Urban Volunteer

Senior
Firefighter

Module 6
Rescue
 3

Contents
Status of this document About this module 4

Introduction 5
This document is issued by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Recommendations for change: Topic 1: Risks of general rescue 6

Training encourages and welcomes feedback on all their materials. Risks caused by people 6
Risks caused by adverse weather 8
Recommendations for changes to this material should be sent to Training using the Risks caused by natural disasters 11
Training Feedback Form on The Portal.
Topic 2: Risks of confined space rescue 12
Confined space rescue guidelines 12
Equipment used in confined space rescue 13
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to The Portal. Risks 15
Trench rescue 16
Document title:
Topic 3: Risks of other specialised rescues 17
Urban Volunteer Senior Firefighter
Water rescue 17
Module 6: Rescue
Machinery rescue 18
Published: February 2013 Amended: July 2016, December 2017
Rescue around electrical equipment 18
© Fire and Emergency New Zealand – Training Caring for animals during animal rescue 19
If you wish to copy or reproduce any of the material in this document, please contact:
Glossary 22
Team Leader, Learning and Development
Training
PO Box 2133
Wellington 6140

Urban Volunteer Senior Firefighter | Module 6: Rescue

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About this module Introduction

Aim: To be able to manage low-level incidents where rescue You should already know most of the rescue techniques that
must be carried out. you will use as a senior firefighter. There are, however, a few
new things you need to know about.
In this module, you will learn how to:
As a senior firefighter, you may be in charge of a rescue
• recognise the risks Topic 1: Risks of general rescue incident with a single crew. You need to know what rescues
associated with general, Topic 2: Risks of confined space you can do with a single crew and how to carry these out, and
confined space and other rescue when to call for specialist assistance. You especially need to
specialised rescues
be aware of the specific risks around different types of rescues
• deal with animals during Topic 3: Risks of other specialised and what can cause these risks.
animal rescue rescues

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Topic 1: Risks of general rescue

Topic 1: Risks of general rescue

Risks are present in many different kinds of rescue situations, These are the main risks involving people you need to think about
so you should always be aware of them. As a senior NOTE when performing a rescue.
firefighter, you may be in charge of a crew carrying out a
rescue. Before initiating any action, you need to: Risk Cause of risk
Correct use of PPE and
you could get injured or • the casualty is panicking and
equipment and correct
• do an initial risk assessment become infected moving around wildly
training will always help to
reduce risk. • bystanders are anxious and want
• assess the skills of your personnel
to help
• assess your equipment • the casualty is vomiting or
bleeding
When managing the incident, you need to follow a cautious
• the casualty is drugged or drunk
step-by-step process using the Dynamic Risk Assessment and violent
(DRA).
• you could be assaulted by
This topic helps you to recognise the more common risks bystanders who don’t like the
that are present in rescue. You should manage these risks way you are treating the casualty
by eliminating, isolating or minimising them, including • you could injure yourself by
considering the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), using incorrect lifting techniques
equipment and training. or lifting a casualty without
enough help

Risks caused by people the casualty could make their

own injuries worse
• the casualty is panicking and
moving around wildly

In any rescue, the person being rescued and the bystanders can be a you could make the casualty’s • moving the casualty when
potential hazard. This section focuses on risks involving people. injuries worse they shouldn’t be moved, for
LINK
example, if you suspect a spinal
injury
KEY WORDS
For information on • not moving the casualty when
bystanders people who are nearby but not involved in techniques to use when they are in a dangerous position,
an incident lifting and moving casualties, for example, where they may be
see: hit by traffic

• Urban Volunteer Recruit bystanders could get injured • bystanders are anxious and want
Programme, Module 3: to help
Safety and Wellbeing
• the casualty is panicking and
• Urban Volunteer Recruit moving around wildly
Programme first aid
course

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Topic 1: Risks of general rescue Topic 1: Risks of general rescue

Risks caused by adverse weather These are the main risks you need to think about when performing a
rescue in adverse weather.

Adverse weather means dangerous weather where people can be Risk Cause of risk
harmed by it. This can include: LINK
hypothermia • freezing temperatures
• extreme temperatures
• crossing open water
• snow For basic information • heavy rain
on adverse weather and
natural disasters, see • strong winds
Urban Volunteer Recruit
Programme Module 13: hyperthermia • extreme heat
General Rescue, Topic 4:
Special services. injury from slipping • ice
• mud
• flooding, including tsunamis
• avalanches
• mud and debris on land
• damaged structures
• heavy rain

injury from falling or flying • avalanches

• floods debris (including vehicles,
• strong wind, including tornadoes
SAFETY NOTE equipment and people)
• heavy rain

Be very careful when • landslides

standing in fast-flowing • snow
water. As the water travels
faster, the force it exerts infection • water that has come into contact
against you will greatly with sewage or chemicals
increase.
continued over page

• tornadoes KEY WORDS

NOTE debris pieces of broken material left behind by
a fire, explosion, storm, flood or other
disaster
Light objects with a large
surface area are especially
dangerous in high winds
(for example, roofing and
cladding material).

• cyclones

• storms

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Topic 1: Risks of general rescue Topic 1: Risks of general rescue

injury or drowning from losing • speed and volume of water Risks caused by natural disasters
control in the water
• rescuers exceeding their ability
in the water
Natural disasters include volcanic activity, earthquakes and tsunamis.
• hidden hazards, such as LINK
manholes without covers This section focuses on the risks you may face as a senior firefighter
after an earthquake has struck. These are the main risks you need to
• rapidly rising water
think about when performing a rescue after an earthquake.
• muddy or unclear water For basic information on
what to do in all types
• debris in the water of natural disasters, see
Urban Volunteer Recruit
crushing injuries • falling trees or branches Programme, Module 13:
General Rescue.
• collapsing structures

electrocution • broken or fallen power lines

Earthquake damage

Risk Cause of risk

poisoning or infection • hazardous materials

• contaminated water

• collapsing buildings
injury
• damaged structures
• aftershocks

• exposed, broken or fallen

electrocution
electrical wires
• live electrical equipment

KEY WORDS
contaminated made unsafe by being mixed with a
dangerous or poisonous substance

Training Log Activity: Risks of general rescue

When you are ready, complete the activity about the risks of general rescue in your Training and
Consolidation Log.

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Topic 2: Risks of confined space rescue

Topic 2: Risks of confined space rescue

Confined space rescue guidelines Equipment used in confined space
rescue
SAFETY NOTE
Equipment used in confined space rescue should be on the incident
ground before commencing the rescue. If all the equipment is not
Use BA in spaces where
available, consider applying the snap rescue process.
you do not know if the air is
breathable.
To carry out a confined space
rescue effectively, the following
equipment may be useful:

SAFETY NOTE • stretchers

If the confined space itself

is dangerous, all those
inside should wear rescue
harnesses with a lifeline
leading to the point of entry.
• thermal imaging camera

This may help you find people

or heat sources at the incident.

Here are the key points you should keep in mind about confined space
rescue: SAFETY NOTE
• gas-monitoring equipment
• be aware of the risks ACTION
Unless performing a snap
This is equipment that checks
rescue, never enter a
• use gas-detection equipment if possible the gas levels in the air and
flammable or explosive If your brigade has a Pump
will sound an alarm if the level
atmosphere in a confined Rescue Tender, find out
• wear suitable PPE, including breathing apparatus (BA) is too high for you to breathe
space. about the gas-monitoring
safely.
equipment it carries and
• make sure you know what the plan of action is If you are carrying out a snap
how to use it. If your brigade
rescue in these conditions,
does not have gas-detection
• use the right equipment, including making sure all equipment is IS if do not carry any electrical
equipment, identify the
the atmosphere is flammable or explosive devices or equipment that • lines
nearest appliance that
is not labelled IS, including
carries it.
• use safe working practices mobile phones, pagers,
radios, torches and watches.
• keep up communication with other team members during all stages
of the rescue

After the incident, participate actively in the debriefing.

• cordon tape
KEY WORDS
debriefing team meeting, usually soon after
completion of an incident, where members
give direct feedback about the incident
(what went well and what did not go well)
IS intrinsically safe, safe to use around
flammable gas

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Topic 2: Risks of confined space rescue Topic 2: Risks of confined space rescue

• torch Risks

Being aware of risks is especially important in high-risk situations.

NOTE
These are the main risks you need to think about when going into a
confined space incident.
The Officer in Charge (OIC)
Risk Cause of risk Fire will reduce the risk by
lowering the consequences
• ladders asphyxia from irrespirable • vegetation or other material
or the likelihood of the risk.
LINK atmosphere or oxygen going rotten
deficiency
• a lot of grain, sand or other fine
material is present in the space
• fans
For further information on
• gas of any kind has been used
ladders, see Urban Volunteer
Fans ventilate the space to in, stored in or leaked into the
Recruit Programme, Module
remove contaminants and heat space
9: Ladder Skills.
from the atmosphere and to
• concrete has been recently
bring in fresh air. This helps to
poured in the space
maintain a safe atmosphere in
the confined space.
poisoning from toxic • gas of any kind has been used
atmosphere in, stored in or leaked into the
space

Improvised equipment carbon monoxide poisoning • internal combustion engines

operating in the space

Because confined space rescue has such a high level of risk, you fall injuries • unstable structures and footing
should not improvise equipment unless lives are at risk and you have • poor visibility
no other options.
blast injuries from explosive • flammable gas has been used
If you have to improvise equipment, you can use the standard atmosphere in, stored in or leaked into the
equipment held on the appliance. For example, you can use ladders, space LINK
key and bar, and line to improvise a lifting device.
• use of equipment such as
If you are using standard equipment to improvise, be careful not to welding tools
For basic information on
exceed the safety loading of the equipment.
risks and hazards, and the
infection from biological • sewer pipes
distinction between them,
KEY WORDS hazards
• drains see Urban Volunteer Recruit
Programme, Module 4: Safe
atmosphere the air in an area or locality • offal pits
Person Concept, Topic 2:
• bodily fluids Hazards and risks.
• waste storage, such as
dumpsters and tips
• water, soil or debris
• rotting vegetation or other
material

claustrophobia and/or panic • small dark space

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Topic 2: Risks of confined space rescue

Topic 3: Risks of other specialised

rescues
Trench rescue
As a senior firefighter, you need to be aware of the risks
Trench rescue is a specialised form of confined space rescue. involved in different types of rescues. This topic describes SAFETY NOTE
the risks you need to know relating to:
Remember the Safe Person
Risks • water rescue
Concept (SPC). Do not
become a casualty yourself.
• machinery rescue
These are the main risks you need to think about when going into a
trench rescue. • rescue around electrical equipment

• animal rescue
Risk Cause of risk

asphyxia from oxygen

deficiency
• gas build up in trench
Water rescue
• sides of trench falling in

poisoning from toxic • gas build up in trench As a senior firefighter, you may be involved in water-related activities,
atmosphere which may include rescuing people or animals from water. Water
rescues are extremely high risk and should be left to specialists
injury from unstable structures • sides of trench falling in wherever possible. Crews should only carry out a water rescue if there
is no other organisation present and if a DRA has been carried out.
infection • sewer pipes
The most dangerous risk of water rescue is rescuers losing control in
• bodily fluids the water. This is usually caused by rescuers exceeding their ability
• waste storage, such as and/or not having the appropriate equipment. A large number of
dumpsters and tips deaths in water rescues are of rescuers.
• water, soil or debris
• rotting vegetation or other General risks of water rescue
material

These are the main risks you need to think about when performing a
water rescue.

Risk Cause of risk

drowning or injury from rescuer • exceeding training ability

losing control in the water
• not having appropriate
equipment, including wearing
personal flotation devices

hypothermia • cold water temperature

• not getting proper medical care
for yourself or a casualty after a
water rescue

infection • water that has come into contact

with sewage or chemicals

Training Log Activity: Risks of confined space rescue

When you are ready, complete the activity about the risks of confined space rescue in your Training
and Consolidation Log.

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Topic 3: Risks of other specialised rescues Topic 3: Risks of other specialised rescues

Undertaking water rescue Caring for animals during animal

rescue
If you are called to a water rescue incident, you need to examine the
situation carefully and carry out a DRA. In most cases, you should not
be carrying out water rescue. You should call for specialist assistance As a senior firefighter, you are likely to take an active role in animal rescue.
and try to stabilise the incident as much as you can. LINK
This topic describes the risks rescuers may face in animal rescue
There may be some circumstances where you will be tasked to situations.
undertake a water rescue. You need to know your own abilities and
For information on potential
be confident in applying the SPC. If you believe the task exceeds your If you are not trained in animal rescue, your responsibilities are to:
hazards of animal rescue,
skill level, report to your OIC Fire and ask to be excused from the role.
see Urban Volunteer
• safeguard the scene
Qualified Firefighter
Machinery rescue • carry out immediate measures to protect lives
Programme, Module 13:
General Rescue, Topic 5:
Animal rescue.
• call for assistance
As a senior firefighter, you need to be aware of the risks associated
with machinery rescue and what can cause these risks. You need to know what you can do to help the animal before and
during rescue, and what the animal needs from you.
Risk Cause of risk

injury from the machinery • the machinery has not been

starting during the rescue isolated properly

injury from parts of the • inadequate cribbing or blocking

machinery springing back has been done on the machinery
together during the rescue

Rescue around electrical equipment

As a senior firefighter, you may be involved in rescuing people at

incidents involving electricity. LINK

Crews should only carry out a rescue involving electricity if a DRA has
been carried out.
For further information on
Plan ahead
the risks of electricity, see
The main risk of incidents involving electricity is electrocution.
the Urban Volunteer Recruit
Rescuing an animal, especially a large animal, can have many risks,
Programme, Bridging
so it is important that you think carefully about how you will approach
Module, Topic 2: Electrical
Risk Cause of risk the incident. You need to have a plan and follow it.
hazards.
electrocution • touching the electrical conductor Your brigade may need to develop a local procedure that identifies
where local support and advice can be sourced from, such as vets,
• fallen wires automatically
local authorities, animal control, the SPCA and so on.
becoming live during the rescue
• dislodged or moving overhead Expert support can also come from within your crew.
wiring
• step distance voltages KEY WORDS
large animal any animal that needs more than two
rescuers to easily lift or handle it for removal
to a safe place

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Topic 3: Risks of other specialised rescues Topic 3: Risks of other specialised rescues

Working around animals Risks of animal rescues

When animals are frightened, they are likely to strike out or try to run You need to be aware of the risks involved in animal rescues so you
away. This is often because they think you are a threat and are trying NOTE can manage these risks. LINK
to hurt them or their young.
These are the main risks you need to think about when performing a
If you can calm the animal down, the whole incident is likely to be safer rescue involving animals.
Most animals are more For further information on
for the animal and for you.
sensitive than humans to animal rescue, refer to the
high-pitched sound. Yelling animal rescue Operational
When you are planning an animal rescue, keep the following things in Risk Cause of risk
at or near an animal may Instruction on The Portal.
mind.
cause it to kick, charge or
you could be injured by an • frightened or upset animals
try to escape.
• Be aware not to exceed your crew members’ ability and level of animal
• large animals
comfort (or your own) with animals. Remember: your crew members
have the right to refuse to carry out a task if they are not confident • nearby animals NOTE
in their abilities.
animals could injure • frightened or upset animals
• Use DRA to constantly assess the situation. themselves or other animals
• large animals Inquisitive cattle and livestock
may move towards the scene
• Do not use the appliance siren when responding to an animal • nearby animals
of activity. If something
rescue situation, so that you do not startle the animal.
startles or suddenly disturbs
illness • animals carrying infectious them, they could stampede
• Talk calmly to the animal as you approach it and as it is being diseases towards the rescue site and
rescued.
• allergy rescuers.
• Stay in the animal’s line of sight so it knows what is happening. Try • not cleaning up properly after a
to avoid the animal’s blind spot. rescue

ACTION
injury from equipment • using improvised rescue
equipment as it is more likely
to fail suddenly than designed Identify large animal groups
equipment in your area. Consider the
situations that might cause
them to need rescuing and
the risks you might face as a
rescuer.
Talk to your Brigade Training
Officer (BTO) about your
findings and discuss your
risk assessments.

• To keep the animal calm, place a cover over its head. This means
there are fewer things for the animal to see and be frightened of. SAFETY NOTE Training Log Activities: Risks of other specialised rescues
Risks of other specialised rescues
• Speak softly with a low tone of voice. When you are ready, complete the activity about the risks of other specialised rescues in your Training
Take extra care around large
animals. Large animals that and Consolidation Log.
• Move slowly and steadily – quick sudden movements can scare
have been sedated can still Rescuing animals
animals.
kick and cause injury. When you are ready, complete the activity about rescuing animals in your Training and Consolidation Log.

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22

Glossary
atmosphere the air in an area or locality

bystanders people who are nearby but not

involved in an incident

contaminated made unsafe by being mixed with a

dangerous or poisonous substance

debriefing team meeting, usually soon after

completion of an incident, where
members give direct feedback
about the incident (what went well
and what did not go well)

debris pieces of broken material left

behind by a fire, explosion, storm,
flood or other disaster

IS intrinsically safe, safe to use around

flammable gas

large animal any animal that needs more than

two rescuers to easily lift or handle
it for removal to a safe place

Urban Volunteer Senior Firefighter | Module 6: Rescue