Objectives Demonstrate proper first responder swiftwater PPE and safety. Demonstrate proper floating throw bag throwing technique. Demonstrate proper set up of a tension diagonal rescue system. Demonstrate proper set up of a an inflated fire hose rescue system.
Swiftwater Strategic Priorities Volume 11, Chapter 7, Subject 1 1. Protection of life. 2. Effecting rescue and assistance to survivors. 3. Provide notification and assistance to other divisions and/or agencies (Coast Guard, Lifeguard Division, Sheriff's Department, etc.) 4. Scene control as required to isolate nonemergency and emergency personnel not involved in the rescue.
There are over 470 miles of flood control channels in Los Angeles County
Northern LA County Flood Control and Natural Waterways
Southern LA County Flood Control and Natural Waterways
Terminology Laminar Flow Helical Flow Upstream/Up River Downstream/Down River River Right River Left Eddy Strainer Pillow Hydraulic Downstream V Upstream V Standing Wave Defensive Position
Terminology
Terminology Helical Flow- is the flow of water, disturbed by friction of the sides of the channel causing a circular flow pattern, often moving objects out into the laminar flow.
Terminology Laminar Flow- is the fastest flow of water, usually down the center of the waterway or channel.
Flow Direction Terminology
Terminology The sides of the river are referenced as the rescuer FACES DOWNRIVER. Flow Direction
Terminology Pillow- created when water flows over an object or large submerged debris. Hydraulic or Hole- created once the water flows over a large object or dam.
http://www.boat-ed.com/images/drawings/lowhead_dam.jpg Terminology
Low-Head Dam - used to control water flow in waterways and rivers. They are extremely DANGEROUS! Use caution when working near them. Per Volume 11, Chapter 7, Subject 1, personnel shall not enter the danger zone of a low head dam for any reason. Terminology
Terminology Backwash or Hydraulic - caused by water flowing over a low-head dam. The flow reverses, causing water to circulate. This traps anything that may become caught in the flow.
Terminology Boil - a line where the water continues to flow down stream, no longer flowing back up stream.
Terminology Defensive Swimming Position
Force of Moving Water in Lbs.
Waterway Types- Trapezoidal, Concrete Lined
Waterway Types- Vertical Wall, Concrete Lined
Waterway Types- Natural River
Waterway Types- Natural River
Waterway Types- Natural River, Arizona Crossing
Waterway Types- Natural River, Flooded Arizona Crossing
A flooded Arizona Crossing with a partially submerged vehicle.
Marker Buoy/Bottle E-17 Marker buoy or bottle should be deployed at point last scene as soon as possible. Fill ¼ to ½ with water to stabilize the bottle. Place activated light sticks in bottle and close cap before deploying. Marker buoy helps determine water speed and if systems are being set up far enough down stream.
Marker Buoy/Bottle If marker buoy passes you while you are setting up your system, consider repositioning your system further downstream and/or notifying downstream units. Periodically check marker buoys for condition. They are commonly exposed to weather and trauma causing damage that makes them unusable. Bottles can be ordered from the Warehouse. E-17
First Responder SW PPE PPE for First Responders during Swiftwater Rescue includes: Yellow Swiftwater helmet Swiftwater Personal Floatation Device (PFD) Brush Jacket (for increased visibility) Brush pants or Blue uniform pants Blue webbing across chest Athletic Shoes
First Responder SW PPE The rescuer is secured from falling into the water via a blue webbing, tied in a hasty chest harness. The chest harness is secured to a life line with just enough to reach the water s edge. This rope is held by at least 3 personnel or secured to an anchor point.
First Responder SW PPE Any reaching tool should be secured by a rope.
First Responder SW PPE The water rescue throw bag is ready for deployment, if necessary.
Properly First Responders ready for rescue
Only personnel that are qualified (USAR or Swiftwater) and have proper equipment should enter the water to perform a rescue.
Swiftwater Qualified PPE White SW Helmet Live Bait SW PFD SW Dry Suit Water shoes Full Body Harness Gloves Goggles
Swiftwater Qualified PPE This level of PPE helps to protect the in-water rescuer from contamination found in the rivers and waterways that flow through Los Angeles County.
Turnouts should not be worn near moving water
Rescue Axiom, Low to High Risk *First Responder Skill 1. TALK* 2. FLOTATION* 6. GO TOW 7. HELO
What are the advantages of working from the downstream side of a bridge?
Rescue operations should be conducted from the downstream side of bridges Ensures victim can be rescued using the pendulum effect to guide the victim to shore of the waterway Maintains visibility of victim after capture
Some situations may require the extrication of a victim from the upstream side of a bridge. This type of operation should be considered extremely hazardous and may be putting the victim in more danger.
Downstream side of bridge
Talk to the Victim Using PA system on apparatus, or police vehicles Attempt to determine the ability of the victim to help themselves If victim is trapped mid channel (on vehicle, rock, island, etc.) DO NOT advise them to swim unless rescuers are set up and the victim has flotation
Provide a Flotation Device to the Victim Extra PFD from the Water Rescue Bag Drop PFD from a bridge Throw PFD to victim
Pike Pole Rubbish Hook Provide the victim with the handle end!
Throw 50-75 Throw Bag Floating Rope Not to be confused with a drop bag
First Responder SW Rescue Systems Tension Diagonal 45 degree angle to the flowing water Safety measure for any personnel that may accidentally fall into the water
First Responder SW Rescue Systems Inflated Fire Hose Figure 8 tie off on one end Line passes through carabiner The 2 ½ section of hose is inflated to a hard, but flexible state. Hose caps do not have a pressure gauge.
The hose is suspended over the waterway The rope is passed from the end of the hose to rescuer marked #1. The rope goes to rescuer #2 at the bridge level, then to the pendulum crew. Line continues to pendulum anchor or pendulum crew #2 #1
Arrow indicates rope travel when pulled and dropped from bridge
Upstream lookout spots victim. The hose is centered in relation to the victim. The hose and rope are dropped to catch victim. The victim grabs the hose and as the ends come together, the victim is enveloped in a horse shoe style loop.
First Responder SW Rescue Systems
LACOFD Initial Swiftwater Rescue Response 5 Engines 1 Truck/Quint 1 PM Squad 1 USAR TF 1 SW Unit (if staffed) 2 Helicopters 1 BC
First Responder SW Rescue Positions Flotation Unit Upstream Lookout Rescue Group Supervisor Primary Retrieval Team Backup Retrieval Team Downstream Safety V11-C7-S1
Tools for the IC
Tools for the IC Water Rescue Maps- Battalion Chiefs Vehicles and USAR Apparatus
Water Rescue Maps contain: Rescue Sites Waterway Composition Waterway Access Rescue Options Aerial Hazards Helicopter Swiftwater Rescue Sites Direction of Flow Speed of Channel Time of Travel Peak Flow
Swiftwater Rescue Command Worksheet
Time to Float 100 = MPH
Recovered Victims Recovered victims should be assessed and treated for: Hypothermia Near Drowning Traumatic Head and Neck Injuries Extremity Injuries Fatigue
In-Water Rescue Options Only personnel that have received training and are properly equipped should attempt In-Water Rescue Operations Ground Swiftwater Unit personnel USAR Station SW Trained personnel Swiftwater Helicopter Trained personnel
Now take what you ve learned and apply it! HANDS ON TRAINING TIME!
Director of Training Battalion Chief Derek Alkonis LACoFD Training Services Section (323) 881-2436