Swiftwater Rescue II. Introduction Swiftwater search and rescue operations are manpower intensive....
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Transcript of Swiftwater Rescue II. Introduction Swiftwater search and rescue operations are manpower intensive....
IntroductionIntroduction
Swiftwater search and rescue operations are manpower intensive. Objects in water have the potential to move great distances and search
areas may become quite large in a short period of time.
Moving water is most effectively searched by teams appropriately
trained in swiftwater rescue that can function in or out of the water.
Land-based teams provide additional manpower by filling positions not
requiring in-water skills.
Trained swiftwater personnel...
Although rescuers trained for in-water Although rescuers trained for in-water operations can cover large distances quickly, operations can cover large distances quickly, they are usually limited by number and are often they are usually limited by number and are often required to function using technical equipment required to function using technical equipment and painstaking search techniques.and painstaking search techniques.
Swiftwater Rescue II will expand upon the Swiftwater Rescue II will expand upon the skills learned during SWR I and focus on the skills learned during SWR I and focus on the resource effectiveness of swiftwater teams resource effectiveness of swiftwater teams
working in moving water environments, be it working in moving water environments, be it flood operations, canal searches or river flood operations, canal searches or river
rescue. rescue.
It will also emphasize the importance of It will also emphasize the importance of training and utilizing shore-based personnel training and utilizing shore-based personnel to assist with search, rescue and recovery to assist with search, rescue and recovery
operations.operations.
Lesson 1:Lesson 1:Characteristics Characteristics of Moving of Moving Water Water
PowerfulRelentlessPredictable
Site reference
River Center
RiverRight
RiverLeft
Upstream
Downstream
Cu
rren
tFour river references relate to facing downstream
River CenterRiver Center
River RightRiver Right
River LeftRiver Left
UpstreamUpstream
DownstreamDownstream
Current
References remain the same even when the perspective is reversed
Site reference
Water dynamicstwo general categories of
moving water...
Laminar flowLaminar flow Layers of moving waterLayers of moving water
Helical flowHelical flowCircular flow of water along the Circular flow of water along the
bank, forcing water to midstreambank, forcing water to midstream
Water dynamics Water is fastest…Water is fastest…
at the surface and midstream at the surface and midstream
Water slows down…Water slows down…along banks and bottomalong banks and bottom
Water is faster…Water is faster…at the outside of bends and slower at the outside of bends and slower on the inside of bendson the inside of bends
Water slows down and deepens…Water slows down and deepens…in front of dams and otherin front of dams and otherobstructionsobstructions
Summary
Understanding the dynamics of Understanding the dynamics of moving water enables the rescuer to moving water enables the rescuer to function safely and effectively during function safely and effectively during rescue and recovery operations.rescue and recovery operations.
Lesson 2:Lesson 2:The Human The Human Body in WaterBody in Water
Separating fact from Separating fact from fiction...fiction...
Body weight in water
Sex Surface Depth LessWeight Than 40 Feet
Male 150-170 lbs 9-15 lbs
Male 180-200 lbs 7-11 lbs
Female 110-140 lbs 8-15 lbs
Children 40-70 lbs 4-8 lbs
Drowning victim’s sex & size vs. weight in water*
*From Encyclopedia of Underwater Investigations; 1994, by Cpl. Robert G. Teather, RCMP
Bodies of adult drowning victims weigh between 7 and 16 pounds underwater
In still water, the weight of a body will cause it to settle in a near vertical
drop to the bottom
Fact...Fact...
Since current moves faster at the surface and slower along the bottom, a body will drop through the layers of laminar flow as it is transported downstream and deposited on the bottom.
In moving water...
Faster
Slower
Adult drowning victims submerged in moving water tend to resist lateral movement in currents less than 1.5 mph
Fact...Fact...
A body will be swept downstream in any current
Fiction...Fiction...
SurfaceVelocity
Time for float to travel 100 feet
Velocity: measured in feet per second
Seconds Currentft. per sec. M.P.H. Knots
5.00 20.00 13.60 12.00
10.00 10.00 6.80 6.00
15.00 6.70 4.56 4.00
20.00 5.00 3.40 3.00
25.00 4.00 2.72 2.40
50.00 2.00 1.36 1.20
100.00 1.00 0.68 0.60
Speed
Throw a floating Throw a floating object (e.g. stick) in object (e.g. stick) in the water and the water and record the time it record the time it takes to travel 100 takes to travel 100 feetfeet
When a drowning occurs in an area of white water, the body will probably
continue to move with the current until it becomes lodged or the current slows
and allows the body to settle
Fact...Fact...
Body type and clothing... Lighter, less resistant body types will be more Lighter, less resistant body types will be more
easily transported easily transported
Amount of body fat and air trapped in clothing will Amount of body fat and air trapped in clothing will contribute to buoyancycontribute to buoyancy
Depending on body type and clothing, some Depending on body type and clothing, some infants and small children may never sinkinfants and small children may never sink
Clothing may increase the potential to snag and Clothing may increase the potential to snag and hold a victim stationary in a strong currenthold a victim stationary in a strong current
Clothing usually adds little to the Clothing usually adds little to the weight of the victim under water but weight of the victim under water but may affect buoyancy and drag.may affect buoyancy and drag.
Dispelling the “Sack of Potatoes” myth...
Object must have the same shape Object must have the same shape and physical propertiesand physical properties
Must be of same volume and Must be of same volume and weightweight
Must have same buoyancyMust have same buoyancy
Must have same drag from Must have same drag from clothingclothing
Must be trackableMust be trackable
““Throw a sack in the Throw a sack in the water and it will end water and it will end up in the same place up in the same place
as the victim.”as the victim.”
Fact:
The phenomenon of body refloat...
Once decomposition begins the process Once decomposition begins the process of gas formation in the victim’s body, of gas formation in the victim’s body,
buoyancy can change drastically buoyancy can change drastically
Unless the victim is snagged or wedged, gas formation may eventually allow the body to raise to the surface
where it could be transported downstream by the faster moving
surface current
Fact...Fact...
TimeTime
TemperatureTemperature
DepthDepth
Victim Victim considerations...considerations...
Physiology of body Physiology of body refloatrefloat
Victim considerationsVictim considerations Body typeBody type
DietDiet
ClothingClothing
TraumaTrauma(pre and post immersion)(pre and post immersion)
Not all bodies will refloat!Not all bodies will refloat!Under certain conditions, a body may remain snagged, trapped in a strainer,
held in a water hydraulic or become covered with silt and stay undetected
for years
SummaryUnderstanding the physical properties of the human body as it pertains to the water environment allows the rescue team to undertake an accurate scene evaluation.
Lesson 3:Lesson 3:
Safety Safety ConsiderationsConsiderations
The search of moving water is at best difficult and challenging. Such activities present great obstacles for swiftwater rescue teams and often expose searchers to the threat of personal injury or death.
Safe and effective search operations near moving water depend on proper... PreparationPreparation
TrainingTraining
Equipment.Equipment.
Hazards include... Water hydraulicsWater hydraulics
StrainersStrainers(barb wire, tree limbs, log jams, debris)(barb wire, tree limbs, log jams, debris)
Slippery, unsure footingSlippery, unsure footing
TopographyTopography(access, cliff faces, drop-offs)(access, cliff faces, drop-offs)
Manmade obstructionsManmade obstructions(dams, bridges, debris)(dams, bridges, debris)
Cold waterCold water
Associated risks include...
DrowningDrowning
EntrapmentEntrapment
Hypothermia Hypothermia
Blunt traumaBlunt trauma
Cuts and lacerationsCuts and lacerations
Public safety teams that are untrained and ill-equipped to handle water-
related emergencies, expose themselves to untold risks.
Firefighters, law enforcement officers and members of the search and rescue
community can all become victims during search and rescue events.
Only personnel appropriately trained Only personnel appropriately trained in swiftwater rescue should enter the in swiftwater rescue should enter the water to recover any objectwater to recover any object
Have preplan in place for appropriate Have preplan in place for appropriate action prior to object locationaction prior to object location
The role of search teams is to facilitate clue location...
Swiftwater rescue technicians may be Swiftwater rescue technicians may be required to safely retrieve objects from required to safely retrieve objects from dangerous currentsdangerous currents
There is safety in numbers Never search alone; search teams should Never search alone; search teams should
consist of three or more person/teamsconsist of three or more person/teams
Searchers should have knowledge of Searchers should have knowledge of self-rescue and victim-rescue techniques self-rescue and victim-rescue techniques
Exercise caution, continually re-evaluate Exercise caution, continually re-evaluate the Risk/Benefit Analysis and be prepared the Risk/Benefit Analysis and be prepared to assist teammates in an emergencyto assist teammates in an emergency
Be properly equippedBe properly equipped
Shored-based Shored-based Personal Protective Personal Protective EquipmentEquipment PFD PFD
with whistle & knifewith whistle & knife Environmental Environmental
protectionprotection Gloves and bootsGloves and boots Throwline bagsThrowline bags Helmet.Helmet.
Thermal protectionThermal protection PFD PFD
with knife & whistlewith knife & whistle HelmetHelmet Swiftwater rescue Swiftwater rescue
boardboard Hand & foot Hand & foot
protectionprotection Fins/mask/snorkelFins/mask/snorkel Throwline bagsThrowline bags
Water-based PPE for swiftwater rescue
Swiftwater team equipment Throwline bagsThrowline bags Line gunLine gun Tag line buoyTag line buoy Multi-chambered, inflatable boatMulti-chambered, inflatable boat Rope rescue equipment and Rope rescue equipment and
hardwarehardware Communication equipmentCommunication equipment Additional PFDs & helmetsAdditional PFDs & helmets Other specialized Other specialized
equipmentequipment
Search equipment includes...
Probe deviceProbe device
BinocularsBinoculars
Polarized sunglassesPolarized sunglasses
Flagging & permanent markerFlagging & permanent marker
Rope and climbing equipment Rope and climbing equipment
GPS.GPS.
SummaryThere are inherent dangers associated with moving water. Operating in such an environment can prove deadly for victim and rescuer alike. Preparation, proper training and equipment allow rescuers to accurately assess the Risk/Benefit Analysis of every operation.
Lesson 4:Lesson 4:SceneSceneEvaluationEvaluation
The critical stage of search The critical stage of search operationsoperations
Scene evaluation...Scene evaluation...Begins with the initial call Begins with the initial call for assistance but continues for assistance but continues throughout the entire throughout the entire operational phase of operational phase of the searchthe search
A systematic and objective size-up A systematic and objective size-up or assessment of the incident is or assessment of the incident is particularly crucial at the onset of particularly crucial at the onset of the search the search
Start the process early
A good scene evaluation identifies... Incident typeIncident type
Location and accessLocation and access
Time of occurrenceTime of occurrence
Environmental conditionsEnvironmental conditions
Resource needsResource needs
Witness identificationWitness identification
Ability to control water volumeAbility to control water volume
The primary operational The primary operational objective is to establish aobjective is to establish a
“Last Seen Point”“Last Seen Point”
Determining the Last Seen Point (LSP)...
Physical evidencePhysical evidence
Witness interviewsWitness interviews
Reference objects vs. Reference objects vs. reference pointsreference points
Knowledge & Knowledge & experience as SWRexperience as SWRscene evaluatorscene evaluator
Witness interviewThe witness interview is perhaps The witness interview is perhaps the most critical component of a the most critical component of a scene evaluation and is essential scene evaluation and is essential for determining the LSPfor determining the LSP
Actual LSP
Actual LSP
Initial LSP
Initial LSPNever underestimate Never underestimate the importance of the importance of establishing an establishing an accurate LSPaccurate LSP
A nine-year-old boy A nine-year-old boy lost his life in this lost his life in this
boulder sieveboulder sieve
Location of Body
View from river right.
View from river left.
Control and organize Control and organize witnesses witnesses
Separate and interview Separate and interview individuallyindividually
Question thoroughly and Question thoroughly and methodicallymethodically
Don’t ask leading questionsDon’t ask leading questions
Go slow, stop & listenGo slow, stop & listen
Qualify witnesses by order Qualify witnesses by order of importance.of importance.
WitnessWitnessinterviewinterview
Physical descriptionPhysical description Clothing type and colorsClothing type and colors Shoe patternShoe pattern Equipment or personal itemsEquipment or personal items Intended plansIntended plans Experience level, etc.Experience level, etc.
Establish a subject profile listing
““Last Known Activity”Last Known Activity”In cases involving an unwitnessed In cases involving an unwitnessed
or poorly witnessed drowning, or poorly witnessed drowning, the last known activity may the last known activity may provide the only clue to the provide the only clue to the location of the bodylocation of the body
And most importantWrite it down!Write it down!
Compile all statements, information and Compile all statements, information and documented clues in a centralized documented clues in a centralized collection pointcollection point
Use this material to develop a scene Use this material to develop a scene sketch for future referencesketch for future reference
Components of scene sketch: LSP- Last Seen PointLSP- Last Seen Point
Location of physical evidenceLocation of physical evidence
Location of witnessesLocation of witnesses
Permanent landmarks used to triangulatePermanent landmarks used to triangulate
Access points (e.g. dock, boat ramp)Access points (e.g. dock, boat ramp)
Current speedCurrent speed
Summary
Developing a thorough scene evaluation and determining an accurate Last Seen Point may be the most important tasks you will perform during the initial stage of any search operation.
Lesson 5:Lesson 5:
Establishing Establishing Operational Operational ObjectivesObjectives
Photo by Lucas Gilman
Search planningIs largely driven by information Is largely driven by information gathered during scene evaluationgathered during scene evaluation
A successful search operation A successful search operation depends on an accurate depends on an accurate assessment of the situation assessment of the situation
Rescue vs. recoverysearch operations
The choice of tactics may vary The choice of tactics may vary during a search, especially in during a search, especially in the initial phasethe initial phase
The operational mode will help The operational mode will help drive the tactical considerations drive the tactical considerations and assist in Risk/Benefit and assist in Risk/Benefit AnalysisAnalysis
Determine the LSPDetermine the LSP
Evaluate the current’s capacity to Evaluate the current’s capacity to move objects downstream move objects downstream
Estimate size of search areaEstimate size of search area
Identify resource needs Identify resource needs
Identify potential hazards for rescuersIdentify potential hazards for rescuers
Define/prioritize high probability areasDefine/prioritize high probability areas
Initial search objectives…
Segment search area as neededSegment search area as needed
Determine effective search Determine effective search methods necessary to methods necessary to thoroughly cover areasthoroughly cover areas
Assign resources according to Assign resources according to skill levelskill level
Perform ongoing evaluationPerform ongoing evaluationof processof process
Ongoing search objectives…
The search should begin The search should begin with an investigation of the with an investigation of the
Last Seen PointLast Seen Point
alwaysalways
Never assume that the body of a Never assume that the body of a missing victim has floated away until missing victim has floated away until
the LSP has been thoroughly the LSP has been thoroughly searchedsearched
Review of drowning characteristics...
Bodies tend to resist current Bodies tend to resist current less than 1.5 mphless than 1.5 mph
The body will generally drop to the The body will generally drop to the bottombottom
Current on the surface is greater than Current on the surface is greater than the bottom currentthe bottom current
Bodies of adult drowning victims Bodies of adult drowning victims generally weigh between 7 and 16 generally weigh between 7 and 16 pounds in waterpounds in water
Identify all high probability areas and concentrate search first in sections where water slows down or where strainers and other objects may
snag victim
High High probability probability areas areas includeinclude
LSPLSP StrainersStrainers Boulder sievesBoulder sieves Low head damsLow head dams Bridge abutmentsBridge abutments HydraulicsHydraulics
EddiesEddiesHolesHoles
Where water slows down.Where water slows down.ShorelineShorelineSand barsSand barsRiver bendsRiver bends
Summary
Understanding water dynamics, body characteristics in water, safety concerns and resource capabilities allows rescuers to determine areas of high probability and establish search priorities.
Search tactics may vary depending on circumstances of the event
Witnessed incident vs. unwitnessed Witnessed incident vs. unwitnessed vs. general missing persons reportvs. general missing persons report
Rescue vs. recoveryRescue vs. recovery
Risk vs. benefit.Risk vs. benefit.
Establish an initial Establish an initial containment area based on containment area based on current speed and time of current speed and time of incidentincident
Initial actions in Initial actions in rescue mode...rescue mode...
Contain and control... Assign hasty teams to search from Assign hasty teams to search from
LSP downstreamLSP downstream
Post containment teams Post containment teams downstream at bridges and other downstream at bridges and other vantage pointsvantage points
Assign additional teams to high Assign additional teams to high probability areasprobability areas
Search banks for possible exit Search banks for possible exit points downstreampoints downstream
Tactical considerations for every rescue team...
Are site conditions too dangerous Are site conditions too dangerous to put anyone in the water?to put anyone in the water?
Are there sufficient resources Are there sufficient resources available to cover the search area available to cover the search area quickly and effectively?quickly and effectively?
Is it possible for searchers to Is it possible for searchers to effectively cover the area?effectively cover the area?
Will more manpower allow greater Will more manpower allow greater coverage in a shorter period of coverage in a shorter period of time?time?
Ongoing concerns... As additional resources arrive, stagger As additional resources arrive, stagger
teams throughout search areateams throughout search area
Assign teams based on experience level Assign teams based on experience level and search prioritiesand search priorities
Establish land-based searchers to assist Establish land-based searchers to assist
swiftwater teams with object retrievalswiftwater teams with object retrieval If available, assign dog teams to work LSPIf available, assign dog teams to work LSP
A slow, careful scan of the river is necessary. Study any irregularities in color, shade or shape of the surface
Study every section from at Study every section from at least two vantage pointsleast two vantage points
The ideal probe is a The ideal probe is a 7-foot, 3/4” 7-foot, 3/4” aluminum pole aluminum pole
Improvise as Improvise as needed to meet the needed to meet the situation at handsituation at hand
Tap and “feel” the Tap and “feel” the bottom with the bottom with the pole pole from the from the downstream sidedownstream side
Probe search...Exercise extreme
caution when working along the shore!
Search sharp bends or curves in the river and areas of natural entanglement or entrapment using a probe pole
Whenever possible, Whenever possible, post an post an observerobserver as an as an overseer and additional overseer and additional safetysafety personnel personnel downstream for the in-downstream for the in-water search teamswater search teams
LSP DP 1 DP 2...
Current
Team 1 Team 3 Team 5 Team 7 Team 9
Team 2 Team 4 Team 6 Team 8 Team 10
Suggested team assignments
Swiftwater teams work down from LSP Swiftwater teams work down from LSP and concentrate on areas of high probabilityand concentrate on areas of high probability
In-water TeamsA B C
Hasty search is followed up by a Hasty search is followed up by a controlled, methodical search of the controlled, methodical search of the banks and river hydraulicsbanks and river hydraulics
Rule out Rule out “rest of world“rest of world””
Identify resource needsIdentify resource needs
Ongoing scene evaluationOngoing scene evaluation
Consider trained SAR dogs.Consider trained SAR dogs.
Extended search operations...
Can be an effective resourceCan be an effective resource
Train with dog teams in advance of Train with dog teams in advance of incidents to fully understand their incidents to fully understand their capabilities and limitationscapabilities and limitations
Dog teams
Under certain conditions, the use of dogs in boats may be a tactic used to thoroughly search an isolated area of river.
It may be necessary to establish a transport system to move people and equipment from one side of the river to the other
“Don’t just look for a body, search for clues!”
TracksTracks
Disturbances in vegetationDisturbances in vegetation
Articles of clothingArticles of clothing
EquipmentEquipment
Unfortunately moving water often Unfortunately moving water often appears as a confusion of colors, appears as a confusion of colors,
shades and shapes. When searching shades and shapes. When searching from shore the casual observer may not from shore the casual observer may not be able to identify a body even when it is be able to identify a body even when it is
not fully covered by water. not fully covered by water.
What to look for...
Perceptions & expectations...
The body may blend into The body may blend into the color & textures of the the color & textures of the surrounding environmentsurrounding environment
Flesh tones tend to blend Flesh tones tend to blend with white waterwith white water
Skin color may appear Skin color may appear very white to luminousvery white to luminous
Floating debris, strainers and overhanging Floating debris, strainers and overhanging branches can easily hide or camouflage a branches can easily hide or camouflage a body in swiftwater body in swiftwater
Conditions often require a slow and Conditions often require a slow and methodical search of the area methodical search of the area
While it is necessary to have a good While it is necessary to have a good clothing and physical description of the clothing and physical description of the victim, be aware that clothing and jewelry victim, be aware that clothing and jewelry are often stripped away in the forces of are often stripped away in the forces of moving water and the body moving water and the body may be nudemay be nude
A body in moving A body in moving water may be difficult water may be difficult
to see, especially to see, especially from a distancefrom a distance
Near view
Far view
Mark it…identify location with flagging, identify location with flagging, GPS, etc.GPS, etc.
Secure it...with rope if safe to do sowith rope if safe to do so
Stay with it...remain with victim and monitor until remain with victim and monitor until recovery team arrivesrecovery team arrives
Once the body is located
If there are suspicious If there are suspicious circumstances surrounding circumstances surrounding the incident, take special the incident, take special precautions so as not to precautions so as not to destroy evidencedestroy evidence
Photograph and record body Photograph and record body position, obvious trauma, etc.position, obvious trauma, etc.
Bag hands and feet Bag hands and feet
Have a preplan for action in place Have a preplan for action in place beforebefore the victim is found the victim is found
Assign a team member or “trained” Assign a team member or “trained” victim’s advocate to the familyvictim’s advocate to the family
Assign a team member or PIO as Assign a team member or PIO as representativerepresentative
Quietly notify team and Quietly notify team and command staffcommand staff
Considerations for family & media...
Whenever possible, have the family Whenever possible, have the family escorted from the scene before the escorted from the scene before the victim is removed from the watervictim is removed from the water
Encourage the family to wait until the Encourage the family to wait until the body is at the morgue or hospital body is at the morgue or hospital before viewing their loved onebefore viewing their loved one
Consider the need for CISDConsider the need for CISD
Trauma often Trauma often associated with moving associated with moving
water fatalities...water fatalities...
Gas formation may occur days, weeks or Gas formation may occur days, weeks or months later and body refloat could move months later and body refloat could move the victim outside the initial containment the victim outside the initial containment area. As a result, continual monitoring of area. As a result, continual monitoring of the area over an extended period may be the area over an extended period may be necessary.necessary.
If victim is not located...