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Urban Search and Rescue Team Low Angle Rope Rescue Training at Bluff Park
By frhayes | January 20, 2009
On Tuesday, January 20, 2009 members of the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team conducted low angle rope rescue operations at Bluff Park. This training is in support of the US&R programs mission statement, that ” the LBFD will provide for the citizens of Long Beach and surrounding communities the means to effectively rescue trapped victims from technically challenging situations by standing up and supporting an Urban Search and Rescue Program”.
A low angle rope rescue operation occurs on terrain that is below 40% grade; above this level the rescue would be considered a high angle rope rescue. In the city of Long Beach these types of rescues could take place in our numerous river beds, over embankments, and could occur through our mutual aid agreement with the Los Angeles City Fire Department on the cliffs of Palos Verde’s, as a few examples.
These types of rescues are “High Risk/Low Frequency” events and require a standardized method to ensure maximum safety for the victims and rescuers, and provide for efficient operations. Some of the general tactical considerations are to determine if this incident is in fact a rescue or is a recovery. All hazards should be identified, addressed, and an action plan should be put into place. The need to call for additional resources is also an initial task that needs to be conducted early in the incident. In some circumstances helicopters could be utilized for rescue operations, which the LBFD US&R team trains with on a routine basis.
The fundamental training that was delivered to the crews was information on rope rescue equipment, including the use of rope, webbing, hardware friction devices, how to tie anchors, and the building of lowering and raising (mechanical advantage) systems. Emphasis was also placed on how to “package” a patient in a litter basket using webbing to secure them in place (lashing), constructing the proper rigging, putting safety lines in place, and ensuring that there were load releasing capabilities.
This training is scheduled for all three shifts, is mandatory for all US&R team members, serves to ensure that our members will be ready to respond, and perform proficiently under this type of technically demanding rescue operation.
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