help for eqt.

[billy]

Most of you are aware that North Carolina has experienced a widespread flood of "biblical proportion", resulting from Floyd. While some rescue squads are equipped for swift water/flood rescues, many are not. My questions to anyone...

1. What is required for each rescuer to participate in water rescue? (both trng. and eqt. minimums)

2. What source have you found to provide the lowest price for such eqt.?

[Perry2085]

billy, Just wanted to drop you a line and say check out your DNR for classes. Basicly your going to have about 20-30 hours of training for water rescue. There is classroom as well as hands on. If you get a good instructor you will spend more time with hands on.

Equipment: Basicly on our rescue squads we carry 2 Swiftwater life vests
2 Throw Bags 75' each
2 Rescue helmets
and 1/2 of our Rope rescue Equipment. Our other squad carries the rest.
All of our members receive training with the equipment we have. We drill with our own shifts and we train on the boats and line rigging. Any questions you have Email me at ulrich@perryfire.org and we can talk some more

Dan Ulrich
Perry2085

[jtrhoover]

Take a look at WWW.OCEANID.COM. (http://WWW.OCEANID.COM.) This craft is great in swift water rescue, but only if there is no major debris

[Mike25]

I also had the unfortunate experience with Floyd.

Any member wishing to be part of the team must first apply. This gives me a chance to explain the requirements to each member.

Each member before he is allowed to respond must complete a series of programs and equipment checks.

Only two of us had ever been trained in SWR, because it was not a priority (WRONG!). Now we have an SOP dealing with floods and evacuations, and I'm in the process of making a new SOP dealing with SWR. This SOP will state that any member actively participating in a rescue must have completed no less than a SWR Operations course, and anyone in close proximity to the water must have SWR Awareness.

As far as equipment, I have chosen to stick to the basics, at least 6 helmets, harnesses, lots of rope, plenty PFD's/SWR vests. (note* a good boat motor no less than 30hp, as well as members who know ropes and riggings).

As far as low cost... I know money is tight everywhere but don't skimp. Get good, equipment that not only the manufacturer will stand behind but you as well. I never would/will put my members in equipment that I don't believe 100% in.

Good luck to you in the future. Be Safe...

[NCRSQ751]

We are setting our standards on SRT1 and 2 from Rescue 3 as a minimum this year. For now you need NC ERT standard Water Rescue (what most of our folks have) or you will not be part of an operation unless it's shore based logistics.

We were involved with over 70 rescues in Floyd and we learned a lot - and so did a lot of other folks.

We have a zodiac, a hover craft and a wave runner. You need these kinds of crafts, your standard fishing boat doesn't cut it.

We have rescue pfd's, throw bags and helmets as well as wet suits, dry suits, gumby suits etc to match the weather/conditions you are going into.

Versitility and flexibility is the key.

------------------
Susan Bednar
Captain - Forsyth Rescue
North Carolina Strike Force 1

[This message has been edited by NCRSQ751 (edited May 09, 2000).]

[FireRSQR]

Well, I may be a little late, but give Dive Rescue International a call. They offer Swiftwater and Advanced Swiftwater courses. They also sell water rescue equipment anywhere from swiftwater to ice rescue, to all types of diving equipment. 1-800-248-3483.

Bob