Water
Management of Water & Flood Incidents
This high level course is designed for management and command personnel from emergency response, municipalities, regional districts, and industry who are responsible for coordinating response to major water rescue and flood incidents. The course provides the underlying knowledge and skills to successfully manage single or multi-agency operations within the jurisdiction’s existing emergency response framework.
The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between the emergency planning process and the actual on-scene response—a combination of operational skills and knowledge that most other training does not address. Participants will learn practical, operational skills that they will draw upon continually before, during and after major incidents.
This course also includes an on-river session to teach the practical, self-rescue skills required in a moving water environment. This ensures that managers and commanders have the ability to operate in the “warm-zone” (on shore) in a safe, effective and efficient manner while they are on-scene. The course fee includes all the necessary gear for this session.
This course is available on request for groups of 12 or more, or occasionally offered on an open enrolment basis for individual registrations. Contact us to find out about courses being planned for future dates.
Details
Duration: 5 days (including evening activities) (~48 hours)
Format: 4 days in the classroom, one day on the river, plus evening sessions.
Pre-requisites: None
Cost: $1495
Early Registration Discount: Only $1295 if you register by Sept. 1
Group Discount: Get an additional $100 off if three or more people register at the same time.
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)
Nice to have:
- Headlamp or waterproof flashlight
Course Content
The MWFI course combines 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 and/or flood environment. 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 Session
- 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: Meet and Greet
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: Debrief and Networking Opportunity
Day 5: Theory Session
Morning: Wrap-up session
Late Afternoon: Departure
Take-Aways
