This Field Operations Guide contains specific information

on technical rescue procedures.

THIS GUIDE IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE!
It is intended to be used as a tool for training and for
quick field reference. Refer to current training manuals
and your department policies for detailed explanations.
There is no substitute for regular, quality, hands-on
training by a qualified instructor.

The techniques and procedures illustrated in this guide follow

NFPA standards and OSHA regulations as much as possible.
This guide can be used by rescuers at all skill levels but was
specifically developed for fully qualified technical rescue
technicians. Special operations are inherently dangerous and
serious injury or fatality may result from improper performance
of these techniques. The author accepts no responsibility for
damage, loss, injury or death resulting from information
contained in or omitted from this guide.

Thanks to the Phoenix Fire Department and everyone who helped

make this guide possible. Special thanks to my friend Ron Jamison for
helping to write this guide, Kathy Darrow for editing and to George
Drees, Ken Phillips and Jim Frank for great ideas and input.
This guide is dedicated to all those people who go the extra inch
every day to make themselves better rescuers.
This handbook is based on the Phoenix Fire Department and Arizona
State Fire Marshall’s Office technical rescue programs.

ISBN 0-9675238-4-2 Third Edition October 2003

Illustrations and text copyright ©1999-2003 Tom Pendley. All rights reserved.
No reproduction, storage or transmission without written permission of the author.
Published by Desert Rescue Research. Photos by Tom Pendley and Glenn Speight.
Cover art, text layout and design by Glenn Speight.
 Contents
Key procedures in red

NFPA Standards 2 Confined Space Rescue

Risk Management 3 Con Space Command Checklist 58
Incident Management 4 Con Space Definitions 60
Time Management 6 Con Space Entry Safety Checklist 61
Rope Rescue Personal Protective Equipment 62
Rope Command Checklist 7 Supplied Air Station Operation 63
Personal Protective Equipment 8 Remote Air Cart 64
Terrain Types 9 Communication Position 65
Mountain Rescue Decision Tree 10 Intercom 66
Basic Life Safety Knots 11 Atmospheric Monitoring 67
Load Releasing Hitch (LRH) 15 Ventilation 68
Personal Purcell Prusik System 16 Extrication Device 72
Self Rescue 18 Rescue Tripod and Winch 73
Patient Packaging 19 Winch Cable Setup 75
Low Angle Evacuation 20 Rescue Tripod and Pulley System 76
Anchor Systems 21 Aerial Apparatus 77
Back-Tie Anchors 23 Swiftwater Rescue
Directional Anchors 24 Swiftwater Command Checklist 79
Structural Anchors 25 Equipment 80
Fixed Belay for Edgemen 26 Swiftwater Rescue Comm 82
Edge Protection 27 Swiftwater Hazards 83
Tandem Prusik Belay Setup 28 Safe Swimming Position 84
Technical Evacuation 30 Shore-Based Rescue: Reach 85
Technical Evacuation Commands 33 Shore-Based Rescue: Throw 87
Technical Evacuation Lower 34 Shallow Water Crossing: Wade 89
Technical Evacuation Raise 35 Boat Operations: Row 91
Steep Angle Evacuation 36 Boat on Highline 94
High Angle Litter Rigging 37 Strong Swimmer Rescue: Go 97
High Angle Evacuation 38 Helicopters and Swiftwater 100
Mechanical Advantages 39 Trench Rescue
Ganged Mechanical Advantage 41 Trench Command Checklist 101
Conversion from Lower to Raise 42 Trench Incident Site Setup 103
Knot Passing 43 Trench Definitions 104
Mid-Face Litter Scoop 46 Trench Hazards 105
Rescue Pick-off 48 Hydraulic Speed Shore System 106
Rescuer Based Pick-off 50 Pneumatic Shore Placement 109
Team Based Pick-off 55 Timber Shore Step-by-Step 111
 Contents
Key procedures in red

Structural Collapse Helicopter Operations

Structural Collapse Checklist 116 Helo Ops Command Checklist 139
Task Level Checklist 117 Helicopter Flight Risk Score 140
SAR Marking System 119 Landing Zone Safety 141
Cut Station 121 Rescuer Safety 142
Material Capacities and Weights 123 Power On Insertions 143
Airbag Operation 124 Longline Use Decision Tree 145
T Spot Shore 125 Longline/Short Haul Procedures 146
Ellis Clamps 126 Capewell Release Mechanism 148
Two Post Vertical Shore 127 Litter Rigging for Longline 149
Laced Post Shore 128 Emergency Procedures 150
Alternate Door/Window Shore 129 Sling Loading Equipment 150
Standard Door / Window Shore 130 Rescue Medical Situations
60° and 45° Solid Sole Rakers 131 Crush Syndrome 151
Flying Raker 134 Suspension Trauma 152
Sloped Floor Shoring 135 Hypothermia 153
Appendices 154
Confined Space Rescue Command Checklist 58

Confined Space Command Checklist

Phase I: Size-up
Primary assessment
Secure witness or competent person
Identify immediate hazards
Location, number, condition of victims
Attempt contact
Secure entry permit
Secondary assessment
What type of space
Products in space
Hazards: atmospheric, mechanical, electrical
Diagram of space
Can non-entry retrieval be made?
Structural stability of space
Proper personnel and equipment on scene
Additional resources necessary
Atmospheric monitoring: ventilation, respiratory, retrieval
system
Rescue or recovery/survivability profile
Phase II: Pre-entry operations
Initiate Fire Department confined space rescue permit
Make general area safe
Establish perimeter
Evacuate if necessary
Traffic and crowd control
Make rescue area safe
Establish lobby control accountability
Test atmosphere: oxygen, flammable, toxic
Ventilate appropriately for space
Secure hazards: lock-out, tag-out
Action plan with back-up plan
Entry team ready
Back-up team in place
 Confined Space Command Checklist
Proper equipment
Personal protective equipment
Explosion proof lighting and communications
Respiratory system (SCBA, SABA)
Remote air monitoring
Personal atmospheric monitor
Class 3 harness
Rigging team
Tripod, davit or crane
Retrieval system with back-up system
Patient packaging devices
Air supply
Primary air supply
Back-up team air supply
Utility truck high pressure hook-up for refill of bottles
Pre-entry briefing
Advise each team of expected task
Discuss emergency procedures for each team
Provide each team with site briefing
Advise each team of time limits
Phase III: Entry and rescue operations
Entry system safety check
Make entry
Continual atmospheric monitoring
Constant communication with the entry team
Monitor ventilation system
Assist entry team with line management
Locate victim
Patient packaging and extrication
Phase IV: Termination
Personnel accountability report Secure scene
Remove tools and equipment Consider debriefing
Decontamination Call OSHA

Confined Space Rescue Command Checklist 59

Confined Space Rescue Definitions 60

Confined Space Rescue

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 applies to general industry and the
rescue service.
An OSHA confined space is defined as:
1. A space large enough for personnel to physically enter.
2. Not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
3. An area with limited entry and egress.
A confined space permit is required if the space has one or
more of the following hazards:
1. Atmospheric hazards.
2. Configuration hazard.
3. Engulfment hazard.
4. Any other recognized hazard.
Acceptable entry conditions
Oxygen between: 19.5% and 22.5%
Lower explosive limit (LEL): <10% of the LEL
Toxicity: < IDLH

Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)

Heat stress can quickly become a life threatening

!
hazard. Rotate crews frequently.

✓ Take the extra time to carefully manage all lines.

✓ Be sure to have the lobby/attendant take up all lines as the
entry team returns to the outside.
✓ Expect the atmosphere to suddenly become unsafe.
✓ Monitor the atmosphere continuously.
 Confined Space Entry Safety Checklist
TSO commands for confined space entry
Everyone take positions and prepare for entry checklist
Attendant ready? Attendant Ready
Retrieval ready? Retrieval ready
Entry team egress bottle pressures? Record pressure
Backup team egress bottle pressures? Record pressure
Personal air monitor on Monitor checks ok
Mechanical ventilation on Ventilation on
Air supply ready? Air supply ready
Entry team go on air On air
Primary comm check Primary comm OK
Secondary comm check Secondary OK
Primary light check Primary light OK
Secondary light check Secondary OK
Entry team ready? Entry team ready
Backup team ready? Backup team ready
System safety check, any problems? Solve any problems
Entry team make entry Making entry
Attendant note time of entry Time noted

Emergency checklist for backup/rescue team entry

Attendant ready? Attendant ready
Retrieval ready? Retrieval ready
Backup air supply ready? Air supply ready
Rescue team go on air On air
Personal air monitor on Monitor checks ok
Primary comm check Primary comm OK
Secondary comm check Secondary OK
Primary light check Primary light OK
Secondary light check Secondary light OK
Rescue team ready? Rescue team ready
Safety checks, any problems? Solve any problems
Rescue team make entry Making entry
Attendant note time of entry Time noted

Confined Space Safety Checklist 61

Confined Space Rescue Personal Protective Equipment 62

Personal Protective Equipment

SABA face
Intrinsically piece
safe light
Emergency
bypass
®
Nomex hood
Strap over
Full flash left shoulder
protection
Elbow pads

Egress bottle
air valve
1st stage
regulator
Egress bottle
on right hip
Prusik on air
line connected
to harness
Knee pads

Com line

Other items
Alternate light source
Backup comm
Personal air monitor

A confined space harness must have a dorsal connection ring.

✓ Egress time should not exceed egress bottle capacity!
 Supplied Air Station Operation
Setup
1. Assemble required equipment:
• Remote air carts
• SABA
• Up to 300 ft. (90m) of hose per rescuer
• Extra air bottles
2. Position air carts in close proximity to entry portal.
3. Stretch out all air hoses and unkink.
4. Connect hose to entry team connection port on air cart.
5. Stack hose in figure eight coils or long loops as each section
is connected.
6. Consider tagging each section of hose to identify rescuer.
7. Connect hose to rescuer SABA.
Air cart operation (air cylinders only)
1. Confirm that both air tanks are full and that respirator
regulator is turned fully counterclockwise.
2. Slowly turn on one of the two cylinders (primary). Alarm
should sound briefly at initial start-up.
3. Confirm that outlet gauge pressure is set between 60 and
120 psi. without respirators attached (pressure will vary
between different models of air supply cart).
4. When alarm sounds, open valve of secondary tank.
5. Alarm must stop before proceeding.
6. Close valve of used primary tank and replace with full tank.
SABA operation
1. Confirm that egress bottle is full.
2. Don SABA.
3. Keep egress bottle valve within easy reach at all times.
4. Connect air hose to first stage regulator.
5. Apply prusik to air hose and connect to harness.
6. Don face piece and test seal.
7. Don Nomex® hood and helmet.
8. Connect second stage regulator to mask.
9. Confirm operation of emergency bypass feature.

Confined Space Rescue Supplied Air Station 63

Confined Space Rescue Remote Air Supply Cart 64

Remote Air Supply Cart

Air cart handle

4500, 3000 or 2216 psi

air cylinders

High pressure
connection hoses

Pressure bleed

Low air alarm whistle

(alarm sounds at
between 500-600 psi)

High pressure inlet

Respirator inlet
pressure (0-4500 psi)
Respirator outlet
pressure regulator
Respirator outlet
pressure (60-120 psi)

Respirator outlets 1-4

Tool outlet pressure

Tool outlet regulator

Tool outlets
 Communication Position (Attendant)
Setup
1. Position intercom kit in close proximity to entry portal (watch
for hazardous atmosphere near the portal).
2. Stretch out comm line and un-kink.
3. Connect required number of comm line sections together.
4. If connectors will not lock into position, clean O ring mating
surfaces with moist rag.
5. Connect female end of comm line to command module.
6. Stack comm line so as to inhibit kinking problems.
7. Connect operator head set to operator connection port on
command module.
8. Determine whether entry team rescuer will use headset or
ear piece and throat mike.
9. Connect male end of comm line to rescuer.
10. Secure comm line to rescuer harness with small loop of
slack between harness and end connection.
11. Install batteries in command module and test.
Operation
1. The attendant is required to maintain constant
communication with the entry team.
2. The attendant can relay information to the TSO.
3. The TSO should not wear the headset unless it is a single
side headset.
4. Adjust volume controls, as necessary.
Backup plan
1. The backup team must have a dedicated communication and
air system.
2. Repeated contacts with entry team should be made via
radio.
3. Test radio at junction points.
4. If communications fail, attempt brief troubleshooting and
whistle or air horn signals (one long blast, repeat if
necessary).
5. If communications cannot be re-established within one
minute, send in the backup team.

Confined Space Rescue Communication Sector 65

Confined Space Rescue Intercom System 66

Intrinsically Safe Intercom System

Call button
Command module

Additional connection
ports with volume control On/off switch

Operator volume
control

Entry team
volume control

Operator
connection

Entry team
connection
Battery compartment
Have back-up batteries on hand!

ear piece Throat mike

Two prong connectors

Headset
Clothing clip
 Atmospheric Monitoring
Principles of air monitoring
• Calibrate and span meter according
to department procedures.
• If oxygen level is not normal,
flammability readings will be
affected.
• Spaces may have stratified
atmospheres, all levels of space
must be monitored.
• Allow for air intake in sampling
hose at approximately 1 second
per foot of hose.
• 10,000 parts per million = 1%.
• If oxygen reading is 1% low and it
is being displaced by a contaminant,
up to 5% of the total atmosphere
may consist of that contaminant
(50,000 ppm).
• Physical properties of a product
can be found in the NIOSH pocket
guide or MSDS.
• The calculated molecular weight of
air is 29.
Below is an example of estimating the flammability and
toxicity in a space in order to develop a victim survivability
profile. A meter may not be required if the physical properties
of the product are known.
Toluene Physical Properties 70°F (21°C) day
Flash point 40°F (4.5°C) >FP yes
Molecular weight 92 >29 yes
LEL 1.1% ≥ yes
UEL 7.1% ≥ unknown
IDLH 500 ppm est. ppm 11,000 ppm

✓ How long has the victim been down?

✓ Is this a body recovery?
Confined Space Rescue Air Monitoring 67
Confined Space Rescue Ventilation 68

Ventilation
Early and effective ventilation of the space may improve the
patient survival profile and will increase rescuer survivability
in the event of respirator failure.
The capacity of the fan in cubic ft. per minute (CFM) divided
into the volume of the space in cubic feet equals the time it
takes to exchange the air one time.
Intrinsically safe axial fan

Power switch

Air flow direction

Power cord

Individual fans
Duct flange rated in CFM

Flange retaining screws

✓ The ventilation goal is to exchange the air in the space as

many times as possible.
✓ Fan should be rated intrinsically safe and grounded.
✓ Place fans where they will have maximum effect, as close
to the hazard as possible, but outside the contaminated
area.
 Ventilation System Components
The axial fan is capable of positive and negative ventilation
depending upon which side the duct is connected. The fan
shown is only able to exhaust with the 16 in. duct. A soft
reducer coupling is not suitable for exhaust ventilation.
Know your equipment.

Intrinsically safe 16 in. flexible duct

axial fan

Soft reducer
coupling

8 in. flexible duct

Caution:
bends in ductwork
Manhole will reduce the
cover rated capacity of
the fan used

Saddle vent
Saddle retaining bracket
vent

Additional duct can be

added to increase
ventilation effectiveness

✓ Be extremely cautious when ventilating spaces with

known flammable atmospheres due to the potential of
the exhaust component reaching an ignition source.

Confined Space Rescue Ventilation 69

Confined Space Rescue Ventilation 70

Confined Space Ventilation

Supply Ventilation

Watch for
short circuiting

Best way to
furnish oxygen

Less risk of
fan providing
ignition source

Extra duct can help direct

Exhaust Ventilation contaminants and prevent
recirculation

Best way to ventilate

flammable or toxic
atmospheres

Works well with heavy

contaminants

Must have hard duct

Watch for recirculation

 Confined Space Ventilation
Look for other openings
to make ventilation more Consider whether the
effective contaminant is heavy
or light and set up
ventilation accordingly

Supply Ventilation

Use ducting to reach

all areas of the space

Always consider where

the contaminated exhaust
is going and if it will pose
an additional hazard

Supply/Exhaust Ventilation
Combination supply/exhaust
ventilation is most effective

Confined Space Rescue Ventilation 71

Confined Space Rescue Extrication Device 72

Extrication Device
Application
1. Apply cervical collar and maintain spinal stabilization.
2. Position extrication device behind patient and under arms.
3. Release strap retaining flaps one at a time as each strap is
applied.
4. Loosely fasten chest straps.
5. Fasten shoulder straps.
6. Fasten groin straps.
7. Have patient take a breath and tighten chest straps.
8. Tighten shoulder and groin straps.
9. Fasten forehead and chin straps.
10. Connect lifting strap to lifting points.
Integral head
block

Forehead
strap

Chin strap

Use cervical collar

if cervical injury
is suspected

Shoulder straps

Lifting points

Chest straps

Groin straps
 Rescue Tripod and Winch
Setup
1. Remove the tripod from its carry case and stand upright.
2. Move each leg outward into the working position.
3. Slide legs up into the headpiece to engage the leg locks.
4. Remove the winch from its case.
5. Position the winch onto the fixed pin on the tripod leg
mounting bracket.
6. Tilt the winch against the mounting bracket and insert the
detente pin into the detente pin hole.
7. Place the crank handle on the low speed shaft.
8. With an assistant, reverse the winch and reel out
approximately 8 ft. (2.5m) of cable.
9. Remove the cable retaining pins from the headpiece.
10. Place the cable over both guide wheels.
11. Replace the cable retaining pins.
12. Lower the counterweight until it is near ground level.
13. With three rescuers, adjust the height of each leg and
install the leg adjustment pins.
14. Install and adjust the leg anti-spread chain.
15. Position the tripod over the opening.
Operation
1. Attach the crank handle to either the low-speed or
high-speed shaft.
2. To raise, crank handle in the direction that it will move.
3. To lower, slightly raise and simultaneously apply downward
pressure to the ratchet brake lever.
4. Lower cable while holding the ratchet brake lever in the
down position.

! A rescue tripod is free standing and can easily collapse

or tip over if used incorrectly.
✓ Do not apply any lateral force to the tripod.
✓ Always use a separate belay line that does not go through
a high directional on the tripod.

Confined Space Rescue Tripod 73

Confined Space Rescue Tripod 74

Rescue Tripod and Winch

Leg locks

350 lb. (160 kg) Eyebolt anchor

load max point

Counterweight

Two-speed
cable winch

Hook

Leg adjustment Do not

pins anchor CD
to tripod feet

Two position
foot

Leg anti-spread chain

 Winch Cable Setup
Cable retaining pins

Headpiece Cable guide

wheels

Leg locks
Eyebolt
anchor point

Side View of Winch

Cable drum

Crank handle
(on low speed shaft)

High speed shaft

Detent pin

Ratchet brake lever

Confined Space Rescue Winch 75

Confined Space Rescue Tripod and Pulley System 76

Rescue Tripod and Pulley System

Double sheave
pulley
Pulley body Tripod head

Cam
lockout pin Anchor point

Cam Confined space

rescue pulley
Cord guide system (4:1 CD)
Cam release Cam release
cord cord for
lowering

Leg adjustment Do not

pins anchor CD
to tripod feet

Two position
foot

Leg anti-spread chain

Belay
Do not run belay through top of tripod

✓ Do not apply any lateral force to the tripod.

✓ Always use a separate belay line that does not go through
a high directional on the tripod.
 Aerial Apparatus as High Anchor Point
An aerial apparatus can create a safe and effective anchor
point for a rescue system but can fail catastrophically if not
done properly.
1. Spot apparatus as close to work area as possible.
2. Position tip of aerial directly over intended work area.
3. Check tip capacity chart on turn table to ensure that the
aerial can support at least 500 lbs. (227kg) at that angle and
extension.
4. If within capacity, return aerial to ground and rig anchor point
and system.
5. Always keep haul force and system components in line with
the center of the aerial. Lateral force on the aerial can cause
structural failure.
6. Re-position aerial over work area.
7. Rig belay at separate anchor point.
8. Lift only one person at a time and never rotate, extend or
retract the aerial with a person on the system. The aerial is
to be used as an anchor point only!
Aerial apparatus
fly section

20 ft. (6m) 1 in.

tubular webbing

Anchor plate

Confined space Belay anchored separately

rescue pulley from the high anchor point
system

Pad for belay

at lip of opening

Confined Space Aerial Apparatus 77

Confined Space Aerial Apparatus 78

Aerial Apparatus as High Anchor Point

1. Create the anchor point on a
standard aerial to distribute 2
weight between both beams
and at least 2 rungs.
2. Lay a 20 ft. (6m) webbing over
both rails and pull up ends
through adjacent rungs.
3. Tie with overhand bend. 1
4. Clip steel carabiner through
both loops at point marked
1 and pull down.
5. Clip second steel carabiner 2
through each loop marked
2 and pull down.

6. Attach anchor plate to

carabiners as shown.