Rescue Operations
This section covers Rescue Operations: safe, systematic extrication and technical rescue. The exam tests scene management, vehicle stabilisation, glass management, space creation, water rescue, height rescue and confined-space principles.
Core principles
- Establish inner and outer cordons, a rendezvous point and a safety officer; integrate with ambulance and police under JESIP.
- Stabilise before entry: chock and strap vehicles, isolate batteries and fuel, and manage glass.
- Create space before cutting; protect the casualty and use controlled techniques.
- Water rescue follows talk, reach, throw, wade, row, go; untrained go is a last resort.
- Confined spaces require avoidance, gas monitoring, a permit, BA and a rescue plan before entry.
Worked example
A car on its side with a trapped driver and a fuel leak. The crew stabilises the vehicle, isolates the battery, manages glass, sets a fire cover jet and creates space for a paramedic. Extrication follows casualty care. Reasoning: an unstable vehicle or ignition risk can turn a rescue into a second casualty; stabilisation and access come before cutting.
Traps
Entering a confined space without a plan; working under an unstabilised vehicle; breaking glass without control; committing to water without reach or throw equipment; neglecting the safety officer.