Rescue Operations and Emergency Response
What the exam tests
Rescue Operations and Emergency Response tests scene assessment, rescue sequencing, rope systems, extrication, confined-space and height rescue, and casualty handling.
Core rules
- Rescue sequence: scene safety, access, stabilise, disentangle, extricate and transport. Never become a casualty: isolate power, shore trenches and monitor atmospheres.
- Rope rescue: anchors must be strong and independent; use a main line and belay; knots such as bowline, figure-eight and clove hitch must be dressed and set.
- Mechanical advantage: a 3:1 system with ideal pulleys needs one-third of the load; friction reduces this. Always calculate with a safety factor.
- Vehicle extrication: stabilise the vehicle, disconnect the battery, manage glass, then cut at designated points.
- Triage uses categories such as immediate, delayed, minor and expectant, and is dynamic as casualties change.
Worked example
A 300 kg load is raised with a 3:1 mechanical advantage system. Ignoring friction, effort = 300 / 3 = 100 kg. With 20% friction, the effective advantage is lower, so plan for about 120 kg and use a belay. Reasoning: divide load by advantage, then add friction; never rate a system at its theoretical maximum.
Traps
Using a single anchor without backup; tying an unset bowline; entering a confined space before atmosphere testing; moving a casualty before spinal control; cutting into high-strength steel or gas struts on a vehicle.