SLIDE 1
Swiftwater Review
There are over 470 miles
- f flood control channels
in Los Angeles County
Flood channels vary in
shape and composition
vertical sides sloped banks natural river
Swiftwater Review Swiftwater Review There are over 470 miles of - - PDF document
Swiftwater Review Swiftwater Review There are over 470 miles of - - PDF document
Swiftwater Review Swiftwater Review There are over 470 miles of flood control channels in Los Angeles County Flood channels vary in shape and composition vertical sides sloped banks natural river Swiftwater Review Water
SLIDE 2
SLIDE 3
Swiftwater Review
Water flow travels between 5 and 45 mph. The Flood Control System crosses many
jurisdictional boundaries.
Swiftwater Rescue is dynamic. Training must be
continuous to maintain safety (rescuer and victims).
SLIDE 4
Swiftwater Review
Forces of Water
Current Force on Force on Force on Velocity Legs (lbs) Body (lbs) Swamped Boat 3 mph 16.8 33.6 168 6 67.2 134 672 12 269 538 2688
Courtesy Ohio State Division of Natural Resources
SLIDE 5
County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Laminar / Helical Flow
Water along the shore and
bottom are slowed by friction, the water moves faster towards the center of the waterway
Water along the shore is pulled
to the middle and dives down in a corkscrew motion / Helical flow
SLIDE 6
Swiftwater Review
The LOOK of the river
Depth Bottom Objects below surface
Cushion or Pillow Eddy
SLIDE 7
Swiftwater Review
SLIDE 8
Swiftwater Review
Low Head Dams
When water flows over, or passes a
vertical drop or obstacles, a hydraulic effect is created.
Low-head dams are a type of hydraulic
and are dangerous areas for rescue.
We operate no closer than 300 feet from
low head dams
SLIDE 9
Swiftwater Review
SLIDE 10
Swiftwater Review
Objects that may impede the victims travel in the water
SLIDE 11
Swiftwater Review
River Terminology
- Upstream
- Downstream
- River Right
- River Left
- Avoid using:
- East
- West
- North
- South
SLIDE 12
Swiftwater Review
PPE
- Helmet
- PFD / Whistle
- HT Radio
- Carabiner
- Blue webbing
- Blue Uniform or Brush
- Tennis shoes
SLIDE 13
Swiftwater Review
- The use of Turn-outs and
Structural Helmets can be extremely hazardous in moving water.
Figure 14 Rescuer should not be near moving water in turnouts
SLIDE 14
County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Throwing Float Bag
Float bag
polypropylene rope foam core bag 55-75 feet in length
Used as:
rescue tool rescuer safety tie off Not an equipment drop
bag
Figure 12 Floating throw bag
SLIDE 15
County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Shore Base Rescue Techniques
Float Bag Rescue
throw bag or coiled
rope to victim
pendulum victim to
shore
SLIDE 16
County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Throwing Float Bag
SLIDE 17
County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Hose Inflator Rescue Kit
Inflate 2 1/2” fire hose for the use as a
rescue tool
Inflated fire hose can be used:
bridge base low head dams multiple victim
SLIDE 18
Swiftwater Review
Purpose for the Blue Webbing is to Tie Purpose for the Blue Webbing is to Tie Purpose for the Blue Webbing is to Tie-
- off the
- ff the
- ff the
rescuers to prevent them from becoming rescuers to prevent them from becoming rescuers to prevent them from becoming victims victims victims
SLIDE 19
Swiftwater Review
Always tie Always tie Always tie-
- off if you are going near the waters edge
- ff if you are going near the waters edge
- ff if you are going near the waters edge
SLIDE 20
Swiftwater Review
IF tying off tools, a SEPARATE line should be used
SLIDE 21
Swiftwater Review
Preplaced Preplaced anchors for tie anchors for tie-
- offs
- ffs
SLIDE 22
Swiftwater Review
Anchors for SW Applications
SLIDE 23
Swiftwater Review
If you fall in the water
Self-rescue position
Supine Feet pointing
downstream
SLIDE 24
Swiftwater Review
Swiftwater Response
5 Engines Truck PM Squad 2 Air Squads USAR Task Force Swiftwater Rescue Team (if staffed) BC
SLIDE 25
Swiftwater Review
Position Assignments
IC – Jurisdictional or “First-In” Company Floatation Unit (One Company) Rescue Group (3 – 5 Companies)
Upstream Lookout Rescue Systems Unit Retrieval Unit Downstream Safety Unit
Air Units
SLIDE 26
County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Searching for missing person
Establish Point of
Last Scene
Marking location Initial search
quick search expanded / detailed
search
Marker bottle
Figure 48 Placement of reference float
SLIDE 27
SLIDE 28
Swiftwater Review
Figure 19 Flotation Device (CRB) with throw bag Figure 19 Flotation Device (CRB) with throw bag
Figure 11 Life Float attached to throw bag Figure 11 Life Float attached to throw bag
Various Flotation devices to attempt immediate rescue
SLIDE 29
Swiftwater Review
SLIDE 30
Swiftwater Review
Rescue Points in Green Hazards in Red Tactical Information
SLIDE 31
Swiftwater Review
Potential problems when
using air units for short- haul rescue… Prop wash Noise High Profile, increased spectators
SLIDE 32
SLIDE 33
SLIDE 34
SLIDE 35