Swiftwater Review Swiftwater Review There are over 470 miles of - PDF document

Swiftwater Review

Swiftwater Review � There are over 470 miles of flood control channels in Los Angeles County � Flood channels vary in shape and composition � vertical sides � sloped banks � natural river

Swiftwater Review � Water flow travels between 5 and 45 mph. � The Flood Control System crosses many jurisdictional boundaries. � Swiftwater Rescue is dynamic. Training must be continuous to maintain safety (rescuer and victims).

Swiftwater Review Forces of Water Current Force on Force on Force on Velocity Legs (lbs) Body (lbs) Swamped Boat 3 mph 16.8 33.6 168 6 67.2 134 672 12 269 538 2688 Courtesy Ohio State Division of Natural Resources

Laminar / Helical Flow � Water along the shore and bottom are slowed by friction, the water moves faster towards the center of the waterway � Water along the shore is pulled to the middle and dives down in a corkscrew motion / Helical flow County of Los Angeles Fire Department

Swiftwater Review � The LOOK of the river � Depth � Bottom � Objects below surface � Cushion or Pillow � Eddy

Swiftwater Review

Swiftwater Review Low Head Dams � When water flows over, or passes a vertical drop or obstacles, a hydraulic effect is created. � Low-head dams are a type of hydraulic and are dangerous areas for rescue. � We operate no closer than 300 feet from low head dams

Swiftwater Review

Objects that may impede the victims travel in the water Swiftwater Review

Swiftwater Review River Terminology • Upstream • Downstream • River Right • River Left • Avoid using: • East • West • North • South

Swiftwater Review • Blue Uniform or Brush • Blue webbing • PFD / Whistle • Tennis shoes • Carabiner • HT Radio • Helmet PPE

Swiftwater Review The use of Turn-outs and • Structural Helmets can be extremely hazardous in moving water. Figure 14 Rescuer should not be near moving water in turnouts

Throwing Float Bag � Float bag � polypropylene rope � foam core bag � 55-75 feet in length � Used as: � rescue tool � rescuer safety tie off � Not an equipment drop Figure 12 Floating throw bag bag County of Los Angeles Fire Department

Shore Base Rescue Techniques � Float Bag Rescue � throw bag or coiled rope to victim � pendulum victim to shore County of Los Angeles Fire Department

Throwing Float Bag County of Los Angeles Fire Department

Hose Inflator Rescue Kit � Inflate 2 1/2” fire hose for the use as a rescue tool � Inflated fire hose can be used: � bridge base � low head dams � multiple victim County of Los Angeles Fire Department

Swiftwater Review Purpose for the Blue Webbing is to Tie - off the Purpose for the Blue Webbing is to Tie- -off the off the Purpose for the Blue Webbing is to Tie rescuers to prevent them from becoming rescuers to prevent them from becoming rescuers to prevent them from becoming victims victims victims

Swiftwater Review Always tie - off if you are going near the waters edge Always tie- -off if you are going near the waters edge off if you are going near the waters edge Always tie

Swiftwater Review � IF tying off tools, a SEPARATE line should be used

-offs offs Swiftwater Review anchors for tie- Preplaced anchors for tie Preplaced

Swiftwater Review Anchors for SW Applications

Swiftwater Review If you fall in the water � Self-rescue position � Supine � Feet pointing downstream

Swiftwater Review Swiftwater Response � 5 Engines � Truck � PM Squad � 2 Air Squads � USAR Task Force � Swiftwater Rescue Team (if staffed) � BC

Swiftwater Review Position Assignments � IC – Jurisdictional or “First-In” Company � Floatation Unit (One Company) � Rescue Group (3 – 5 Companies) � Upstream Lookout � Rescue Systems Unit � Retrieval Unit � Downstream Safety Unit � Air Units

Searching for missing person � Establish Point of Last Scene � Marking location � Initial search � quick search � expanded / detailed search � Marker bottle Figure 48 Placement of reference float County of Los Angeles Fire Department

Swiftwater Review Various Flotation devices to attempt immediate rescue Figure 11 Life Float attached to throw bag Figure 11 Life Float attached to throw bag Figure 19 Flotation Device (CRB) with throw bag Figure 19 Flotation Device (CRB) with throw bag

Swiftwater Review

Swiftwater Review � Rescue Points in Green � Hazards in Red � Tactical Information

Swiftwater Review � Potential problems when using air units for short- haul rescue… Prop wash Noise High Profile, increased spectators

Swiftwater Review Decontamination Procedures � Basic � Wash hands with clean water and soap before entering vehicles and eating. � Rinse equipment with clean water