Standing Order #19 - High and Low Angle Rescue Operations
Issue Date: July 2009
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Standing Order is to state the PCSAR policy and procedures for stabilizing the scene of a high angle or low angle rescue (herein referred to as vertical rescue) and properly and safely evacuating victims from the scene.
SCOPE/POLICY
It is the policy of PCSAR to respond to vertical rescue incidents and safely and efficiently remove victims from a high or low angle rescue environment.
Since risk is inherent in the high or low angle rescue environment, the primary concern is always the safety of responders.
The secondary concern is safety to life of the subject and bystanders.
The rescue and/or recovery of property, including animals, is the lowest priority and the risks to responders associated with such recovery must be minimal.
Patient condition, his/her situation, hazards (real and potential), and available resources will influence the methods and speed at which the operation can be accomplished.
Rescuers shall be assigned duties based on their trained skill level.
Rescuers will immediately notify command if they are uncomfortable or unable to complete an assigned duty.
RESPONSIBILITY
The on-scene commander is responsible for implementing this standing order.
PROCEDURE
A PCSAR Officer or senior team member shall be responsible for rescue operations unless a more qualified person is assuming that role. This person is responsible for the technical rescue or recovery operation throughout the duration of the incident.
Medical personnel shall treat the patient as they deem necessary based on the safety of the rescuers, medical personnel, patient, and bystanders. If needed, a simple rope system (i.e., safety and rappel) can be set up for medical personnel to access the patient.
All personnel working near the edge during a high angle rescue or actively involved in the rescue operation on a low angle rescue shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including, but not limited to, helmet, gloves, and eye protection. Team members working near the edge shall wear a harness, be tied off to an anchor, and have proper shoes (no open toe shoes or flip flops).
The Incident Commander and person in charge of Rescue Operations shall accomplish the following based on the condition of the patient and keeping safety of the rescuers the number one priority:
Establish command.
Survey the scene and triage patients.
As soon as the need for rescue has been established, Operations shall assure proper equipment is on scene or en route and determine what additional resources may be needed and request through the IC.
Establish an equipment staging area and action circle.
Gain access to the patient.
Perform primary patient survey, and implement immediate care of life-threatening injuries. Determine the best route for patient evacuation.
Set up rope rescue systems to safely rescue patient and crew based on patient conditions and terrain.
Prepare patient for removal.
Carefully remove the patient with due care to injuries.
Prepare the patient for transport without further delay.
Secure any equipment used and secure the scene.
COMMAND PROCEDURE
Command procedures may include establishment, transfer, divisions, and staging. Command should strictly control access to the action circle to those persons working on the rescue. All personnel located inside the action circle should be in full protective gear whenever possible.
On scene, overall command is under the Incident Commander (IC), with patient care under control of medical personnel on scene. Ultimate responsibility lies with the IC and decisions should be made with help of medical control.