Ontario Fire Service Messenger

October/November 2006 Volume 15 Issue 5

Shore-Based Water/Ice Rescue

Teaching Plan

Introduction:

Water and ice rescue situations require specialized equipment, procedures, knowledge and precautions. Safety, of both the victim and the rescuer, is a prime concern. The best kind of rescue is a successful one and, while there are never any guarantees, success is always more likely if well-planned procedures are carried out efficiently and safely.

During this training session we will be discussing Shore Based Water/Ice Rescue. You will receive the knowledge necessary to enable you to perform each of the various tasks.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this session, the firefighter will be able to:

a) Describe the equipment required for shore based water/ice rescue

b) Describe the requirements put in place to ensure personnel safety

c) Identify the various types of water/ice emergencies and their hazards

d) Identify the signs and symptoms of hypothermia in victims and the emergency care required

e) Identify the signs and symptoms of “cold water-near drowning victims” and emergency care required

f) Describe the various types of water/ice rescues and the sequence of events to be followed during general operations

g) Demonstrate a rope bag throw

h) Demonstrate the use of inflated fire hose as a rescue device

Expectations of the Participant:

All participants are expected to:

Actively listen during the classroom session
Answer questions posed by the instructor
Ask questions for clarification and understanding
Participate in any discussions that take place
Be team members and assist others requiring help
Actively participate in practical evolutions

Expectations of the Participant:

Section 21 Guidance notes
PFSG
IFSTA Manuals
Hazard Identification Form
Pre Incident Plan and QAP
Videos Drowning Machine and Swept Away
OFC Water/Ice Rescue Course Manual
Lifesaving Society of Canada
NFPA Standards and Manuals
Fire Fighter Curriculum guides and sign offs

Key Points and Terms	Student Learning Activity	References and Resources	Trainer/Facilitator Activity
Personnel Safety Training Clothing Incident command ISO PFD Hazard identification	Take notes Participate in discussions Ask questions	Additional information on Shore-Based Water/Ice Rescue can be found in: IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, current edition IFSTA Fire Service Rescue, current edition Hazard Identification form	Lead discussion and encourage learner participation Question learners about the areas that seem to be common sense Discuss use of pre-incident planning
Required Equipment PFD Exposure suits Safety lines Throw lines Flotation devices Reaching equipment Safety belts and/or harness Securing devices Helmet Immersion suits	Take notes Ask questions Take part in discussions Read IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting Don each piece of personal equipment	Additional information on Shore-Based Water/Ice Rescue can be found in: IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, current edition IFSTA Fire Service Rescue, current edition	Lead discussions Show each piece of equipment Demonstrate donning of personal equipment Watch and assess each learner as he/she dons the equipment Inspect, clean and document all equipment
Rescue Situations Currents Dams using High Low Obstructions Strainers Under cuts Ice and cold water Floods Weak ice	Take notes Read IFSTA Fire Service Rescue, current edition Participate in discussions	Additional information on Shore-Based Water/Ice Rescue can be found in: IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, current edition IFSTA Fire Service Rescue, current edition	Lead discussions Show examples of the hazards discussed Visuals such as slides, overheads etc. Use a chalkboard if available to show the actions of water under various conditions
Victim Condition and Care 1)Hypothermia -Core temperature, signs and symptoms -Emergency care 2) Cold water/near drowning -Signs and symptoms -Emergency care 3)Body heat preservation a) Self -H.E.L.P b) Group	Take notes Participate in discussions Ask questions	Additional information on Shore-Based Water/Ice Rescue can be found in: IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, current edition IFSTA Fire Service Rescue, current edition	Stress the seriousness of these conditions List signs and symptoms Use visuals if available Encourage discussion Ask questions
Rescue Procedures Sequence Talk Reach Throw Row Go 1) Self -on back -backstroke -toes above water 2) Rope throw bag -method 3)Fire hose -fast water -slow water -hydraulic -pond/lake 4)Foot entrapment -throw bags -snag line	Take notes Answer questions Ask questions	Additional information on Shore-Based Water/Ice Rescue can be found in: IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, current edition IFSTA Fire Service Rescue, current edition	Lead discussion Encourage participation Show actual equipment when possible Use drawings when necessary Divide learners into platoons -give each platoon a scenario on paper -each group to discuss how they would affect the rescue -each group to present their solution to the other platoons

Stress ROW and GO are entry-level rescue not shore-based.

Trainer Suggestion

This would be an opportune time to take a break and administer a written test covering the theory of shored-based water/ice rescue.

Key Points
and Terms

Student Learning Activity

References and Resources

Trainer/Facilitator Activity

Rope Throw Bag

don all required safety equipment

secure rescuer

figure of eight

swing toss

throw past victim

Fire Hose Rescue

end caps

inflate

feed to simulated victim

Practice throwing
Practice as part of a team

N/A

Demonstrate the use of the rope throw bag

Observe a return demonstration

Demonstrate the use of a fire hose for rescue

Observe a return demonstration

Trainer Suggestion

A knot-making lesson would be valuable for students interested in this subject.

Throughout the activities, trainers should always enforce NO ICE is GOOD ICE! All ice should be treated as unsafe.

WATER / ICE HAZARD FORM

WATER BODY NAME: LOCATION NAME:

DATE: DONE BY:

TYPE OF WATER BODY DESCRIPTION

CURRENT PRESENT NO SLIGHT MODERATE STRONG

HAZARDS PRESENT

ON LAND

IN WATER

BOTTOM: SAND GRAVEL ROCKY MUD/Clay

ACCESS – SUMMER 1.- 2.-

ACCESS – WINTER 1.- 2.-

TIME OF YEAR CONCERNS:

DEPTH : (meters) 0-6 7-10 10+

SHORE LINE DESCRIPTION(SITE)

CONTACT PERSON (KEYS, GATES ETC.)-

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Weather

ISO

COMMAND

Ontario Fire Service Messenger

Shore-Based Water/Ice Rescue

Teaching Plan

Key Points and Terms

Student Learning Activity

References and Resources

Trainer/Facilitator Activity

Key Points and Terms

Student Learning Activity

References and Resources

Trainer/Facilitator Activity

Key Points
and Terms

Key Points
and Terms