Swift water rescue

The immediate area of operations at the incident is divided into three zones of operation: "Cold", "Warm", and "Hot". Certain requirements regarding training and personal protective equipment (PPE) exist for personnel operating within these three zones. The Cold Zone is considered to be anything greater than 15 feet (4.6 m) from the water's edge,. Awareness Level personnel shall approach no closer than the Cold zone. The Warm Zone begins 15 feet from the water's edge, and ends at the water's edge. Personnel operating in the Warm Zone shall be trained to the Operations Level, and must wear a properly fitted and secured personal flotation device (PFD). The Hot Zone refers to any and all activities taking place in the water. These activities shall be performed by personnel trained to the Technician Level, provided they are wearing a properly fitted and secured personal flotation device.

In order to provide for the safety of both the rescuer and victim, a low to high risk algorithm has evolved for the implementation of various rescue methods in Swift Water Rescue. Under times of stress, the implementation of this algorithm helps to prevent a rescuer from endangering himself and the victim, thus providing a sound, step-by-step approach when effecting a rescue. As the algorithm progresses, the danger and threat to rescuer and victim increase. The algorithm is, "Talk", "Reach", "Wade", "Throw", "Helo", "Row", "Go", and "Tow" (this has been changed due to the increased safety of helicopter operations and the increased deaths of rescuers in boats). While it is safest to talk a victim into performing a self-rescue, there exists a substantial increase in danger once a rescuer enters the water. "Talk" refers to the dialogue that takes place between the rescuer and victim, and includes the rescuer directing the victim in methods of self-rescue, such as swimming to shore. If unsuccessful, the rescuer will attempt to "Reach" with an object, such as a tree branch, paddle, or pole, to the victim, so that the victim can be pulled to safety.

Usage of a throw bag in a swift water rescue exercise

Since the laminar flow of a moving body of water carves the path of movement, it experiences friction caused by resistance along the shallows and outer or higher banks, and travels at a slower speed at the edges than the center. Therefore, a rescuer often has the opportunity to wade along the banks of a moving body of water to more easily "talk" to, or "reach" the victim. 80% of moving water rescues are effected using throw bags and other throw devices.[1] A rescuer can "throw" a throw bag or other throw device from a boat, stable platform, or dry land, or may elect to wade into the shallows and then initiate a throw. "Row" includes, but is not limited to, all forms of boat-based operations. This includes a boat on a highline Tyrolean with a midpoint drop and two- and four-5point boat on tether systems.

In certain situations, such as an unconscious patient, one might "go and tow" the victim back to shore. Unlike other methods of rescue, the rescuer now enters the water in a swimming capacity. This method of rescue is also referred to as a "live bait rescue", where the rescuer swims to the aid of the victim while tethered to a team member at an anchor point, very much like bait on a hook at the end of a fishing pole. For example, a parent with children trapped in a vehicle in flowing water that needs to extricate and control scared or injured children on to the roof of the vehicle (there is a greater than 50% chance of dying in a vehicle that is flooded). If that platform (car, rock, bridge, roof etc.) becomes unstable or begins to succumb to rising water, that rescuer may need to tow a victim to the shore, eddy or pre-planned egress point. Towing rescues are extremely difficult and require training with a practiced rescuer as a victim. Actual tows with scared, hypothermic, exhausted, injured or panicked victims are extremely difficult and dangerous for both parties and should be left to rescuers well versed in proper rescuer/victim communication, holds, and swimming techniques. When a victim is not accessible from any of the previous rescue methods, resources permitting, a helicopter rescue may be attempted. A helicopter, or "helo", is a stable rescue platform from which a variety of rescue methods can be initiated. While the helicopter must be equipped for rescue work, the crew must be equipped, trained and well practiced in the art of swift water rescue

Additionally there are more specialised ratings such as:

• White water Rescue Technician for the River Professional: For swift water/white water professionals, for whom rescue scenarios may be encountered on a daily basis;
• Dive Rescue - NFPA 1006, Chapter 13: Provides Level I and Level II standards for technical rescuers working underwater;
• Ice Rescue - NFPA 1006, Chapter 14: Provides Level I and Level II standards for technical rescuers working water incidents also involving ice;
• Surf Rescue - NFPA 1006, Chapter 15: Provides Level I and Level II standards for technical rescuers working in tidal or ocean water'
• Motorized Boat Operations: Teaches specialized boat handling and operation for rescue personnel and includes flood hazards and swift water maneuvering.