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Purpose
To establish guidelines, ensuring an organized and systematic plan is evolved to deal with persons trapped in confined spaces.
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Background
The procedures, as set down, are to ensure that trained personnel, proper equipment and safety for the victim and rescuers are the primary objective at confined space emergencies.
Only properly equipped Confined Space Rescue Technicians shall enter confined spaces to affect a rescue/recovery.
Hazard Appropriate PPE shall be worn by all personnel operating in the warm zone.
The senior or most knowledgeable Confined Space Technician on site shall assume the role of Rescue Team Leader and be responsible for organizing, managing and terminating the actual rescue attempt.
The IC shall remain in control of the scene and support the efforts of the Rescue Team Leader. The first arriving engine/crew will remain on the scene to support the rescue effort.
This replaces POG #06-01-05, “Confined Space Rescue”, dated 2010/08/24.
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Policy Statement
When a call is received indicating a potential confined space rescue, the following shall occur:
1. The 911 Dispatcher shall:
a. Tone out the nearest Engine available.
b. Contact the on-duty Platoon Chief and OIC (Central).
c. Notify the Medical Communications Center (ambulance dispatch) of SJRFD’s response.
2. The on-duty Platoon Chief shall respond and ensure arrangements for immediate transportation of all team members and equipment to the scene, are proceeding.
3. First arriving Engine Officer shall conduct a size up of the incident, and upon determination that it is an actual confined space rescue situation, he/she shall establish command and set control zones. The Incident Commander (IC) should attempt to either establish contact with the victim or investigate to determine the victim’s approximate location and purpose for being in the space.
4. The Rescue Team leader, once on site and in consultation with the on-duty Platoon Chief and IC, shall determine the number of Rescue Team personnel required on site.
5. The Rescue Team Leader shall designate the following responsibilities to arriving personnel and take up the role of “Communications Officer” for actual entry to spaces.
Safety Officer (CSR Technician)
· Oversees and/or performs safety checks on PPE.
· Oversees safety checks on all rigging and rescue systems.
· Determines whether pre- and post-entry medical vital sign assessments are required and, if so, ensures it is documented.
· Monitors air consumption and work load of entry teams with a view to recalling them or replacing them if signs of physical stress are evident.
· Ensures all Log-Out/Tag-Out and Blanking procedures have been completed.
Haul Captain (CSR Technician)/Communications Officer
· Oversees initial exterior air quality assessment and placement of proper ventilation equipment and reassessment of control zones.
· Assigns personnel to perform rigging tasks.
· Consults with Rescue Team Leader to determine level of rigging required and facilitates that rigging.
· Leads all lowering and raising evolutions utilizing on-scene High Angle Team members.
· Monitors all line management issues in the warm zone.
Entry Team (2 – CSR Technicians)
· Wearing proper PPE and equipment, including an air quality assessment monitor, enters confined space, locates and packages victim appropriately and facilitates removal to outside.
· Maintains contact with Communications Officer and reports all air assessment findings and status reports regularly during rescue.
Back-up Team (2 – CSR Technicians)
· Wearing proper PPE and equipment, including an air quality assessment monitor, stands by in “Ready” mode to support the entry team and render assistance if required.
Medical Personnel (minimum of 1)
· Performs any required Vital Sign Assessment and documentation of all entry personnel and backup team, pre- and post-entry. Emergency medical personnel from agencies other than SJRFD can be utilized for this role.
Scribe
· Maintains a record of all events during the rescue/recovery attempt, including Tactical Work Sheet, Team Entry Checklist, Air Assessment Form, and entry team medical information. Works under IC and Rescue Team Leader.
6. While rank plays an important part of the SJRFD daily operations, it should not have a negative effect on the operations of Specialty Teams where, from day to day, the expertise on any given team may be a person of lesser rank.
NOTE
All Operational Guidelines are provided as a guideline only and may be altered by the Fire Chief, or his/her designate, to meet extenuating circumstances.
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Approvals
Fire Chief/Director
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Responsibility
St. John’s Regional Fire Department
POG #06-01-05
Approved by:
_________________________________________ ________________________
Jerry F. Peach Date
Fire Chief
Director of Regional Fire and Emergency Services
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Appendix/Appendices
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