Rescue from height

Include all incident actions

Incident information

Identify best access route, rendezvous point (RVP) and marshalling area and communicate to all responders
Establish the last known position (LKP) or place last seen (PLS) of casualties, including times
Identify the casualty's level of consciousness and offer reassurance where possible
Question the casualty, other responders and witnesses to understand incident factors and history
Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
All incident information:
Gather information from available sources to gain accurate situational awareness and understanding
Question the responsible person, other responders and witnesses to understand incident factors and history
Confirm and communicate the involvement, number and severity of any casualties (persons or animals)
Ensure that a scene survey is carried out at the earliest opportunity
Access any operational or site specific risk information (SSRI) and confirm accuracy
Debrief crews that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring and regular briefings
Further incident information
- Investigate the possibility of rising waters and increased flow from tides, flooding, sluice gates
- All incident information:
- Use local knowledge, topography and map reading skills to aid navigation to an incident
- Ensure that tracks and pathways are suitable for fire service vehicles
- Consider the least damaging routes to incidents and where possible, stay on marked paths and tracks
- Consider Step 1-2-3 Plus: Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel
- Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
- Ascertain the availability of pre-arranged evacuation strategies and policies
- Consider pollution prevention information contained within site specific risk plans
- Seek advice from landowners and other bodies on susceptible areas of the environment
- Review situational awareness following an emergency evacuation or tactical withdrawal

Resource information

Request adequate resources to enable effective search given the scope and environment of the incident
Request technical rescue teams to attend incidents involving confined space or work at height
Confirm that required agencies have been requested or notified (e.g. Police, Ambulance, environmental agencies)
Request medical support at rescue incidents as soon as a need is identified
Use ladders for short duration tasks and request other equipment (e.g. aerial appliance) for other activities
All incident information:
Request sufficient resources to implement initial actions, the incident plan and support contingency plan
Consider requesting the attendance of a competent person, subject matter expert or tactical adviser
Consider resources that may be available from neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies
Inform and/or seek advice from environment agencies and/or sewage undertakers where necessary
Consider whether appliances, personnel, equipment and other resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update fire control on the availability status of appliances and other resources
Further resource information
- Consider using a range of thermal imaging resources such as aerial appliances, drones and helicopters
- Consider requesting aerial or special appliances to reduce risk and demand on resources
- Consider the use of a rendezvous point (RVP), marshalling area or strategic holding areas
- All incident information:
- Identify best access route, rendezvous point (RVP) and marshalling area and communicate to all responders
- Consider requesting facilities for the welfare of crews deployed at protracted incidents
- Consider the availability of pollution control equipment and/or pollution containment facilities on site
- Make use of specialist fire and rescue service or on-site environmental protection equipment
- Consider the appointment of a HMA (or equivalent) to oversee environmental protection activities

Risk information

Working environment
- Consider the effects of the location on equipment logistics, casualties and welfare of personnel
- Manage hazards in the working environment that could lead to slips, trips and falls
- Define routes using physical barriers and clearly illuminate where there is reduced visibility
- Monitor access and egress routes as the incident progresses and review the incident plan if necessary
- Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
- Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
- Consider establishing an equipment, tool, debris or personnel areas
Unguarded edges
- Select the most appropriate work at height equipment for the activities and hazards identified
- Ensure that work at height operating systems include an appropriate degree of redundancy
- Ensure that competent personnel assess and monitor the suitability of the structure for work at height activities
- Monitor personnel for signs of stress, anxiety, vertigo or dizziness while working at height
- Use ladders for short duration tasks and request other equipment (e.g. aerial appliance) for other activities
Weather conditions
- Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
- Consider the safety of personnel if lightning is a hazard based on the incident ground risk assessment process
- Monitor personnel exposed to extremes of temperature for signs and symptoms of heat stress or hypothermia
- Consider stopping activities where there is a risk of lightning strike
Falling objects
- Use only essential items when working at height to avoid the risk of objects falling
- Ensure that items taken and used at height are secured to reduce the risk of objects falling
- Establish and control inner and outer cordons, taking into account items falling from height and wind conditions
Unstable structure or environment
- Ensure that competent personnel assess and monitor the suitability of the structure for work at height activities
- Ensure that minimum numbers of crew work in the hazard area and that emergency procedures are in place
- Consider requesting advice on structural integrity from local authority building control teams or USAR Tac Ad
Non-ionising radiation
- Observe and adhere to any warnings and local restrictions when working near to transmitting mast or towers
- Establish and control appropriate cordons to keep personnel away from sources of non-ionising radiation
- Identify the responsible body and isolate the power to radio mast or tower before commencing operations
Electricity
- Observe and adhere to any warnings and local restrictions when working near to transmitting mast or towers
- Isolate any utilities that may affect the incident or crew safety, and secure against reconnection
- Request assistance from the service supplier to isolate the utility or fuel supply from the national grid
- Communicate the identification number(s) of any transmission tower or pole to the relevant distribution network operator (DNO) or transmission operator (TO)
- Establish 10m exclusion zone around high voltage electricity sources
All incident information:
Working environment
- Identify bodies of water, unstable ground and risks of falling from height in working environment
- Consider the effect of weather conditions and time of day on the working environment
- Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
- Establish and maintain safe means of access to and egress from scene of operations at all times
- Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
- Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
- Ensure that all personnel wear the level of PPE identified by service risk assessments, procedures and training
Weather conditions
- Monitor personnel for signs and symptoms of fatigue, dehydration, heat or cold stress
- Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
- Consider relief and welfare arrangements to reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on themselves and others
- Instigate appropriate medical interventions if personnel show signs and symptoms of physiological stress
Noise
- Consider isolating sources of noise
- Keep the number of people exposed to the hazard at a minimum and reduce time of exposure through personnel rotation
- Ensure personnel wear appropriate hearing protectors
Heavy and bulky objects
- Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling risk
- Request additional or specialist resources to assist with manual handling tasks
- Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
- Ensure personnel adopt the provided safe system of manual handling
Moving vehicles
- Be vigilant and co-operate with service procedures relating to vehicle movements
- Position appliances to fend-off vehicles and use warning signs, lights and cones
- Consider taking steps to minimise the risk of collisions
Animals
- Avoid, contain or control animals if necessary
- Request support with managing animals from owners, keepers, police, vets or welfare organisations
Hazardous materials
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
- Remove unaffected chemicals from the hazard area if safe to do so
- Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
- Ensure open wounds, cuts and grazes are covered by a waterproof dressing
- Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Body fluids
- Avoid contact with body fluids where possible
- Isolate or cover body fluids following casualty removal
- Wear body fluid gloves and cover broken skin with waterproof dressing
- Instigate decontamination procedures following exposure of personnel and equipment to body fluids
Distressing or traumatic scenes
- Minimise number of personnel exposed to traumatic scenes where possible
- Handover responsibility for traumatic incidents to an appropriate agency where the fire service does not have primacy
- Erect screens to restrict the view of traumatic scenes
Violence and aggression
- Consider adopting defensive tactics if people are displaying unpredictable, aggressive, violent or illegal behaviour
- Request police support at incidents involving violence and aggression towards crews

Powers, policies and procedures

Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
All incident information:
Consider the legal exemptions in relation to environmental protection i.e.
- A discharge is made in an emergency to avoid danger to human health
- All reasonably practicable steps were taken to minimise pollution
- The relevant environment agency is informed of the incident as soon as possible
Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
- if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
- NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Further powers, policies and procedures
- All incident information:
- Consider the legal exemptions in relation to environmental protection i.e.
  - A discharge is made in an emergency to avoid danger to human health
  - All reasonably practicable steps were taken to minimise pollution
  - The relevant environment agency is informed of the incident as soon as possible
- Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
  - if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
  - if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
  - for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
  - NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
  - NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board
- Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- Use any work equipment or safety device provided in accordance with training and instructions

Why?

Expectations?

Benefit vs Risk?

Objectives

Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
All incident information:
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
Further objectives
- All incident information:
- Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
- Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
- Protect Critical National Infrastructure and/or local critical infrastructure
- Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk

Tactical priorities

Implement a co-ordinated search plan, define parameters and sub-divide the area where necessary
Develop a plan based on Locate, Access, Stabilise, Transport (LAST) principles
Develop and communicate immediate release, emergency and full extrication plans
Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and instigate a triage process
Assign team roles and communicate to other responding agencies
Nominate a trained and competent first aider or casualty/trauma carer
All incident information:
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate risk and implement safe systems of work
Declare the tactical mode and communicate to all personnel and fire control
Instigate the completion of an analytical risk assessment and record significant findings
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the size and complexity of the incident
Further tactical priorities
- All incident information:
- Apply the firefighter safety maxim and safe person principles at operational incidents
- Identify and communicate the hazard area and establish a safe working area as soon as is practicable
- Anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
- Develop and communicate an incident plan considering contingencies arrangements
- Consider the competence of individuals and teams when allocating tasks
- Regularly review and update incident plan in response to active monitoring of the situation against expected outcomes
- Review the tactical mode following active monitoring and briefings with sector commanders
- Periodically review the analytical risk assessment using situational awareness from active monitoring
- Use the Joint Decision Model to co-ordinate an effective response at multi-agency incidents
- Identify the need to evacuate and develop a strategy in liaison with partner agencies
- Communicate emergency evacuation signal and muster point arrangements to all personnel
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- Carry out an environmental risk assessment and monitor the impact of tactics on the identified risk
- Consider appointing a search coordinator to ensure all areas have been systematically searched

Operational tactics

Deploy an appropriately sized team into confined or restricted areas for search and rescue tasks
Make a safe approach to the casualty and maintain a safe environment for all involved
Establish and maintain contact with the casualty
Protect casualties by physically isolating them from immediate harm where possible
Consider the need for immediate rescue or a means of securing the casualty
Assign suitably trained responders to carry out casualty assessment and provide treatment
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the size and complexity of the incident
Consider the management of any glass that might affect rescue operations
All incident information:
Gain access to premises causing minimal damage considering the urgency of the situation
Establish and resource a casualty care point
Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
When evacuation is necessary, identify the number of people affected and develop a plan
Further operational tactics
- All incident information:
- Consider the potential effects of incident development when positioning appliances
- Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and instigate a triage process
- Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
- Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk
- Use equipment and procedures to protect rope and other work at height equipment from damage when in use

Communication

Establish an effective system of communication considering distances and the working environment
Conduct regular communication checks to ensure equipment continues to function
Implement fallback procedures should there be a failure in the communications equipment
Maintain visual contact with responders working on structures and use agreed hand or whistle signals
Brief search teams on plans, parameters and casualty information, confirming understanding
Provide a structured handover when transferring casualty to medical responders
All incident information:
Establish and maintain an incident ground communication plan considering other agencies and remote resources
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Communicate the incident situation to other responders via fire control using the M\ETHANE message protocol
Provide a structured brief when handing over and taking over command
Communicate findings of analytical risk assessment to all personnel and other agencies
Further communication
- Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer
- Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
- All incident information:
- Identify best access route, rendezvous point (RVP) and marshalling area and communicate to all responders
- Communicate any change in the tactical mode of a sector of the incident to all personnel
- Communicate objectives, priorities and tactics to be adopted in resolving the incident
- Deliver clear, concise and timely briefings to crews, command support functions and other agencies
- Ensure all personnel are aware of the incident command structure and communication strategy
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer
- Use plain English to communicate information where a lack of common understanding exists
- Regularly pass information to fire control regarding incident progress
- Communicate emergency evacuation signal and muster point arrangements to all personnel
- Ensure that all appropriate environmental agencies are informed of the incident when required
- Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident

Control

Establish and control inner and outer cordons, taking into account items falling from height and wind conditions
Secure any unattended fall prevention systems to ensure they cannot be interfered with
All incident information:
Establish an incident command structure appropriate to the likely size and complexity of the incident
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established, identified and communicated following an assessment of risk to crews, other agencies and the public
Control access to the inner cordon using methods proportionate to the size and complexity of the incident
Appoint competent safety officers to monitor specific hazards or activities
Instigate a tactical withdrawal of personnel when the mode changes from offensive to defensive
Further control
- All incident information:
- Be prepared to adopt a leadership role at multi-agency incidents
- Establish a scene access control point to log all persons operating within the inner cordon when appropriate
- Consider the use of command support systems and equipment where required
- Monitor the performance of personnel and where necessary modify plans to available competencies
- Keep contemporaneous records and/or decision logs to capture key events, critical decisions and rationale
- Instigate a safety sector at large or complex incidents under the control of a safety sector commander
- Implement exclusion zones where intolerable risks to safety are identified
- Request the police to establish a traffic cordon where necessary
- Request an air exclusion zone through the appropriate authority if required
- Maintain effective command and control in an emergency situation and review incident priorities, tactics and resources
- Carry out a roll call of fire service and all other personnel at the scene following an emergency evacuation
- Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks

Incident closure and handover

Recognise the potential contamination of equipment and PPE and follow service procedures
Follow service protocols for post incident health surveillance and monitoring
All incident information:
Ensure that effective supervision of operational activity is maintained until the conclusion of the incident
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary
Ensure that hazards and risk controls are identified when handing over safety to the responsible person
Take measures to secure premises where no responsible person can be identified
Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
Consider community recovery protocols and arrange appropriate assistance prior to leaving the incident
Further incident closure and handover
- All incident information:
- Consider whether appliances, personnel, equipment and other resources can be released from the incident
- Conduct an inventory check and ensure equipment receives appropriate after use inspection and testing
- Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
- Consider the condition and serviceability of PPE when assessing operational readiness for redeployment
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- Gather relevant information for the incident recording system
- Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
- Record and share significant findings from incident debriefs
- When appropriate instigate a review of existing guidance following the use of operational discretion
- Ensure differences in information are resolved and systems updated following the closure of an incident
- Compile and secure all incident command paperwork (e.g. analytical risk assessment and decision logs)
- Ensure that waste products created by the fire and rescue service are disposed of legally and responsibly
- Follow service protocols for post incident health surveillance and monitoring
- Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary

Rescue from height

Incident information

Further incident information

Resource information

Further resource information

Risk information

Working environment

Unguarded edges

Weather conditions

Falling objects

Unstable structure or environment

Non-ionising radiation

Electricity

Working environment

Weather conditions

Noise

Heavy and bulky objects

Moving vehicles

Animals

Hazardous materials

Body fluids

Distressing or traumatic scenes

Violence and aggression

Powers, policies and procedures

Further powers, policies and procedures

Objectives

Further objectives

Tactical priorities

Further tactical priorities

Operational tactics

Further operational tactics

Communication

Further communication

Control

Further control

Incident closure and handover

Further incident closure and handover

Additional information