Water and Ice Rescue Operations

Water and Ice Rescue Operations

Instructor Guide

Lesson 1: Water and Ice Rescue Operations

Time Required: 3 hours

Reading/Other Assignments: None

Teaching/Learning Level: 2

Teaching/Learning Aids:

   · Chalkboard or easel pad

   · Personal floatation devices

   · Ice/cold water exposure suit

Behaviors to Foster:

Active participation and discussion to:

   · Describe the process used to determine the last point seen

   · Discuss interviewing witnesses and collect pertinent information

   · List and define the differences between “warm” and “cold” water immersions

   · List and define ice formations and characteristics

   · Discuss the four tactical alternatives available to first responders prior to the arrival of the dive team

   · Demonstrate use of water/ice rescue equipment available on responding apparatus

Task:

Identify and demonstrate the application of water/ice rescue procedures

Given:

A team assignment, task procedures to follow, personal protective equipment, personal floatation devices, exposure suits, rope, hose, hand tools, and related equipment

Standard:

So that the equipment is used correctly and the victims are removed safely.

Requisite Knowledge:

   · Types of personal floatation devices

   · Limitations of personal floatation devices

   · Operating characteristics of throw bags/discs

Requisite Skills:

   · Wear PPE

   · Wear personal floatation devices

   · Operate throw bag/discs

Resources/References:

   · Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. (1998). Rescue Technician Instructor’ Guide. St. Louis,

     MO:  Author.

   · Anne Arundel County Fire Department (1986). OPM 60: Guidelines Water and Ice Rescue

     Operations. Millersville, MD: Author.

Attention: (Call to Order)

Motivation:

The water/ice rescue scenario is an emergency response that requires a rapid and efficient use of on scene personnel and equipment in order to bring a quick and successful resolution to the emergency. Personnel not familiar or proficient may find these incidents challenging, stressful, and dangerous.

Student Performance Objective (SPO):

Given information on water/ice rescue situations, the student will be able to identify, discuss and demonstrate the basic requirements for handling water and ice rescue emergencies. The student will meet the performance requirements for OPM 60.

Enabling Objectives (EO):

EO 1-1 Describe the process used to determine the last point seen.

EO 1-2 Discuss interviewing witnesses and collect pertinent information.

EO 1-3 List and define the differences between “warm” and “cold” water immersions.

EO 1-4 List and define ice formations and characteristics.

EO 1-5 Discuss the four tactical alternatives available to first responders prior to the arrival of the dive team.

EO 1-6 Demonstrate use of water/ice rescue equipment available on responding apparatus.

Overview/Main Points:

   · Last Point Seen

   · Interviews

   · Water Temperature

   · Tactics

   · Equipment

 

I. Determining Last Point Seen

a. Interview witnesses/survivors

b. Create line of site markers using fixed objects

c. Put diver in water to help witnesses mark last point seen (if victim was swimming)

d. Put a boat in water to help witnesses mark last point seen (if a boat was involved)

 

II. Conducting Interviews

a. Interview witnesses separately

b. Ask witnesses to describe accident while at the point from which they observed the accident.

c. How many people missing?

d. Don’t forget the injured who made it to shore

 

III. Water Temperature and Time

a. Cold water immersions

  i. If water temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, carry out rescue efforts for 90 minutes from

     the time of the 911 call.

b. Warm water immersions

  i. If water temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, carry out rescue efforts for 60 minutes from

     the time of the 911 call

c. After these time frames, switch operations to recovery

 

IV. Ice Formations and Characteristics

a. The safest way to ensure personal safety is to stay off the ice