Punjab Emergency Service Department-Rescue 1122, across the Punjab- major province of Pakistan, has assumed a major role as Primary responder. Responder to rescue incidents that involve, medical, road traffic crashes/accidents, structural collapse confined spaces, industrial incidents, floodwater, and most challenging Fire emergencies. Establishing community teams to, ensure timely provision of aid when required to the citizens, will prove useful. Especially, Ice and water rescue team with adequate training and equipment.
Natural forces such as earth tremors, precipitation, temperature extremes, and swift water currents often complicate technical rescue incidents- recent Murree incident. The presence of flammable vapors and toxic chemicals can also increase the level of risk. The safety of crews conducting technical rescue operations is of special concern.
Many departments have single-discipline rescue teams such as civil defense. These teams are trained and equipped to handle one type of rescue. Other departments have multi-discipline teams that are prepared to perform more than one type of rescue operation i.e Rescue 1122.
The areas which are topographically located at high-bearing risk factors locations need the formation of community teams. The local residents of that area should be part of these community teams with the responsibility to rescue citizens when required. The formation of a functional and safe technical rescue team, whether single- or multi-discipline requires careful planning. A large time commitment from the team members, equipment, risk analysis, training, and funding.
In this article we have discussed; how to form a technical rescue team by considering the following basis:
- Do we need a team for our community?
- What type of team does our community need?
- How do we conduct a risk assessment to identify rescue hazards?
- How do we start a team?
- What training is necessary for team members?
Many departments and rescue agencies across the country have recognized that their baseline skills and their existing equipment are insufficient for rescue incidents that have occurred or may occur in their response areas.
Rescue 1122 should form Water and ice rescue teams to swiftly respond the unapproachable incidents like Murree.
There are several different specialties within water rescue including swift water, calm water,
Underwater, surf, and ice rescue. Each of these requires special training unto itself. Rope rescue. High-angle or low-angle rescues are likely to occur around cliffs, ravines, caves, mountainous areas, high-rise buildings, communications towers. These rescues may require complex rope and hauling systems to safely secure personnel and extricate victims.
Hi, I am John Smit a Captain in Fire Department City of Newyork with over years of experience in the field of Firefighting and HSE. My passion for fire safety started when I was a young boy and witnessed a neighbor’s house go up in flames along with precious lives. Since then, I had dedicated my life to ensuring the safety of buildings, properties, and individuals in case of a fire and medical emergencies.
