
Rescue of trapped person
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
ARCHIVE - Ascertain the likely numbers of people affected and the impact on responders accessing the scene
Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
Carry out testing and monitoring of the atmosphere and use the results to inform the incident plan
Identify any hazardous materials signage and other indicators as part of scene survey
Request adequate resources to enable effective search and timely extrication of casualties
Consider requesting external specialist resources appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Request medical support at rescue incidents as soon as a need is identified
Confirm that required agencies have been requested or notified (e.g. Police, Ambulance, environmental agencies)
Request attendance of heavy or specialist rescue equipment (consider other agencies and USAR)
Consider requesting hazardous area response teams (HART), Special Operations Response Team (SORT) or equivalent for bariatric rescue bariatric rescue
Consider requesting specialist resources for detection, identification and monitoring (DIM)
Consider isolating sources of noise
Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
Consider establishing an equipment, tool, debris or personnel areas
Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
Consider the effects of geography on equipment logistics, casualties and the welfare of personnel
Be aware of security systems and devices which could potentially isolate personnel in hazard areas
Assess and continuously monitor the structure for signs of collapse
Consider requesting advice on structural integrity from local authority building control teams or USAR Tac Ad
Consider requesting specialist tactical advice and resources for shoring
Ensure that no person shall enter a confined space unless it is not reasonably practicable to achieve without such entry
Identify the location of suitable access and egress routes before committing crews to a confined space
Consider implementing a tag line system to assist in tracing and locating personnel working in confined spaces
Isolate any utilities that may affect the incident or crew safety, and secure against reconnection
Implement high-voltage safe system of work if a yellow 'danger of death' sign present
Consider isolating the power supplies, considering the impact on any critical systems
Take precautions when carrying metal ladders or other operational equipment; these should be carried horizontally and as low to the ground as possible
Liaise with the responsible person or process expert to obtain specialist advice on machinery involved
Consider Isolating power supplies to on-site machinery
Only competent persons should be used to operate site machinery
Use any work equipment or safety device provided in accordance with training and instructions
Ensure that competent personnel assess and monitor the suitability of the structure for working in the hazard area
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
Consider extrication methods which do not require the use of tools or equipment
Ensure all personnel wear PPE according to service risk assessment and procedures for rescue incidents
Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling
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
Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
Identify and contact the responsible person to understand incident factors and history
Identify any hazardous materials signage and other indicators as part of scene survey
Carry out testing and monitoring of the atmosphere and use the results to inform the incident plan
Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Why? | Expectations? | Benefit vs Risk? |
Develop a plan based on Locate, Access, Stabilise, Transport (LAST) principles
Develop and communicate immediate release, emergency and full extrication plans
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Stay 1 metre from live parts of the system when performing a rescue of person in contact with live electricity
Consider benefits to casualty of immediate extrication or medical attention in-situ
Stabilise life threatening injuries or conditions and maintain casualty care throughout incident
Extricate the casualty considering their injuries and overall threat to life
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Stay 1 metre from live parts of the system when performing a rescue of person in contact with live electricity
Ensure that everyone on the incident ground is fully briefed on the current hazards, specific risks and control measures including other agencies and organisations
Share situational awareness and establish a joint understanding of risk with other agencies
Appoint competent safety officers to monitor specific hazards or activities
Commit only minimum number of essential personnel to hazard area
Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
Carry out and formally record analytical risk assessments at suitable intervals
Communicate findings of analytical risk assessment to all personnel and other agencies