When it comes to emergency response, the difference between a successful rescue and a tragedy often comes down to preparation and the resilience of your systems under stress. Whether it’s a confined space incident, a high angle rescue, or a hazardous materials incident having the right strategies in place is critical. Here are five key ways to make your industrial rescue team more effective. 

Have a Plan 

Every worksite has its own unique hazards, and your rescue plan needs to reflect that. Identify potential threats, map out response procedures, and make sure everyone knows their role. Regularly review and update your plan as equipment, personnel, and environments change. If your team isn’t ready before an emergency, they won’t be ready when it happens. The worst time to figure out if your plan will work is during an emergency 

"The worst time to figure out if your plan will work is during an emergency"

Continuous Training 

There’s no substitute for hands-on training. A rescue team that only talks about emergencies won’t perform well when the real thing hits. High pressure situations demand specialized skills—rope access, patient packaging, confined space extraction, hazmat response, and more. Training should be realistic, scenario-driven, and conducted under the same pressures your team will face in an actual rescue. If your training doesn’t push limits, you’re setting up for failure. 

"There’s no substitute for hands-on training"

Full Speed Drills 

A good plan and solid training mean nothing if they’re not reinforced through repetition. Regular drills are critical to sharpening skills and exposing weak points before they become life-threatening failures. Walk-throughs are useful, but full-scale simulations with time pressure, environmental stressors, and live casualties (even if they’re just well-coached role players) will tell you exactly where you stand. If it doesn’t work in a drill, it won’t work in the field. 

Multiple Forms of Communication

Industrial rescues are dynamic, chaotic, and unforgiving. In the heat of an operation, communication can be the difference between success and disaster. Establish clear, consistent communication protocols before an emergency occurs. Practice using radios, hand signals, and direct verbal commands so that when the pressure is on, there’s no hesitation or confusion. If your team can’t communicate effectively under stress, it’s only a matter of time before that failure costs lives. 

"If your team can’t communicate effectively under stress, it’s only a matter of time before that failure costs lives."

Gear 

Your equipment is only as effective as the person using it. Regular maintenance and inspection ensure gear is operational when needed, but familiarity with its use is just as crucial. Every rescuer should know their tools so well that grabbing the right piece of gear becomes instinctive. Whether it’s an air monitor, a rope system, a mechanical advantage setup, or a patient immobilization device, your team must be able to deploy equipment efficiently and troubleshoot it under pressure. In a rescue, every second matters. 

Industrial rescue is about preparation, execution, and constant improvement. The teams that get the job done are They're the ones that plan, know their gear, drill, communicate, and  train relentlessly. If you want to be effective, these are five areas to focus on with your program. At the end of the day, when the call comes in, you won’t have time to get ready. You’ll either be ready, or you won’t. 

Under the Streets of New York: Another Day in the Life of Roco CSRT

• Chief Bob Kauer, Chief Kenny Greene, Chief Bill Stio
• CSRT job with contractor to place crack gauges on the walls of storm drain conduit
• Entry required to be made at low tide due to the outlet of conduit is into the east river
• Workers and rescuer to be lowered approximately 25’ into 3’ deep water
• Entrants required to wear waterproof exposure suits
• Conduit concrete and brick lined approximately 15’ in diameter
• Wade through 3’ deep water along tunnel extending 300’ to place the gauges
• Unique challenge of working in standing water, cold weather, changing tide
• Ongoing project to place additional gauges and periodic monitoring of the gauges

Recently the NY CSRT crew was contracted by ConEdison for a unique project to assist one of its construction contractors. The project is the construction of a new electrical substation for ConEdison along the bank of NY’s East River. During the project NYC DEP was concerned with the integrity of the storm drain conduits and tunnels beneath the streets surrounding the project. This required the inspection of these location and the installation of crack gauges to monitor the interior of the tunnels. The presenting hazard for this entry was the proximity of the river and the tidal rise of the river water to make the entry. Additionally, the time of year was also a factor being winter and the temperature of the air and water in the tunnels. This required an additional piece of equipment that we would not normally use for CSRT. The entrants and rescuer needed to wear ice rescue suits in order to make the entry possible along with the usual safety measures that we would follow.

In the Early morning of January 18th NY’s CSRT Manager Bob Kauer along with CSRT Chief’s Kenny Greene and Bill Stio prepared to make the entry for the inspections and installation of crack gauges. The crew planned for the entry at one hour before low tide on the river. This was necessary due to the fact that the water level in the tunnel was approximately 3’ deep at low tide. The work period was calculated and determined to give us approximately one to one-half hour of entry time before the water level was too deep to safely work. Equipment was assembled and entrants donned their protective suits and prepared for entry. With the manhole cover removed and atmosphere cleared for entry the job began, with a CSRT member lowered in the space before the contractors. Once the water level was confirmed the contractors were lowered the 25’ into the space to start their inspections. They made their way upstream of the entry point conducting a visual inspection while the rescuer maintained visual and audible communication with them. The work continued downstream of the entry point first with visual inspection and then once identified the installation of the crack gauges.

Once the tide passed slack and started to rise the entrants took note that both the water level was quickly rising and the temperature was falling. They were able to complete the inspection and installation of the equipment along with the necessary measurements. The decision was made that the water level was rapidly rising to safely remain inside the tunnel. All entrants made the 300’ trek back to the entry point to be hauled back to the surface by the topside crew. All entrants were removed from the space and entry point closed after an hour and a half assignment.

Things to consider knowing that all confined space entries are not similar nor routine. Some specialized equipment not normally utilized may be necessary for the entry. Such as in this case the necessity of ice rescue exposure suits that offer cold water protection as well as buoyancy. The need to employ floating water rescue rope as safety lines as the usual kernmantle rescue rope will not float on water. This was a successful entry for the assistance and protection of the personnel we work alongside on a day to day basis.

Downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, is undergoing a facelift. Revitalization of older buildings is seen everywhere. In late 2024, First Responders waded into the middle of this revitalization to intervene in the emotional breakdown of a man. While that itself is not uncommon in Albuquerque or any other large city, the fact that it was 100 feet off the ground on a less-than-stable scaffolding made it a challenging and unique response for Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR).

Most first responders are intimately familiar with the law enforcement acronym “EDP.” Whether you live in a small town or a large urban center, EDP or Emotionally Disturbed Persons have become an all-too-common response for many of these agencies. Mental illness, substance abuse and other factors makes for challenging calls for responders as well as for the person struggling with these conditions.

"Whether you live in a small town or a large urban center, EDP or Emotionally Disturbed Persons have become an all-too-common response for many of these agencies."

Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) is a well-trained and progressive fire department. Their Technical Rescue Program has a national reputation of being forward-thinking and very well trained. On this night, their training would prove invaluable in the field.

Near dusk, bystanders reported a man climbing a tall scaffold erected by a construction company to re-stucco a building. Albuquerque Police immediately requested AFR to assist with a Ladder Truck to make access. AFR Ladder 1 and Engine 1 went enroute and immediately requested assistance from the Technical Rescue Team. Squad 2, ALS Rescue 4, Engine 4, Battalion Chief #1 and the on-shift EMS supervisor (Unit 78), responded to assist.

Squad 2 is AFR’s technical rescue rig. This night it was commanded by Captain Dominic Velasquez, who is also a Roco Rescue Chief Instructor. Squad 2 arrived to find Battalion Chief 1 (Emily Kane) and Ladder 1 had already flown their stick and the pipeman (firefighter) who had climbed the ladder had located a man lying unconscious 100 feet up on the scaffold.

Captain Velasquez received direction from Battalion 1 to make access and assess the patient. Velasquez met with the team, informed the two Squad Firefighters that they would be going up and instructed them to grab the gear. The squad driver, the crew from Engine 4, which is led by Lieutenant Kevin Kenney, and two firefighter medics from Rescue 4, remained on the ground and waited for further instructions.

Captain Velasquez and two firefighters ascended to the patient’s location. They found a mid-40’s male, unconscious with an empty bottle of hard liquor lying next to him. They began patient care, and the man woke up – however, he was not happy. The man became combative on the small deck, which was comprised of three 2” x 10” planks with approximately 18” between the scaffold and the building. The danger to both responders and the combative man was heightened considerably.

"Responders repeatedly attempted to verbally deescalate the man but eventually were forced to physically restrain him to protect themselves and to keep the victim from falling."

Responders repeatedly attempted to verbally deescalate the man but eventually were forced to physically restrain him to protect themselves and to keep the victim from falling. The situation was relayed to command, and it was determined that chemical restraint was needed. A technician/Firefighter/Paramedic from Rescue 4 (Lt. Kyle Stevenson) ascended the scaffold with the authorization to administer a sedative. Once the medication was onboard, responders were able to take a deep breath and finalize a plan to lower the man from the scaffolding.

AFR Tech Rescue member and Lieutenant Kevin Kenney (also a Roco Instructor) ran the bottom plan of the rescue, while Captain Velasquez worked the plan up top. A pre-rigged stokes basket was hoisted to the scaffolding deck. Personnel rigged a traditional mainline using a Petzl Maestro and anchored a Petzl ASAP to provide a belay system. There were powerlines obstructing the preferred travel path for a horizontal Stokes basket, so Captain Velasquez made the call to package the patient vertically and performed a low-point vertical lower from the end of the scaffolding.

Rigging two load-sharing anchors to take advantage of the strongest rigging points on the small scaffold deck, the victim was loaded over the edge and carefully transitioned behind the power lines to responders on the ground. The patient was quickly loaded onto a gurney – and in less than 90 minutes after the call was received, the victim was on his way to the hospital.

"Roco congratulates Albuquerque Fire Rescue on a successful rescue response in a very challenging situation."

Roco congratulates Albuquerque Fire Rescue on a successful rescue response in a very challenging situation. We are proud of our partnership with the AFR and commend them for their dedication to maintaining an excellent technical rescue response team. Roco will be presenting the department with the Roco Rescue “Real Rescue” Award in addition to $150 in “Bayou Bucks,” which can be used for Roco training or equipment. Congrats, AFR!

At first you might think there’s not much difference in offshore rescue vs. on-land rescue, and there’s not that much difference in the rope rescue techniques and equipment used. But keep in mind what the “offshore” Rescue Technician may face when on the job. While offshore installations often feature similar structures and platforms to those on land, these emergency responders have a mymarid of other challenges. Yes, the fundamentals of rescue and equipment remain fairly consistent. However, the offshore environment introduces some interesting hurdles worth addressing.

Being on an “Island”

For one example, offshore rescue personnel must operate in isolation – like on an island to themselves! These platforms can literally be located hundreds of miles offshore. Unlike on land, where backup professional responders and medical personnel can often arrive within an hour, offshore responders are the sole line of defense. Day and night shift personnel may support each other in emergencies – even though “rescue” is not their only job on the rig. However, the absence of immediate external backup places all responsibility on the onsite team.

"Offshore teams must train rigorously, preparing for “what if” scenarios to ensure they can handle unexpected complications."

This isolation underscores the importance of contingency planning and advanced action plans. Of course, safety and emergency response personnel do everything possible to keep an incident from occurring. However, offshore teams must train rigorously, preparing for “what if” scenarios to ensure they can handle unexpected complications. The training must include contingency exercises, focusing on identifying potential pitfalls and ensuring that the team can adapt when things go wrong.

Regulations and Operating Guidelines

Regulations differ for offshore facilities as compared to onshore work. OSHA regulations may or may not apply depending on the physical location of the platform. There is a reference chart on this at OSHA.gov. There are also other regulatory agencies that affect offshore work, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, API (American Petroleum Institute), BSEE (Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement), etc. As always, emergency responders need to make sure they are knowledgeable and in adherence with all applicable safety regulations.

Rescue Equipment

While the rescue gear may be pretty much the same, an offshore team must make sure they have the equipment they need in ample supplies for backup needs and replacements. However, perhaps an even bigger consideration is equipment care and storage. The sea air can quickly affect your equipment. Much of the gear used in rescue, such as carabiners, webbings, and ropes, is susceptible to moisture and salt. Prolonged exposure can lead to corrosion and material degradation. Proper storage is critical to protect equipment from the elements. Ensuring your gear is stored in sealed, controlled environments can extend its lifespan and reliability in emergency scenarios.

Getting Patients to Definitive Care

Unlike on land, where an ambulance is just a phone call away, offshore platforms require prearranged logistics for medical evacuations. Typically, companies operating these installations have agreements with air ambulance services. In emergencies, paramedics on the platform, often working under expanded scopes of practice with direct lines to medical directors, provide initial care. They may handle tasks like sutures or administering IV antibiotics to prevent unnecessary evacuations.

"Offshore responders must train to stabilize patients effectively – understanding that definitive care may be hours (or even days) away in extreme cases."

For life-threatening emergencies, these prearranged air ambulance agreements ensure a more timely transport. Without them, delays in care could mean the difference between life and death. Offshore responders must train to stabilize patients effectively – understanding that definitive care may be hours (or even days) away in extreme cases.

Using Cranes for Patient Movement

Here’s another difference for offshore operations. Cranes play a unique role and are often used to transport patients between platform levels or to staging areas for air ambulance transfer. Regulations dictate that cranes should only be used when it is the safest option, not for convenience.

"Regulations dictate that cranes should only be used when it is the safest option, not for convenience."

• No blind lifts: Operators must maintain clear visibility at all times.
• Use taglines: These allow personnel to maintain control over the load.
• OIM approval: The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) makes the final decision, ensuring that crane use prioritizes patient safety.

The decision to use a crane is based on the situation’s logistics, such as avoiding prolonged manual transport that could worsen a patient’s condition or concerns for lifts with fatigued rescuers.

Same Techniques, Different Logistics

While you might not find an “offshore-specific” rescue technique in the books, standard rope rescue techniques generally apply in both settings. Rescue fundamentals don’t change; gravity and friction remain constant. However, the logistics of moving people from a hazardous location to a safe one—from a place where they can’t get care to one where they can—differ significantly offshore. Challenges like equipment storage, patient care logistics, and crane use highlight the need for tailored planning and preparation.

To operate efficiently offshore, teams must proactively address these nuances. Similarly, they must train like all professional rescuers, plan for contingencies, and build relationships with medical evacuation services. Ultimately, this preparation ensures that when an emergency arises, the team can operate safely and effectively.

Key Points

• Training for Isolation: Offshore teams must train extensively for contingencies due to the lack of immediate external backup.
• Patient Logistics: Offshore platforms require prearranged air ambulance agreements.
• Equipment Maintenance: Sea air accelerates corrosion; proper storage is essential.
• Cranes in Rescue: Cranes are used only when safer than manual transport, under strict regulations.

Whether in-house practice drills or working with a third-party trainer, training time is precious. Make sure yours is productive! Here are a few suggestions for getting the most from your training sessions. As always, be sure to document rescue training or practice time for each team member.

Inspection – Inspect and inventory all rescue equipment prior to the training session, if possible. Any equipment that has been damaged, or its history of use is questionable, should be replaced. Any equipment that has exceeded the manufacturer's lifespan recommendations should also be destroyed and replaced.

Fitness – Confirm that all team members are cleared for participation in the physically strenuous activities that are involved in rescue training. Team members should be briefed in advance on the types of physical activities that will be expected of them (i.e., lifting, stretching, pulling, wearing a harness, being suspended in a harness or litter, inverting, etc.)

Participation – Stress the importance of each person being actively involved in the training exercises. Each team member must be committed to the team’s mission – and on-going training is a vital component.

Focused Training – Strive for uninterrupted training time for your rescue personnel. Clear all nonessential activities that would cause participants to miss portions of the training.

Location – Generally, off-site training sessions offer more focused time for the team to practice and concentrate on the task at hand. When possible, schedule the training away from normal work activities and the noise of an operating plant or area.

Regular Training – Training sessions should be regular and on-going as a part of the team’s development and operational readiness. Plan training sessions in advance giving team members adequate time to plan their attendance.

Realistic Practice – For training to be most effective, it needs to reflect realistic rescue scenarios that the team may face in an emergency. Practice scenarios should be well-planned and adequately cover the various types of emergencies on site.

Motivation – A well-trained team will be a motivated team. Express appreciation for the team members’ participation and provide encouragement when needed. Some team members will require more hands-on training and practice than others. See that they get the time and attention they need to be productive members of your team.

Readiness – Team members, their individual equipment, and team equipment must be maintained in a state of readiness. Prior to ending each practice session, make sure all equipment is ready for the next emergency call. Equipment that is organized and ready for rapid deployment is crucial to your rescue success.

Team Leader – Planning and executing an organized, effective rescue practice session is an excellent means of establishing team leadership and credibility. Getting to know your rescue team members as they get to know you and your leadership style will prove invaluable when the rescue call comes in.

Resources:

OSHA Note: PRCS 1910.146 requires rescue training practice for EACH team member at least annually in the representative type confined spaces and rescue scenarios (high angle) that the team may face within their response area.

Planning Resource: Roco’s Confined Space Type Chart & Compliance Guide provides an excellent means of typing confined spaces and planning rescue practice scenarios. It also provides a guide for evaluating the capabilities of your rescue team or service.