Health & Safety Executive Preventing falls from vehicles

Health and Safety Executive have publised a web-friendly version of the Preventing falls from vehicles Advice for workers pocket card INDG413(rev1).

More than 2000 serious injuries to people falling from vehicles are reported to HSE each year. Many of these injuries are broken arms or legs, resulting in weeks off work and possible loss of earnings. There are probably many more injuries that are not reported.

The guide covers:

• Getting on and off the vehicle

• Keeping your vehicle safe

• How you can work safely

• What your employer should do

Outreach are City & Guilds certified for 8th year

Outreach are proud to have been certified as a City & guilds approved centre for our 8th year in succession.

ClimbTech Product notice BWA012N & BWA030N

PRODUCT NOTICE: BWA012N and BWA030N

November 21, 2018

In ClimbTech BWA012N and BWA030N anchorage connectors manufactured before 2016, it has been found that, in rope access work where it is common for the D-ring to be rotated under body weight, the retaining nut may become loose over time. This possibility is accelerated when the swivel d-ring is not kept clean.

It is recommended that examination of this component be added to before use, and periodic inspections of any affected product still in service. Depending on frequency of use, it may be necessary to carry out periodic inspections more often. It is also recommended that a straight permanent mark be made across the swaged region and the exposed flat face of the retaining nut to determine its current alignment.

For all affected units still in service, the following steps shall be added to the inspection process:

1) Ensure that the exposed flat face of the retaining nut does not extend past the swaged region.

2) Inspect alignment mark to ensure retaining nut has not moved.

3) Ensure retaining nut is secured to the swaged region and does not rotate or wiggle.

If any of the above inspection criteria are not met, the anchorage connector should be removed from service immediately.

For any other questions or concerns, please contact ClimbTech customer service or your local supplier.

ClimbTech Customer Service
7303 Burleson Road, Suite 901
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 308-6440

Water fillable suit a game changer for bariatric training

Ruth Lee have been manufacturing rescue training manikins for over 30 years and in that time have established some great partnerships with their customers.

As well as providing feedback, their customers help test new products, which is an essential element of product development. Through learning from their expertise of rescue training, Ruth Lee have been able to develop a range of training manikins which are well-suited to specific, specialist training scenarios.

Outreach Rescue, have been instrumental in the design and development of a number their rescue training manikins. Our reputation in the field of specialist rescue training is highly-regarded across the country (and also across the world, with many international visitors attending our residential programmes).

From our base in North Wales we provide a wide variety of training courses. Set in 34 acres our site includes outstanding facilities for simulating rescues and with Snowdonia on their doorstep, we have an impressive array of water and technical rescue locations on our doorstep. Outreach also works with a number of approved centres across the country to provide training.

Recently the team at Outreach assisted with the testing of our Water-fillable Bariatric Suit. Ruth Lee were aware that bariatric training requirements were increasing and wanted to give customers a solution where just one person could set up the training scenario.

The Water-fillable Bariatric suit can convert an adult Duty manikin into a bariatric using water.  This kit allows one trainer to position the manikin in a difficult access location (such as the high cab of an articulated lorry for example) and then add up to 150kg of additional weight using a hosepipe.

Outreach were so impressed with the equipment that we purchased the first suit. We have used this kit in various scenarios, including within a hospital environment where they have helped train emergency evacuation procedures for bariatric patients undergoing surgery.

“Your Water-Bariatric suit is a game changer for bariatric training. We have rigged exercises where they could not previously be set up. It has been a massive eye opener for some as to the reality of the situations they may be faced with. It is not possible to have a 'suitable and sufficient' rescue or evacuation plan, if you have not tried it and trained it.”

Said Tony Emsley
Managing Director at Outreach Rescue

To find out more about Ruth Lees range of bariatric training manikins, please click here

Changes to ladder standards guide from the ladders association

The Ladder Association has produced a comprehensive guide explaining what the changes to ladder standards mean and how they will affect you.

It includes:

• A look at the features of ladders manufactured to the new standard

• Guidance on the use of ladders to withdrawn standards

• Advice for businesses and users on buying ladders

In order to be eco-friendly, they have made the guide available to easily download as a pdf

Outreach Rescue Approved Centre Conference

Save The Dates - Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th June 2019

Cardiff International White Water Centre
Watkiss Way, Cardiff, CF11 0SY

Water Rescue
Rescues From Vehicles in Water
Confined Space Operations
Rope Rescue
Casualty Care and Extrication 

If you would like to contribute to the programme, you are welcome to submit your ideas to tim.magson@secamb.nhs.uk 

Full details and booking arrangements for delegates will be available soon.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hosted by @SECAmb HART

Harrogate – Bariatric Workshop

Event Start Date: Thursday, March 28th, 2019

Event Start Time: 14:00

Only 40 delegate places are available on this Conference taking place at the Pavilions of Harrogate on March 28th 2019. The delegate rate of £60 includes VAT, lunch/tea/coffee and free parking.

This half day afternoon workshop is being run by Outreach Rescue and is focusing on dealing with Bariatric Patients.  The workshop will be looking at tripods, bipods and other lifting systems that can be used for the extrication of casualties or Bariatric patients from a wide range of locations including domestic situations and RTC’s.  The emphasis will be on safe assembly and operation of equipment, minimising manual handling issues and, patient care and safety.  Practical demonstrations and discussions will also be included in this workshop.

To reserve your delegate place telephone 01322 660434

> View Programme

Hooped Ladders

Most of my visits recently have included discussions on the use of hooped ladders. Most places do nothing, some have wire systems, some don't even think about it.

Guidance is clear, see the link below:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/hoopedladders.htm

Approved Supplier Update

Happy to say we have again been awarded Approved Supplier status by the Government of Gibraltar for the work we do for the Gibraltar Fire Service.

Always a pleasure going over there, some of the best training venues we get to see, just don't leave any kit on the roadside walls where the apes are.

3Ci Global Solutions working with Outreach Rescue

Outreach Rescue are the first UK Accredited Ci6 Centre of Excellence to now provide the cutting edge 21st century emergency management methodology.  Ci6-BRONZE, SILVER and GOLD GUARDIAN Level expertise Courses are now being scheduled for Spring this year.  

An excellent weekend accreditation training in Ci6 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING Methodology and Tool Box Sets, GOLD GUARDIAN Level with Outreach Rescue.

Outreach recommends DEFRA Water Rescue Module 3 Skills maintenance guideline

Outreach recommend using the DEFRA Water Rescue Module 3 Skills maintenance guidelines as the mirror system for Rope Rescue Technician continuation training.

This demonstrates awareness and compliance with a peer reviewed and well-established guidance document which is seen as best practice in a closely related rescue training discipline.

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Refresher and sustainability;

Activity Based Training
Quarterly recorded activity based training should cover the following subjects; -

• Donning, doffing and care of Rope Rescue PPE
• Work @ Height Guidance and best practice
• Application of personal safety systems (Fall arrest, Work restraint and Work positioning)
• Rigging and using anchor systems
• Rigging and using belay and lowering systems

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Refresher Training

Each operator should demonstrate competence against each learning outcome at least once every three years. This may take the form of a full course renewal and/or skills based assessment, under the supervision and tutorship of appropriately competent trainers.

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Skill sustainability training

It is recommended that personnel spend a minimum of one day per annum, as a team, at a suitable rope rescue training venue, under the supervision and tutorship of appropriately competent trainers. The venue should be suitable for all appropriate technical aspects of Rope Rescue Technician training to be carried out safely and effectively.

Skills to be refreshed shall include: -

• Anchor and belay management
• Raise and Lower of rescue loads
• Cableway and Stretcher familiarisation
• Rope Ascent and descent  

In situations where the above cannot be achieved, attendance on a 3-day refresher programme is recommended on or around the 2-year anniversary of initial training.

Builder & Engineer Magazine

Emergency Rescue and Recovery Team

Outreach Rescue provide highly experienced, professional and well equipped Emergency Rescue and Recovery Teams (ERRT), holding all relevant qualifications to work in industrial
environments. The availability of an experienced rescue team ensures everyone working in a hazardous environment remains safe throughout the duration of the task, whether the task
involves Confined Spaces or Working at Height.

EACH Rescue team would usually consist of three personnel (more if required after Risk Assessment of Task), made up of rescue specialists with both technical and casualty care expertise gained through years of operational experience. The minimum standard of Casualty Care knowledge is FPOS Intermediate, with the added advantage of a HCPC Paramedic as part of the team.

We are totally self-sufficient, providing all technical, medical and communication equipment. For rescue cover in a Confined Space environment, all monitoring and Breathing Apparatus (EES and SCBA) is also provided.

SERVICES INCLUDE:
Site Risk Assessment:
A visit prior to the date of task to gain experience of the planned work and to produce a Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS) to comply with on-site Health and Safety policy.

Confined Space Attendant:
To ensure each worker is properly equipped, with their location known in order to comply with regulations.

Standby Person:
The person in charge of the confined space, with all responsibilities including Permit to Work
and Control of Access.

Confined Space Rescue Team: Fully equipped team, at whatever level required, ensuring complete safety and evacuation cover for your workers. The team will have all rescue systems set up, installed and tested, prior to any tasks being initiated.

Casualty Care: To manage any incident and to provide appropriate treatment and evacuation in an efficient and clinical way at Paramedic level, prior to handing over to definitive medical care. Our rescue team members have extensive experience of operating in problematic environments. Dealing with casualties suffering from injuries or illness in such environments often requires treatment and evacuation to be simultaneous which is why the Outreach Rescue ERRT have rescue systems in place, prior to any chance of an incident occurring, as time is often at a premium.

Onsite Assistance:
The ability to interact with other site personnel to assist with safe systems whilst constructing our own Rescue plans, minimising personnel in risk areas for prolonged periods of time.

Health and Safety Monitoring:
Safety Advisors – we can provide independent site advice to help ensure safety procedures are in place and being followed and will liaise with all interested parties to help ensure compliance. Liaising with the onsite Contracts Manager or Health & Safety Officer the ERRT Team Leader/ Supervisor would not just provide a Risk Assessment for the rescue team but also provide continuous monitoring of the environment to ensure access is safe for team members and employees.

Team Qualifications and Experience:
• City & Guilds Medium Risk Confined Space 6105-52
• City & Guilds High Risk Confined Space 6105-53
• City & Guilds Emergency Rescue & Recovery of Casualties from Confined Space 6150-55
• City & Guilds Top Man in High Risk Confined Space 6150-54
• City & Guilds Level 3 Understanding planning, supervising and managing working at height.
• IRATA level 1, 2 & 3
• Rope Rescue Supervisor
• First Person on Scene Intermediate/ Advanced
• Hazardous Area Paramedics (HCPC registered) are available as team members if required
• Swiftwater Rescue Technicians (Advanced)
• Water Safety and Rescue

Email: enquiries@outreachrescue.com
Website: www.outreachrescue.com
Tel: +44(0) 1248 601546

> Download PDF

Cancellation Policy update

Booking a course with Outreach Rescue ?
The following information will provide you with details of our booking and cancellation procedures

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How do I reserve a place on a course?

Currently, all Outreach Rescue courses are booked by Learning & Development managers or similar within individual organisations. We are unable to accept booking requests direct from FRS or HART employees. Private customers may book direct with Outreach Rescue.

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What if I need to change or cancel the course booking?

Employer sponsored clients should immediately contact their booking department if they become aware of any reason that could result in their not being able to attend.

The Organisation should then contact Outreach Rescue as soon as possible.

Please be aware that an increasing number of Outreach courses have pre-course learning which must be completed prior to the delegate attending the residential element, therefore sufficient time must be allowed for this if there is any change to named attendees.

Powered Boat for Rescue response Cancelation Policy

Cancellation per boat/instructor within 1 month of course start date will result in a £700 fee per boat/instructor for a 4-day course and £525 fee per boat/instructor for a 3 day course. 

Cancellation per boat/instructor within 14 days of course start date will result in full cost per boat/instructor as it is too late to book our instructors elsewhere.

Private customers should contact Outreach Rescue direct.

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What does the course price include?

Included within the cost of the course, are course fees including pre-course learning where relevant, lunches, and any PPE required.

Course price includes the cost of on-site or off-site accommodation.
Please notify Outreach at the time of booking if accommodation or meals are not needed

Please note that any cancellation charges applied will include accommodation costs
The following criteria will apply if you need to change or cancel a booking

1. 8 weeks or more before the residential course start date
If the change or cancellation applies to a course where it is 8 or more weeks before the start of the residential element of the course then an administration fee of £35 will apply.

2. 6-8 weeks before the residential course start date
If a change to a booking is requested 6-8 weeks before the start of the residential element and the place cannot be transferred to another delegate from within your Organisation, then a 25% cancellation fee will be charged . If you would like to transfer the delegate to another course/date, then an administration fee of £35 will apply.

3.0-6 weeks before the residential course start date
If a booking change is requested within 6 weeks of the booked residential course start date, and the place cannot be filled by someone from within your organisation, then a 100% cancellation fee is payable. An administration fee of £35 will also apply.

Unfortunately, we are not able to transfer to another course within this timeframe.

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How do you pay for courses?

An invoice will be sent for payment the month before the start of the course, dependent on when the course was booked. The invoice will be for the cost of the course and accommodation booked, unless you have notified us differently.

Standard terms apply, payment is required within 30 days of the date of issue on the invoice.
Further information

If you require any further information please
email: enquiries@outreachrescue.com or call 01248 601546

First Responce Emergency Care (FREC) Level 2, 3 or 4 Award

Outreach is accredited by Edexcel/ Pearson to deliver, in parallel with our Casualty Management in Specialist Rescue course, the First Response Emergency Care (FREC) award

The Outreach Rescue Organisation, based in the  Snowdonia National Park, have for over eighteen years been running a range of rescue courses for the Emergency Services within the UK and overseas.   All Outreach courses are delivered by experienced climbers and mountaineers, including SAR Paramedics, with many years of operational rescue and training experience behind them. Courses include Rope Rescue, Water Rescue, Search and Casualty care.

Outreach is accredited by Edexcel/ Pearson to deliver, in parallel with our Casualty Management in Specialist Rescue course, the First Response Emergency Care (FREC) award. This nationally recognised qualification offers progression from basic First Aid training and introduces proven life saving techniques such as Oxygen Therapy, Airway adjuncts, C-Spine immobilisation, Basic Life Support and Automated Electronic Defibrillation (AED) training. This 4 day course will provide delegates with the confidence and ability to deliver treatment for injuries and illness in any environment and meets all the requirements for NGB awards.

We also provide our own ORMS (Outreach Rescue Medic Skills) Emergency Care in the Outdoors training at levels 1-3. We deliver the syllabus in the environment and the situations hill walkers and climbers operate in, with a strong emphasis on the practicalities of providing care and safe evacuation. It is aimed at all outdoor enthusiasts, and is also suitable for personnel such as expedition /DoE/school group leaders who work in relatively remote rescue environments, and are responsible for the management and treatment of casualties until hand over to definitive medical care. It has a flexible delivery model, to suit working delegates and meets the requirements of all relevant National Governing bodies.

For further details, or to talk about this or any of our courses, contact Tony Emsley or Ian Ellis at www.outreachrescue.com, or call 01248 601546

PFD use in swift water environments

The following are a few notes regarding PFD use in swift water environments. They may help you in an overall assessment of your PPE and its suitability

QUICK RELEASE HARNESSES

The quick-release belts should be trimmed so that approximately 15cm of webbing protrudes from the cam. Longer belts will take much longer to release in gentle water conditions and may tangle with other fittings on your PFD. This presents a problem for those attempting to share this equipment.

It is well worth checking the quality of the quick release toggle as we have found the short cord inside some to be deficient. A valuable part of PPE drills should be practice finding and releasing the toggle until it becomes second nature. You may also have to release someone else’s toggle in an emergency. Be mindful of the additional complication when adding a throw line belt to your Kit; this has another release toggle; make sure this is always positioned off-centre to avoid confusion.

We have found that some PFD’s do not release as they should, even in quite powerful conditions. The cause would appear to be friction on the belt as it passes under the under the user’s arms. Some models enclose the moving belt within well positioned sleeves, some do not. The only way of guaranteeing function is through regular testing in the water.

When donning a PFD make sure it is the adjustment straps that influence its fit rather than any reliance on the releasable belt; otherwise it may ride up just at the wrong time!

COWSTAILS

Most cows’ tails are connected to the releasable belt by a “D” or “O” ring. It is important to check these to ensure that any joining weld is intact. If it is not, the cow’s tail can detach from the belt or inadvertently connect to one of the belt guide-loops.

Some teams use an “O” ring without a cow’s tail (adding on where necessary for specific tasks); this works so long as karabiners are not inadvertently connected to the wrong part of the PFD in time critical situations.

KNIVES

It is well worth sourcing knives with a double release mechanism to reduce the chance of accidental release. The general consensus has moved away from any use of lanyards/retractable cords to connect the knife to the PFD due to the risks of injury. Avoid using them for general purpose tasks-they should be in perfect condition when you need them. Practice getting them out as part of basic PPE drills.

CROTCH STRAPS

These should only be used if they are needed. Some wearers will benefit from the additional means of preventing the PFD from riding up once they are in the water. The down-side of additional webbing systems is their snagging potential. Any loose webbing should be carefully stowed under the PFD.

BOUYANCY MATERIAL

We have found that some models of PFD are made of such thin material that the buoyancy foam inside is prone to miss-shape under the arms changing the fit during use.

SHOULDER STRAPS

Depending on the type of conditions you expect to encounter you may wish to consider shoulder straps with guaranteed strength. The webbing on some straps passes from the back to the front without a break making them much stronger. This means that in the event of an entrapment a person can be pulled upwards by these straps without risk of them breaking.

POCKETS

Some PFD’s on the market have two or more pockets. This means you can carry sufficient equipment for most operations without compromising swimming. You may wish to cram in slings, karabiners, light-sticks, first aid kit, etc.

BOAT COMPATIBILITY

Those spending the majority of time on powered craft may wish to re-assess their choice of PFD. Some operators avoid the use of cow’s tails (particularly if they are slack) to reduce the risk of entanglement with other fittings in the event of capsize. Knives and other projections should be minimised to make re-entry into a righted craft more achievable. “Vest” type PFD’s will make this operation easier.

Outreach Industrial Training for Marine, Offshore and Wind Energy Industries

Casualty care programmes are available with accreditations appropriate to your needs. All meet current legislative requirements, and are delivered through theoretical and highly practical sessions guaranteed to increase confidence and practical ability. The environments workers in this business find themselves in can be some of the most remote and difficult of any Industry, we can give you the specific skills needed to cope with them. Our training is not the average, we are specialists in Hazardous environments and in the challenges they bring.

Rescue and Safety Team Training is also available, where we provide elements of all rescue disciplines in one programme. We bring together rope, confined spaces, casualty care and, if appropriate, water safety, into a focussed and practical course, almost entirely scenario based, that will hone existing skills and provide the essential rescue element missing in standard training. Courses can also be designed to your exact requirements to ensure you get the focus you need to deal with your own, unique, situation.

We have over 20 years experience in delivering rescue and safety training, all our tutors have worked for many in Industrial, Emergency Services or Military rescue before joining us, and we hold national accreditations in all disciplines. Our standards are high because they reflect our understanding that your environment and problems are often very difficult, we guarantee to go the extra mile to help you deal with it.  

Setting Standards, Verifying Standards and Maintaining Standards

Training in specialist rescue, which forms the largest part of our business, has evolved from a series of loose guidelines and regulations fifteen or so years ago to the current increased focus on a consensus set of contents, standards and expectations.

With the increased detailing of good practice there are now developed/developing sets of national standards to which governance and compliance within the UK can be applied.

Whilst some gaps still remain, there are continuing requirements for training providers to identify appropriate sources to use as benchmarks and devise role related skill combinations and appropriate training and assessment methods.

Technical standards are but one aspect of the delivery of good training. The provision of a technical specification is in no way a guarantee that the delivery of that training will be such as to ensure learning, consolidation and detailed assessment to an appropriate standard.

At Outreach we developed the first line of external verification of our training standards with the three-way partnership between ourselves, Coventry University and the Fire Service College, which has now been in place since the early nineties. However, about ten years ago, we started to add additional levels of sector specialist verification processes within our structure, which along with our client consultation process is used to develop a culture of constructive critical appraisal.  

This was not introduced solely as an initiative to sustain quality but was, in part, as a consequence of a rising litigation culture within our increasingly risk averse environment.

 We have reaped the benefits of additional layers of expertise and the checks and balances they brought even though occasionally we may feel that they are time consuming and costly to resource. The structure of our verification process involves a rolling review of every programme on (normally) a two-year cycle. Individual sections of each course are defined and independent organisations or individuals with appropriate sector specialist knowledge, skills and experience are engaged in the review process.

One of the benchmark standards that have always been considered are the NFPA Standards, which, though of the highest quality for their particular application in North America are only partially relevant to requirements in the UK. In 2007 we undertook a review of the problems inherent in international application of these standards with the chair of the NFPA technical search and rescue committee concerning both the current application of NFPA standards and future considerations for amendments. Two members of Outreach staff are currently members of the NFPA Technical committee for Technical Rescue.

The NFPA standards, along with all others, are only as good as the verification and governance of their application. The NFPA provides a set of standards but all verification and compliance responsibility rests with the commissioning ‘authority having jurisdiction’, i.e. in the UK typically a Chief Officer, Director or similar.

There are equivalent issues with regard to the medical content of training courses and whilst these are frequently referred to as included in programme content, they are often only loosely detailed. Outreach Rescue has a medical faculty of Doctors and specialist Paramedics that continually review and inform this element of our work to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

Our assessment processes follow National Vocational Qualification guidelines with all candidates being assessed against an agreed standard of competence using multiple evidence and a range of assessment methods. This system is then documented through a record of performance which provides the basis for ongoing training and development.

 We believe it is vital that these structures are in place both for our own and our client’s continuing  confidence in what we deliver. It seemed an obvious tactic to develop a structure based upon sector expertise, which would support the overall accreditation provided by the Fire Service College and Coventry University.

We look forward to the further definition of standards of technical content. The audit and verification process here described will nonetheless remain at the heart of our quality system to ensure appropriate compliance and the maintenance of standards.

Training managers clearly have a substantial legal responsibility to validate their training provider’s internal and external verification processes and we welcome any such enquiry.

Working at Height Connectors by George Smith

Even those of use with a less than Newtonian understanding of gravity all tend to agree that “it’s not the falling – it’s the stopping” that hurts. Perhaps we should ....stop for a few moments, and consider deceleration and the potentially baffling world of personal safety connectors in general.

The variety of available products increases all the time adding to the complexity of choice. Whilst the developments in gear testing throw up new elements to the equation.

It would be great if we could just connect ourselves to anchorages with a big strong bit of cable rope or webbing sling. Unfortunately the stronger things are, the less dynamism they possess, so the falling operator stops – and promptly snaps! (Or as recent tests have shown, they may put huge shock loads on the anchorage).

Cumbersome though they are – fall arrest lanyards are the equipment of choice for anyone in any doubt as to the consequence of a fall (having said which their ingenious one-use-only dynamism will, whilst decelerating you effectively fail to stop you colliding with any surrounding bits of structure!)

Their unzipping stitch-packs will prevent a “snap” so long as operators understand all conceivable users, and miss-uses. (Their usage is not confined to industry – thousands are utilised every day on the rigid rungs of alpine “via ferrata’s” – so interest in their refinements will be ongoing.

So why don’t rope access/rescue specialist use them for every task? Hopefully because they understand the principles of dynamism that allow for a different set of choices, so long as the dynamism is available elsewhere. This is afforded in a couple of ways. One, operators may be attached to well positioned quantity of rope with sufficient inherent stretch, or, two, they may be able to connect to a security point at chest – level or above.

The rope options may encompass ascent of descent, operator controlled or otherwise. They could include the provision of a rope and travelling “lock” system protecting the ascent of ladders or steel structures.

Those simply connecting to a high well placed security point, are able to use short lengths of dynamic rope. New tests (Lyon) have shown that these should be constructed with knots rather than any kind of neat looking sewn termination because they outperform them for bounce. The less obvious advantage these skinny bits of rope is that it is no trouble to carry three, permanently fitted. So the more complicated the manoeuvre the greater versatility and system redundancy. A good example here, would be the connectors available. The more complex these sort of manoeuvres are, the simpler the connection systems need to be to avoid confusion.

The increasing prevalence of cam-adjusted connectors simplifies basic work, enabling operators to micro adjust their equipment. But over-reliance on these new systems at an advanced level can generate complex and bulky rigging systems on which it is harder to carry-out pre-use safety checks. A balance must be struck after the full range of possible uses are taken into account.

Whilst much of the focus is rope rescue training is on the safety of “rescue loads” (rescuer and casualty, half of the work entails the management of edge safety for those positioned on building roofs and natural cliff tops. In theory they could be protected with a single-rope restraint system, but a realistic analysis of their role would suggest a progression to “doubled-up” work positioning systems allowing them to take greater advantage of their position as communicators and edge managers.

Clear as mud? It’s a complicated business, a developed understanding of the principles and full compliance with guidance and legislation being a work in progress. If anyone is in doubt then they should perhaps default to full-blown fall-arrest lanyard systems. Mind you – if they are in doubt – they probably shouldn’t be up there!!

George Smith
Outreach

Top tips from the Outreach Bariatric Workshop

Following a successful Bariatric Worskhop please see our notes and top tips for Blue Light services.

In the majority of cases (depending on Casualties individual medical conditions) it is far better to keep the casualty sitting up – laying them down immediately adds pressure to their lungs and constructs breathing.

Dr suggested keeping a load of old Seat Belts in the vehicle as they are useful for use as “handles” for lifting.

Using humour is good, BUT always laugh with the casualty not at them.

Simple use of bed sheets is the easiest way of getting people downstairs.

If the casualty is in the bath, add a small amount of water to help “float” them slightly just to help manoeuvre straps under them.

Plan ahead – ring the hospital well in advance to let them know you will be on the way to them so they have time to prepare a Bariatric bed, lifting kit (in case it needs to be acquired from a different hospital)

Never, ever, put your feet under the edge of the bed when you are preparing to lift the casualty off the bed, if it collapses on your foot you will be in trouble!

If you can, try and obtain a list of Bariatric patients from your local hospital care trust so you can carry out a Risk Assessment and formulate an evacuation plan in advance. You may also like to involve a structural engineer as part of this process. NOTE, if you are told you cannot have this information due to “data protection”, if the casualty signs something to say this is ok, you can get their name and address.
IMPORTANT – check the carrying load of your Long Boards

Try and get more information up front prior to attending, ask control to find out where they are in the house, which room, floor etc.

When considering structural loading, don’t think in terms of 100kg in body weight, think in terms of a Smart Car.

Simple solution to floor loading, transfer the load by adding a couple of Acro props along a 4x4 timber. Don’t forget to replicate this below to cover the transferred load.

Always remember to look around the whole building before you go in to assess additional stresses on the building to spot opportunities to share the load.

When moving casualties, try and use a blanket or small duvet to wrap them in first before putting them in a Slix to provide added protection. REMEMBER to ask the obvious first – ask if the casualty is able to help move themselves with support from the team BEFORE calling in the cavalry!

Always explain to the casualty what you are doing and involve them in the conversation – do not have a conversation about them.

Set a base line pulse at the beginning of the extrication so when you take it again later your know if it has changed

Pre-plan the extrication – you don’t want to end up with your troops at the top of the stairs behind the casualty when you need them at the bottom to help receive the casualty. Remember to measure the openings before you start moving.

Consider boarding stairs and “sliding” casualties (incline plane).

Industrial Safety Teams

Outreach Industrial Safety and Rescue can provide the most well trained, experienced and equipped safety teams available in this sector.

All staff are fully qualified to the highest national standards, with ongoing continuing professional development and operational experience keeping skills at optimum levels.

Each team is made up of rescue specialists with technical and casualty care expertise gained through years of experience. We can provide medical cover at all levels, up to, and including, paramedic standard to ensure every risk can be covered.

We will always use the best equipment possible to ensure we can provide the safest and most efficient rescue solutions.

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 Industrial Safety Teams.

The purpose of our Industrial Rescue teams is to make sure that everyone works in the safest possible way – everything we do is designed to protect the health and safety of your workforce.

We can help mitigate your safety risks by working with your contractors and staff to keep your environment safe while helping you increase productivity and limit delays.

We will always provide an immediate response, a fair price and an experienced, well equipped team whenever you call on us.

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Team makeup

All our staff are very experienced in the environments you work in. With backgrounds in Military, Emergency Services and Industrial rescue, and with years of operational practice behind them, you can be assured of the highest possible standards.

Response

We provide everything required, including technical and casualty care equipment. All equipment is the most up to date and affective available, and will be provided on site in our own specialist vehicles.

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 Technical Rescue Services

Our services include: Technical Rescue, Casualty care, Health and Safety monitoring and Safety Training

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 Confined Spaces – services available

Confined Spaces attendant – to ensure each worker is properly equipped with their location known in order to comply with regulations.

Confined Spaces Supervisor – The person in charge of the confined space, with all responsibilities including any permit to work requirements.

Confined Spaces Rescue – Fully equipped teams, at whatever level required, to ensure complete safety and evacuation cover for your workers.

 Casualty Care Services

To help with the management of any incident, and to offer the most appropriate treatment and advice in any casualty care situation.

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Health and Safety Monitoring

Safety Advisors – we can provide Independent site advice to help you ensure safety procedures are in place and being followed and will also liase between all interested parties to help ensure compliance.  Our aim is to develop relationships to a point where site workers see us as a valuable asset that can keep them safe and offer advice when required – both important aspects in ensuring efficient operations.

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Safety Training Services

Industry standard, nationally accredited and bespoke training to include:

Confined Spaces, all standards. (City and Guilds 6150 available).

Height Safety, Work at Height, First Response packs. (City and Guilds where appropriate)

First Aid, First Person on Scene (FPOS), De -Fibrillator , CPR Refresher.

Fire Extinguisher operations.

Safety Programme development.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of work writing.

Site Safety team training.