Water
Management of Water & Flood Incidents
This special opportunity is designed for emergency response and incident commanders at water and flood incidents to provide the underlying knowledge and skills to successfully manage single or multi-agency operations within the jurisdiction’s existing emergency response framework.
While it is not practical to expect managers to have the same level of technical knowledge and skills as specialist water rescue teams, it is imperative that those in a leadership role have the specific knowledge necessary to be able to manage these high risk events in a safe, effective and efficient manner. To this end, the course will cover the practical self-rescue skills required to safely operate in the ‘warm’ zone (shore-based) at moving water incidents. Skills will be taught in two river sessions (including one night session).
The course is specifically-designed to teach practical, operational skills to command-level fire, search and rescue, and police as well as emergency managers in all levels of government including municipalities and regional districts.
Details
Dates: April 19-23, 2010
Duration: 5 days (including evening activities) (~48 hours)
Format: 4 days in the classroom, one day on the river and evening activities. Final course dinner (Thursday evening) with Friday afternoon departure.
Pre-requisites: None
Cost: $925
Instructors
Battalion Chief Tim Rogers, Charlotte Fire Department, North Carolina
One of the senior experts in the US on flood management and water-related disaster management. Tim’s resume lists at least seven major hurricanes in which he has played a major operational role, both at the state and national level. His incredible breadth of knowledge is matched only by his sense of humour and ability to communicate complex ideas. Read Tim Roger’s full bio.
Paul O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Rescue 3 UK
With recent record flooding events in the UK, swiftwater and flooding expert Paul O’Sullivan is seeing the benefit of years of dedication to improving Britain’s ability to respond to such emergencies. Paul’s work has lead to major international awards and he is in high demand as a consultant and lecturer across Europe. Read Paul O’Sullivan’s full bio.
Required Gear
The following PPE will be provided at no charge (or bring your own if you prefer):
- Drysuit
- PFD
- Helmet
Participants must provide:
- Footwear (neoprene boots or running shoes - slightly big is best)
- Thermal top, pants and socks
- Neoprene gloves (optional)
Course Content
The MWFI course will combine both theory and practical elements. The course is not designed to create technical rescuers but rather to develop the specific skills and knowledge to manage rescue personnel in a safe and effective manner in a moving water environment. Self-rescue skills will be taught in two separate river sessions. If the practical component is cause for concern, please see our website for an explanation of “Our Approach which includes “Challenge by Choice”.
Theory Sessions
- Water and flood dynamics & hazards
- Principles of water safety & rescue
- Flood theory
- Use of the SEA DEPTH model for flood management
- Resources for flood events
- River & flood search considerations and management
- Water rescue training levels
- Response capabilities – team typing, inter-agency cooperation/unified command
- Drowning
- Water rescue tactics – use of the TEMPO model
- PPE for working in, on or near water
- Pre-planning for water incidents
- Specialist equipment considerations
- Water rescue scene size-up and safety controls
- Incident command at water rescues
- Special considerations i.e. weirs, vehicles in water etc.
- Medical and welfare issues including decontamination
In-Water Sessions
- Survival swimming & self-rescue
- Reach rescues
- Throwline use
- Shallow water crossings
- Inflated fire hose
- Overview of swiftwater rescue technician capability
- In-water night operations
- Searching water & floods
Course Timetable
Day 1: Theory Session
Morning: Fundamental Knowledge 1
Afternoon: Fundamental Knowledge 2
Evening: Brewery Tour and Tasting
Day 2: Practical Session
Morning: Personal Rescue Skills, Basic Rescue Protocols
Afternoon: Overview of Rescue Techniques
Evening: Night Water Rescue Operations
Day 3: Theory Session/Practical Session
Morning: Theory: Pre-Planning, Incident Size-up and Incident Management
Afternoon: Theory: Water and Flood Search Operations/Practical: Search Exercise
Evening: Assessment Task: Search and Rescue Incident Management Exercise
Day 4: Theory Session
Morning: Flood Management
Afternoon: Table Top Flood Management Exercise and Assessment
Evening: End of Course Dinner, Debrief and Networking Opportunity
Day 5: Theory Session
Morning: Wrap-up session
Afternoon: Departure
Take-Aways
Accommodation
The theory sessions, evening activities, brewery tour, and final dinner will be held at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewery in downtown Squamish, BC at 1-800-919-ALES (2537). The hotel is offering a discounted rate of $89 (single) for course participants. The hotel is small, with limited rooms, so please book early. Other recommended accommodation in Squamish includes the Mountain Retreat Hotel at 1-866-686-7387.
