Training Seconds
Ice Rescue 2:1
With bodies of water starting to freeze, here is a technique that can be used for ice rescue without having to enter the water.
This theoretical 2:1 mechanical advantage technique is an efficient way to conduct an ice rescue that requires minimum rescuers, is effective in most conditions and does not require a rescuer to enter the water. This is not the only way to effectively conduct a successful ice rescue, however, it is an efficient way.
With any "water event," entering the water should always be our last option. We should resort to the following...
a. Reach
b. Throw
c. Row
d. Go
Thin Ice: This technique is good for thin ice where the rescuer will break through the ice advancing toward the victim. This technique only requires a very thin layer of ice to slide the board to the victim. Water is heavy with 1 cubic ft weighing 62lbs. If the victim is breaking through the thin layer of ice, using the board designed to glide on water with a 2:1 mechanical advantage is going to reduce your time to care.
Thick Ice: This technique is a good first option with thick ice with many advantages. What happens with this theoretical 2:1 mechanical advantage is the board creates a barrier between the ice shelf and victim protecting the victim from being pinned against the ice shelf and causing injury. The board creates a cantilever on the ice shelf to allow a smooth transition over the ice shelf. The theoretical 2:1 MA requires minimum manpower toile the victim up and out of the water.
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DOWN FF CPR
Shown with (5) firefighters but can realistically be done with (4).
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Understanding the importance of riding assignments and being familiar with everyone's responsibilities is extremely important. Managing CPR on a down firefighter can be broken down in the following positions...
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Position (1): CPR firefighter responsible for performing CPR
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Position (2): Head firefighter positioned directly behind down firefighter. They are responsible for removing helmet, hood and face piece.
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Position (3): Feet/legs firefighter positioned at the legs of the down firefighter. Responsible for unzipping/unbuckling down firefighter coat and waste strap of SCBA. This firefighter also pulls the legs to remove the down firefighter from his coat and SCBA.
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Position (4): Hands/arms firefighter positioned behind the position 2 (head firefighter.) Responsible for glove removal and thumb removal from inserts. This firefighter holds onto both sleeves while the down firefighter is being pulled.
Managing Uneven Surfaces
High strength tie-offs and clove hitches can be used mid leg on an Arizona Vortex or other Artificial High Directional to manage uneven surfaces with hobble straps.
Cross Bracing
Cross bracing is a way to keep your structure stable. Here you can see that no matter what way the vehicle wants to fall, it has a force keeping it secure in the opposite direction.
This scenario was created to have all stabilization done on one "dirty" side to allow us to have a "clean" side to access any patients.
1-2-3 Paratech Struts
1-2-3 Rule:​
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1. No more than (1) Strut.
2. No more than (2) Extensions.
3. No more than (3)ft. Extension Length
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Paratech Rescue Strut Extensions come in 6", 12", 24", and 36" so it is important to remember that you can use up to (2) extensions but combined, they cannot be more than (3)ft. in length.
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