Don't miss your chance to take in all the action of real life confined space rescue scenarios created by Roco's lead instructors. This unique training event is one that is anticipated by rescue teams every year. Plus, it provides benefits to participating teams AND those that are attending as observers!

Rescue Challenge offers teams the opportunity to size-up a situation, develop action plans and execute a confined space or high-angle rescue in a controlled but realistic environment. Here's what one team participant had to say...

"Challenge pushes your team to its limit. It gives teams of all experience levels a great benchmark on their capabilities!"

The event can also be used to meet the minimum annual practice requirements of OSHA 1910.146 for all six representative spaces, while giving team members the opportunity to share ideas, experiences and techniques with other teams from across the nation. Individual skills are also put to the test in practice and testing stations. Written reports are provided to each team.

Trophies are awarded for the top performers in the Yellow Brick Road scenario and the Individual Performance Skills evaluation. For more information on how to register your team or register to observe, call 800-647-7626. Spaces are limited!

Check out some of the highlights from the 2015 Rescue Challenge below.

Just in time to celebrate the 4th of July, Roco's limited edition Patriot T-shirt has arrived!

This performance fit shirt is made of 100% cotton and great for showing off your American pride. It is also great for working out or just relaxing.

This limited edition shirt will only be available for a short period of time. So, don't miss your chance to purchase one today. Click here to order!

Quick, efficient patient packaging is a crucial factor in every rescue. Generally, if spinal injury is suspected, two rescuers will be needed to properly manage and package the patient for movement.

In the drill below, keep time for the patient packaging portion. Then inspect for errors and correct as needed. Discuss patient handling and review methods that may reduce the overall time. For this type of drill, timekeeping can begin as soon as rescuers enter the room where the drill is being conducted or once lowered into an area to begin the packaging process.

1) Place a simulated patient/manikin in a given area. This area could be at the end of a short lower or just inside another room that will be considered a “confined space.”

2) Rescuers will enter one at a time as if being lowered into a space.

3) The person running the drill will provide patient condition information and dictate what packaging equipment will be available to the rescuers.

4) The equipment will be “lowered” to the rescuers – or simulated if using a room as the confined space.

5) Rescuers will use the equipment provided to package the patient, and then connect the patient to the retrieval/haul line.

For the next evolution, add requirements for the rescuers to maintain “immediate means of retrieval” lines at all times. Then, step it up by requiring rescuers to don SCBA/SAR during packaging (don’t forget air to the patient!). Or, dim the lights, if possible, lowering visibility and requiring the use of headlamps.

Remember, start off slow. Increase difficulty and speed/time requirements as rescuers become more comfortable and proficient. Working with your team to improve packaging skills will make them more efficient and better rescuers.

 

Next in this series: Quick Drill #13 - Silent Drill (Know your job, do your job!)

 

RescueTalk™ Podcasts explore critical topics for technical, industrial and municipal rescue professionals, emergency responders and safety personnel. Learn about confined space rescue, OSHA compliance, NFPA standards, fall protection, trench rescue, off-shore considerations, rescue equipment, training and more. Get it now.

READER QUESTION:
I went through competent person for fall protection several years ago and since that time a lot has changed regarding the types of fall protection equipment and systems that are available. Should I get update training for this role?

ROCO TECH PANEL ANSWER:
Yes, definitely. In fact, ANSI Z359.2 states competent person training update training shall be conducted at least every two years. It is always a great idea for competent persons to stay abreast of not only any legislative changes, but also to stay current on consensus standards such as ANSI, and certainly on emerging equipment technologies. It is amazing how quickly new fall protection equipment is becoming available. It wasn’t long ago that harness mount self-retracting lanyards were just a drawing on an engineer’s desk, and now there are so many different versions it is mind boggling. OSHA’s recognition of suspension trauma as a workplace hazard to fallen suspended authorized persons has created an entire market segment for systems to help deal with this hazard. So receiving update training for this crucial role at least every two years is certainly a great idea.

READER QUESTION:
Can I complete competent person for fall protection training via an on-line course?

ROCO TECH PANEL ANSWER:
We discourage that type of course other than for learning the legislated requirements. There just is no substitute for hands-on training. One of the most important responsibilities of a competent person for fall protection is the performance of periodic equipment inspections. I can’t imagine having any way to show competency of this skill without demonstrating it to a live instructor/evaluator.