: Go 97
Helicopters and Swiftwater 100
Trench Rescue
Trench Command Checklist 101
Trench Incident Site Setup 103
Trench Definitions 104
Trench Hazards 105
Hydraulic
Pneumatic Shore Placement 109
Contents
Key procedures in redStructural Collapse
Structural Collapse Checklist 116
Task Level Checklist 117
SAR Marking System 119
Cut Station 121
Material Capacities and Weights 123
Airbag Operation 124
T
Ellis Clamps 126
Two
Laced
Alternate Door/Window Shore 129
Standard Door /
60and 45Solid Sole Rakers 131
Flying Raker 134
Sloped Floor Shoring 135
Helicopter Operations
Helo Ops Command Checklist 139
Helicopter Flight Risk Score 140
Landing Zone Safety 141
Rescuer Safety 142
Power On Insertions 143
Longline Use Decision Tree 145
Longline/Short Haul Procedures 146
Capewell Release Mechanism 148
Litter Rigging for Longline 149
Emergency Procedures 150
Sling Loading Equipment 150
Rescue Medical Situations
Crush Syndrome 151
Suspension Trauma 152
Hypothermia 153
Appendices 154
Rescue Medical Situations
There are certain medical situations which are common and
in some cases unique to technical rescue. The following
section contains brief outlines of several of these situations.
As always, use common sense and follow local protocol.
Crush Syndrome
Crush syndrome should be suspected in patients who have
large parts of their body (lower legs and pelvis) subjected to
pressure and immobilization. In cases of severe pressure it
can occur in as little as one hour but usually takes 4-6 hours
to develop.
If you suspect crush syndrome, it is important to begin
treatment prior to removing pressure from the patient.
Treatment (should follow local protocol when available)
_ ABCΑs, high flow oxygen and c-spine precautions
_ Cardiac monitor _ watch for peaked T waves and print
baseline strip
_ Establish two large bore IVΑs and begin fluid resuscitation at
20 cc/kg NS prior to release of compression
_ Consider sodium bicarb 1 mEq/kg IVP
_ Consider IV dextrose and IM insulin
_ Consider calcium in the event of hyperkalemia
_ Contact local medical control and ask for orders for
suspected crush syndrome
_ Document and report suspected crush syndrome at patient
transfer
Rescue Medical Crush Syndrome
151
Rescue Medical Suspension Trauma
152Suspension Trauma
Also known as harness-induced pathology, suspension
trauma occurs when an individual hangs motionless in a
harness. Typically this happens when a subjectΑs fall is
arrested by their fall protection system or when a subject is
overcome by exhaustion and or hypothermia.
Lack of muscle activity and the harness itself compromise
venous return from the lower extremities and progressive
hypotension develops leading to syncope. Syncope begins a
vicious cycle of no movement and increased blood pooling,
resulting in death.
Signs and Symptoms
_ Light headedness
_ Nausea
_ Difficulty breathing
_ Syncope
Prevention for Rescuers
Keep your legs moving and reposition frequently if you are
required to hang in a harness for any length of time (as little
as 20 minutes)
Treatment
_ Advise patient to move their legs and flex leg muscles
while waiting for rescue
_ If unconscious, address ABCΑs and quickly remove them
from suspension
_ Keep the subject sitting up to prevent the rapid return of
acidotic blood from the legs to central circulation
_ Transition the subject to a horizontal position slowly over a
period of 20 to 40 minutes
_ Avoid rapid IV bolus and treat for potential crush syndrome
at the hospital
Hypothermia
Whenever a subject is immobile in a cold environment,
hypothermia can occur. Hypothermia is especially common
in confined space rescue and structural collapse when
access and extrication takes an extended period of time.
Moderate Hypothermia 82-89F (27-32C) Core Temperature
Signs and Symptoms
_ No shivering _ Decreased respiration
_ Dilated pupils _ A-fib
_ Bradycardia _ Marked decrease in mental function
Treatment (less active/more passive)
_ Careful handling (watch out for V-fib)
_ Remove to warm, dry environment
_ Hot packs/hot water bottles
_ Warm IV fluid
_ Warm humidified oxygen
_ Re-warm over several hours
Severe Hypothermia <82F (<27C) Core Temperature
Signs and Symptoms
_ Progressive decrease in metabolism can result in death
_ Coma (remember, not dead till warm and dead)
_ Significant hypotension
_ Respiratory arrest
_ V-fib to asystole
Treatment
_ Careful handling (watch out for V-fib)
_ Remove to warm dry environment
_ Slow re-warming (very passive in the field)
_ Do not give ACLS drugs until the patient is re-warmed
above 86(30C) core temperature
_ Re-warm in hospital
Rescue Medical Hypothermia
153
154Appendix A
NFPA 1983, 2001 edition, pertinent definitions
Auxiliary equipment System components that are load bearing
accessories designed to be used with life safety rope and
harnesses including but nor limited to, ascending devices,
carabiners, descent control devices, rope grab devices and
snap links.
General use A designation of auxiliary equipment system
components intended for use where the system could be
subjected to a two person load.
Light use rope (one person) Life safety rope designed to support a
one person load when in use; also can be used to support a two
person load when used in systems where two ropes are used
as separate and equal members. Minimum breaking strength
not less than 20kn (4496 lbf.).
Light use A designation of auxiliary equipment system
components intended for the sole use of the rescuer for
personal escape or self rescue, or for the sole use of the rescuer
in gaining access to victims.
General use rope (two person) Life safety rope designed to
support a two person load when in use. Minimum breaking
strength not less than 40kn (8992 lbf.).
NFPA 1670 1999 edition, operational levels
Awareness The minimum capability of a responder who, in the
course of his or her regular job duties, could be called upon to
respond to, or could be the first on the scene of, a technical
rescue incident. This level can involve search, rescue and
recovery operations. Members of a team at this level generally
are not considered rescuers.
Operational The capability of hazard recognition, equipment use
and techniques necessary to safely and effectively support and
participate in a technical rescue incident. This level can involve
search, rescue and recovery operations, but usually operations
are carried out under the supervision of technician level
personnel.
Technician The capability of hazard recognition, equipment use
and techniques necessary to safely and effectively coordinate,
perform and supervise a technical rescue incident. This level can
involve search, rescue and recovery operations.
Appendix B
Standard color codes for 1 in. tubular webbing
Yellow 6 ft. (2m) Green 20 ft. (6m)
Blue 12 ft. (3.5m) Black 30 ft. (9m)
Red15 ft. (4.5m)
Standard lengths for 8mm nylon system prusiks
for use in a tandem prusik belay and in pulley systems
with 1/2 in. (13mm) NFPA life safety rope (total linear
measurement untied)
_ Short = 54 in. (137cm)
_ Long = 66 in. (168cm)
Rope Rescue equipment kit inventories
Working line kit
1 - large rope bag with
pockets, inventory and
rope log
1 - 200 ft. (60m) 1/2 in.
(13mm) rope
8 - steel carabiners
1 - prusik minding pulley
4 - single pulleys
2 - double pulleys
1 - 6 bar brake rack
1 - anchor plate
3 - sets system prusiks
3 - yellow webbing
3 - red webbing
2 - green webbing
2 - black webbing
Belay line kit
1 - large rope bag with
inventory and rope log
1 - 200 ft. (60m) 1/2 in.
(13mm) rope
8 - steel carabiners
1 - prusik minding pulley
2 - load releasing hitches
2 - set system prusiks
3 - yellow webbing
3 - red webbing
2 - green webbing
2 - black webbing
Edge management kit
1 - nylon utility pack
2 - 33 ft. (10m) 9mm rope
2 - edge rollers
8 - steel carabiners
1 - knot passing pulley
2 - canvas pads
1 - pocket saw
3 - yellow webbing
3 - red webbing
2 - green webbing
2 - black webbing
Patient packaging kit
1 - nylon utility pack
4 - blankets
1 - set cervical collars
1 - red webbing
1 - green webbing
2 - black webbing
1 - weather barrier
1 - roll 2 in. tape
1 - litter w/face shield
Medical kit (BLS)
1 - nylon medical pack
1 - blood pressure cuff
1 - stethoscope
1 - pen light
4 - encounter forms
2 - black ink pen
10 - pair latex gloves
8 - rolls cling
1 - roll 2 in. tape
10 - 4x4 dressings
2 - 6x9 dressing
2 - formable splint
1 - hand powered suction
1 - bag valve mask
assorted OPAΑs155
156Appendix C
Recommended rope minimum strengths
diameter in. (mm) lbs. (kN) use NFPA rating
3/8 (9.5) 4496 (20) lifeline light use
7/16 (11.1) 6000 (277) lifeline light use
3/8 (9.5) 2923 (13) floating lifeline
1/2 (12.7) 8992 (40) lifeline general use
5/8 (16) 12,500 (56) lifeline general use
Recommended accessory cord minimum strengths
diameter in. (mm) lbs. (kN) diameter in. (mm) lbs. (kN)
6mm 1620 (7) 8mm 2870 (13)
7mm 2200 (10) 9mm 3670 (16)
Recommended hardware minimum strengths
item light lbf. (kN) general lbf. (kN)
carabiner (major axis) 6069 (27) 8992 (40)
carabiner (minor axis) 1574 (7) 2473 (11)
descent control device 3000 (13.5) 4946 (22)
auxiliary equipment 5000 (22) 8093 (36)
Recommended miscellaneous hardware minimum strengths
item lbs. (kN) item lbs. (kN)
rigging ring 25000 (111) rigging plate 8900 (39)
prusik minding pulley 8093 (36) standard pulley 8000 (36)
tri link (10mm) 9900 (44) tri link (12mm) 12000 (54)
screw link (7mm) 6000 (26) screw link (12mm) 13784 (61)
multi-loop strap 5000 (22) anchor strap 8093 (36)
1 in. tubular webbing 4000 (17)
Actual breaking strengths may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Appendix D
Minimum Personnel Requirements
Rope Rescue Confined Space Rescue
High angle: 2 TRT companies 3 TRT companies
Steep angle: 3 TRT companies 1 Support truck
Command Post LZ: 1 Technician 1 Hazmat company
1 Utility truck
Trench Rescue Swiftwater Rescue
3 TRT Companies 3 TRT Companies
1 Trench support truck 2 Support trucks
1 Utility truck
Minimum Team Equipment Requirements
Confined Space
2 Multi gas monitors (calibrated) 1 Lock-out, tag-out kit
1 Personal monitor 1 Intrinsically safe
per each entrant ventilation fan with cord
1 Rescue tripod with 4 Supplied air breathing
winch or pulley system apparatus
4 Intrinsically safe lights 1 Working line kit
1 Set grounded duct for fan 1 Belay line kit
2 Remote air supply carts 4 Life safety ropes
1 Intrinsically safe intercom kit 1200 ft. Air supply hose
1 Load rated extrication device 1 Sked stretcher
Swiftwater
1 Inflatable rescue boat 1 Belay line kit
7 Paddles 2 600 ft. (180m) ropes
1 Fill kit 2 300 ft. (90m) ropes
1 Line gun 2 Subject PFDΑs with helmets
1 Working line kit 6 Throw bags
Trench
10 sheets form sheeting 2 Folding shovels
20 Ellis screw jacks 2 Square shovels
4 carpenter kits 2 Round shovels
4 ground ladders 4 Five gallon buckets
16 2x10x10Αs 10 16 ft. Utility ropes
Joist hangers 2 Garden hoes
Various hydraulic speed shore 1 Roll hazard tape
Pump can Power saw
8 4x4 Αs 10 concrete stakes
Fluorescent ground marking paint Ventilation equipment
Patient immobilization device Air monitor
157
Suggested Resources
Procedures, Volume II.
Vines Thomas, and Hudson, Steve 1999. High Angle Rescue
Techniques, 2nd ed. Mosby Yearbook,
International Association of Fire Fighters 1995. Training for
Hazardous Material Response, Confined Space Operations.
International Association of Fire Fighters,
Roop, Michael, and Vines, Thomas, and Wright, Richard 1998.
Confined Space and Structural Rescue, 1st ed. Mosby
Yearbook,
Ray, Slim 1997. Swiftwater Rescue. CFS
Press,
Bechdel, Les, and Ray, Slim 1989. River Rescue, 2nd ed.
Appalachian Mountain Club,
Gargan, James 1996. First Due Trench Rescue, 2nd ed. Mosby
Yearbook,
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 2002.
National US&R Response System Structural Collapse
Technician Training Manual.
Stoffel, Skip, and LaValla, Patrick 1998. Personal Safety in
Helicopter Operations. Emergency Response Institute,
Frank, James A. 1998. CMC Rope Rescue Manual 3rd ed.
CMC Rescue,
Brown, Michael 2000. Engineering Practical Rope Rescue
Systems.1st ed. Delmar Learning,
158
About the author
Tom Pendley is a Captain Paramedic
with the
member of the technical rescue team.
He received the firefighter of the year
award in 1993. He has taught technical
rescue for the Phoenix Fire Department
since 1993 and is currently a technical
rescue instructor trainer for the
State Fire Marshals Office. He is a contributing author to Fire
Rescue Magazine and a faculty member with the Maricopa
Community College District. In over 14 years as a volunteer
with the Maricopa County SheriffΑs Mountain Rescue Team,
he has participated in hundreds of backcountry rescue
missions.
Tom holds a helicopter private pilot rating and is an avid
mountaineer and river runner.
For more copies of this guide contact Desert Rescue
Research at 877-434-4781 or go to our website at
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