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LBFD and Ports America Conduct “Man in the Water” Rescue Drill at Hanjin Terminal
By frhayes | July 28, 2009
On Monday, July 27thLong Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Engine 24, Boat 15 (Challenger) and Rescue Boat 2 partnered with Ports America, an environmental, health and safety division at the Hanjin Terminal to conduct a “Man in the Water” drill.
Over the years throughout the United States there have been incidents where dock workers and ships crew members have fallen into the water and required life saving intervention to get them back on to dry land. Falling into the water can be life threatening due to many different reasons, some of which are the weight of wet clothing, the inability to swim, cold water, with the rapid onset of hypothermia, and trauma causing unconsciousness or difficulty in normal movement.
The drill involved Ports America personnel throwing a floatation ring from the dock level to a simulated “Man in the Water” (Lifeguard). When ships are in port and loading or unloading commerce, specialized lifesaving sleds are placed between the dock and ship line at predetermined intervals for quick access. These sleds have a floatation ring, first aid kit, and rescue Stokes basket that can be used for varying types of injuries or accidents.
Engine 24, Rescue Boat 2 and Challenger were on scene to assist with the drill and provide the victim in the water. In an actual severe emergency the Paramedic from Engine 24 would most likely transfer to one of the boats which would transport the patient to LBFD station 15 where the dock would provide for easy patient transfer to a medical facility for continued medical treatment.
This drill provided a great opportunity to become familiar with the terminal layout and to meet and work with Ports America personnel, which the LBFD would do in a “Real” incident, and to re-enforce the importance of the rescue equipment, and it’s proper usage. It is also a prime example of how partnerships can help improve the safety of all the dockworkers and ships crew members who conduct business at the Hanjin Terminal.
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