TFRD Procedures & Guides

_{Last Modified: 09/27/2024 10:05}

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Policy/Procedure

The purpose of this procedure is to establish guidelines for the response of fire department personnel and equipment to machine rescue incidents. Machine rescue operations present a significant danger to fire department personnel; the safe and effective management of these operations require special considerations. This guideline identifies some of the critical issues which must be included in managing these incidents.

TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Machine rescue incidents occur when a victim is pinned in or under a portion of a machine or within the machine moving parts.
  
  
• Common machine rescue environments include: Industrial facilities, Construction sites, and Agricultural facilities.
  
  
• Due to the inherent dangers associated with these operations, Toledo Fire and Rescue’s Risk Management Profile shall be applied to all machine rescue operations and shall be continuously re- assessed throughout the incident. A phased approach to machine rescue operations which include; Arrival, Pre-rescue operations, Rescue operations, and Termination, can be utilized to safely and effectively mitigate these high-risk / low-frequency events.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL ANY PERSONNEL OTHER THAN THE ON-DUTY RESPONDING TECHNICAL RESCUE/SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNITS ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT A MACHINE RESCUE.

• Note: Incidents involving impalement of a victim are to be categorized as Machinery Rescue incidents.

1. Establish command and provide an initial size-up.

2. Request the response of the Technical Rescue Team through Fire Dispatch. Request a Life Squad through LCEMS Dispatch.

3. Request the assistance of maintenance or facility personnel if available.

4. Perform Lock-Out/Tag-Out of involved machinery, prior to victim triage and treatment.

5. Stabilize machinery components if possible without exposing fire personnel to high level risk. Do not attempt to reverse the operation of any machinery involved.

6. Provide medical and emotional support to the victim. Consider higher levels of BSI. Initiate trauma protocols immediately.

7. Machinery located in a confined space shall not be entered by first responders.

First arriving Heavy Rescue Squad Officer/Special Operations Personnel should be assigned Rescue Sector. Rescue Sector responsibilities include:

• Assuming rescue operations control.
• Identifying hazards and critical factors.
• Developing a rescue plan and back-up plan.
• Communicating with and directing resources assigned to Rescue Sector.
• Informing Command of conditions, actions, and needs during all phases of the rescue operation.

Technical Rescue Team personnel refer to Standard Operating Guidelines for Machine Rescue.

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