by: Donnie Viloria
Photos provided by Brandon Barsugli
FALL 2015 RIVER/FLOOD
RESCUE CLASS IN LAUGHLIN
Last December, County Fire members traveled once
again to Laughlin, Nev., to teach River and Flood Rescue
on the Colorado River. The three-day course serves to
introduce students to moving water emergencies, selfrescue and low-to-high risk rescue options associated with
surface water rescue incidents. The course was conducted
five miles downstream of Laughlin near Big Bend State Park,
taking advantage of the unique formations of riverine islands.
These islands serve to provide a “river left” orientation when
setting up certain rescue techniques.
Students are afforded great opportunities for experiential learning during the
river and flood rescue class. The course is one full day of classroom lecture
with two full days of hands-on skills practice. The essential skills include:
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Personal Protective Equipment
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Use of Throw Bags
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Defensive/Offensive Swimming/Use of Ferry Angles
Shallow Water Crossing Techniques
Live Bait Rescue
Combat Swim for Victim Contact Rescues
Rescue Boards
Basic Boat Operations
Of special note during this class was the partnership developed
The SBSD has established a river and flood rescue awareness
Team. In response to the looming El Niño-related winter weather
basic water rescue tools to assist if the need should arise.
with the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Dive Rescue
conditions, SBSD sent some 15 regular sworn deputies with dive
program with our help. Deputies in all patrol vehicles now carry
rescue responsibilities to the course. Although our organizations
The water level this year allowed for the quick setup of a “strainer”
we do share similar actions in response to moving water
and/or practice defensive/offensive swimming techniques in order
have widely different responsibilities during day-to-day operations,
emergencies. Currently the normal response for the sheriff is to
quickly dispatch a deputy to the scene, assess for victim viability
from the point last scene and to announce current conditions.
Additional dive rescue deputies can then be requested to affect
a rescue or recovery. It is important for SBCoFD responders
to request sheriff divers early to augment rescue resources.
prop that all students could use to simulate becoming stuck on
to ultimately avoid the strainer. Strainers are any obstruction
which water will go through but will trap potential rescuers or
swimming victims due to the currents force.
With the looming El Niño predictions, public safety responders
must be vigilant in preparing for moving water emergencies.
Sizing up the Scene, Hazard
Assessment and Initial Size-up
On arrival there are a number of issues with
which the incident commander and staff must
immediately address on any flood response:
1. Make sure that all bystanders are a safe distance from the
edge of the river.
2. Make sure that all rescue personnel within 15 feet (four
4. Post “back-up” rescuers downstream, with throw lines,
bags and possibly boats in the event that something goes
wrong during the rescue.
meters) of the edge are wearing minimal PPE: a personal
flotation device, lightweight shoes and lightweight rain gear.
NO fire protective clothing or fire helmets are to be used in this
“warm” zone. Turnout gear and fire helmets are inappropriate
and potentially dangerous in moving water.
5. Appoint a safety officer as part of the command staff. This
3. Establish “spotters,” preferably on both sides, upstream far
during the incident, particularly at night. No personnel should
work alone.
enough so that they can give adequate warning, by whistle or
radio, of debris coming down on the rescue scene.
safety person should be among the most knowledgeable
members of the department regarding flood rescue, and
should have an ability to spot potential dangers early.
6. Conduct and maintain personnel accountability checks
7. Consider environmental issues: water level rising or
dropping, weather forecast, night operations, water moving
through urban areas and the possibility of hazardous
materials in water (if so, take water samples for later
evaluation).
All SBCoFD responders must adhere to the guidelines
established in Operations Directive 3012. Before
undertaking any rescue or recovery make sure that
you have a minimum of five river/flood rescue trained
technicians on scene. Call for additional rescue resources
early in the incident to minimize threats to civilians and
public safety responders alike.
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FIREWIRE • Winter 2016
Winter 2016 • FIREWIRE
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