Technical Rescue: Awareness

When a disaster occurs, rescue teams must locate victims, reach them safely, and return them to safety without causing further injury. To accomplish this mission, emergency responders must undergo training in technical rescue. Technical rescue is the application of special knowledge, skills and equipment to safely resolve unique or complex rescue situations.

NFPA defines three levels of training readiness for technical rescue situations: Awareness level, for those first on the scene; Operations level, for those who support and participate in technical rescue incidents; and Technician Level, for those who coordinate, perform, and supervise technical rescues. "Technical Rescue: Awareness" examines the skills and knowledge that responders at the Awareness Level must possess to perform safely and effectively at a technical rescue situation.

"Technical Rescue: Awareness" is a program for emergency responders who may be first on the scene of a technical rescue incident. Seven basic types of rescue incidents are covered, including confined space rescue, rope rescue, structural collapse, trench and excavation rescue, vehicle and machinery rescue, water rescue, and wilderness rescue.

Within each type of rescue, the program shows emergency responders what to do during the initial response, and tells them the points beyond which they should not proceed. It stresses the importance of working within the bounds of their training and equipment, and the necessity for calling in specialists when the situation exceeds their limitations. Once specialists arrive, first responders act in a support capacity.

Size-up considerations are listed and scene control measures explained. Actions are described that can help victims until a rescue can be undertaken. For each type of rescue, general hazards are described, including hazardous atmospheres at confined space incidents and signs of secondary collapse.

Responders learn the four basic types of construction, and how construction materials impact hazards and rescues at a structural collapse. Collapse patterns are identified for both structural and trench collapses. Initial search and rescue operations that do not involve entering the space are shown.

25 minutes Price: $395