Technician - Swiftwater Rescue Technician Unit 1 - Course Objectives
General information | Course outline | Course information | Course objectives | Costs & dates
This course is approximately 24-30 hours total with 8 hours of classroom and 16-22 hours in the field. It is suggested that the class be held over 3 days, but it can be adjusted to fit shift and other schedules.
General Objectives
- To develop a sense of confidence and necessary skills for fire and rescue personnel in dealing with swiftwater situations
- To train the student in utilization and adaptation of standard rescue gear in swiftwater situations
- To train the student in usage of innovative rescue equipment in swiftwater situations
Behavioral Objectives
Upon completion of this course the student will:
- Have a sound working knowledge of swiftwater dynamics and water-related physiology
- Be able to recognize and treat the signs and symptoms of specific medical problems related to water accidents
- Have a working knowledge of all equipment used including: safety gear, climbing gear, lights, boats, signaling devices, specialized gear and vehicles
- Be able to utilize helicopters as a rescue asset; understand their characteristics, capabilities, and limitations; including safety considerations while working around helicopters
- Be able to rescue and extricate an accident victim from the water
- Be able to safely swim in swiftwater and maneuver so as to negotiate river hazards and obstacles at various water levels
- Be able to handle small inflatable boats by paddle, oar and on tether
- Have a general knowledge of applicable communications systems
- Have knowledge of law-enforcement responsibilities and on-scene leadership
- Understand swiftwater rescue team organization and the response of the victim
- Be able to utilize climbing and technical rescue gear applicable to swiftwater rescue
- Be able to ford shallow and fast-moving water utilizing various techniques
- Be able to cross deep, slow-moving and fast-moving water utilizing basic climbing gear, small boats, and combinations of the two.
General information | Course outline | Course information | Course objectives | Costs & dates
