Choosing technical rescue team equipment that can be used to help people respond to rescue scenarios is not easy. You need to make a decision as to what the apparatus can be used for, which can be both costly and time-consuming. The process of recognizing all the different types of technical rescue responses will help you to make the best decisions.
Technical Incidents
The fire service has to respond to a huge range of situations on a daily basis. One type of incident that is happening more and more is the need to handle technical incidents. If you want to effectively meet the needs of your technical rescue team then you need to make sure that you choose the right apparatus. This can be done by training your team and then providing them with the tools they need to do their job.
Types of Rescue
Confined rescue operations require a great deal of specialized technical rescue team equipment. Immediately dangerous situations to either life or health can easily cause death when in a confined space. The quality of air that is in the space will determine the rescue. Exhaust fans can be placed to facilitate the exchange of air, and rescuers can use SCBA breathing systems that can allow 4 rescuers at a time to have air. Emergency escape breathing devices, or EEBDs, can also be used if there is a failure with the existing system. Hardline radio systems and portable radios are used, and this helps the rescuers to talk with one another effectively. Body harnesses are also used, with a harness being applied to the victim during the removal process.
Another type of rescue would be rope rescue. This can involve gorges, bridges, low-angle locations, and scaffolding. Specialized training will be given, and a lot of the same equipment for confined rescue will be used. A class II or class III harness will usually be equipped for rope rescue. Static kernmantle rope is prioritized for main lines. Rope guns are also used to propel the rope when necessary.
These are just two types of objectives that are used in technical rescue. A team needs to maintain training, their equipment, and their attitude as well. They need to stay sharp because the decisions they make could lead to a life-or-death situation. Incidents like this might not be an everyday occurrence. When they do happen, it’s vital that a team is able to stay organized to complete its mission to the best of its ability.
Retrieval Systems
Retrieval rescues will largely depend on the rescue being vertical in nature or horizontal. In a horizontal rescue, mechanical devices are used. Not as much effort needs to be put in by the rescuers in this type of situation. If you utilize a haul system properly, you can bring both the victim and the rescuers out with ease. Kern mantle rope that is around half an inch in diameter should be used for the retrieval system and to help remove the victim from the space. During a vertical incident, a tripod and a retrieval system will be used. A ladder or frame may also be needed to try and pull everyone out of the space. A haul system will grant a very high level of control, and it will also help the rescuers to stay safe throughout the whole process.
A 4:1 mechanical device will be fixed to the high point of the system, and this will allow the rescuers to be lowered so that the victim can be brought to safety when the rescue is completed. A lot of teams have portable winches that are often affixed to vehicles. The use of winches is not recommended when you are dealing with life safety. You should instead be focusing on rescue racks, webbing, pulleys, prusik cords, and anchors. The best way for you to manage your rope, as well as any hardware you have, would be for you to use a SAR rope bag. This will help you to keep everything organized, and it will provide you with the best access to the equipment you need when you need it, saving time, effort, and potentially lives.