There are over 470 miles of flood control channels in Los Angeles County Flood channels vary in shape and composition vertical sides sloped banks natural river
Water flow travels between 5 and 45 mph. The Flood Control System crosses many jurisdictional boundaries. Swiftwater Rescue is dynamic. Training must be continuous to maintain safety (rescuer and victims).
Forces of Water Current Force on Force on Force on Velocity Legs (lbs) Body (lbs) Swamped Boat 3 mph 16.8 33.6 168 6 67.2 134 672 12 269 538 2688 Courtesy Ohio State Division of Natural Resources
Laminar / Helical Flow Water along the shore and bottom are slowed by friction, the water moves faster towards the center of the waterway Water along the shore is pulled to the middle and dives down in a corkscrew motion / Helical flow County of Los Angeles Fire Department
The LOOK of the river Depth Bottom Objects below surface Cushion or Pillow Eddy
Low Head Dams When water flows over, or passes a vertical drop or obstacles, a hydraulic effect is created. Low-head dams are a type of hydraulic and are dangerous areas for rescue. We operate no closer than 300 feet from low head dams
Objects that may impede the victims travel in the water
River Terminology Upstream Downstream River Right River Left Avoid using: East West North South
PPE Helmet PFD / Whistle HT Radio Carabiner Blue webbing Blue Uniform or Brush Tennis shoes
Swiftwater Review The use of Turn-outs and Structural Helmets can be extremely hazardous in moving water. Figure 14 Rescuer should not be near moving water in turnouts
Throwing Float Bag Float bag polypropylene rope foam core bag 55-75 feet in length Used as: rescue tool rescuer safety tie off Not an equipment drop bag Figure 12 Floating throw bag County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Float Bag Rescue throw bag or coiled rope to victim pendulum victim to shore Shore Base Rescue Techniques County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Throwing Float Bag County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Hose Inflator Rescue Kit Inflate 2 1/2 fire hose for the use as a rescue tool Inflated fire hose can be used: bridge base low head dams multiple victim County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Purpose for the Blue Webbing is to Tie-off the rescuers to prevent them from becoming victims
Always tie-off if you are going near the waters edge
IF tying off tools, a SEPARATE line should be used
Preplaced anchors for tie-offs
Anchors for SW Applications
If you fall in the water Self-rescue position Supine Feet pointing downstream
Swiftwater Response 5 Engines Truck PM Squad 2 Air Squads USAR Task Force Swiftwater Rescue Team (if staffed) BC
Position Assignments IC Jurisdictional or First-In Company Floatation Unit (One Company) Rescue Group (3 5 Companies) Upstream Lookout Rescue Systems Unit Retrieval Unit Downstream Safety Unit Air Units
Searching for missing person Establish Point of Last Scene Marking location Initial search quick search expanded / detailed search Marker bottle Figure 48 Placement of reference float County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Various Flotation devices to attempt immediate rescue Figure 11 Life Float attached to throw bag Figure 19 Flotation Device (CRB) with throw bag
Rescue Points in Green Hazards in Red Tactical Information
Potential problems when using air units for shorthaul rescue Prop wash Noise High Profile, increased spectators
Decontamination Procedures Basic Wash hands with clean water and soap before entering vehicles and eating. Rinse equipment with clean water