Time Critical Rescue.
Photos of ladder rescue using a rescue harness for a time critical rescue incident, this system of work has been derived
to replace the Fire Fighters carry down of casualty, which is needed under the new legislation for working at height or to
prevent any injury to the rescuer under manual handling regulations and to allow Brigades to formulate an equal opportunities
policy through new techniques. The system attaches to the Load Spreaders which are permanently fixed to all rescue ladders
which have a built in stability system like the A.S. 13.5 Rescue rated fire service ladder. The system of work and the attached
Load Spreaders allow the rescue to be quick, to allow rescuers to have a permanent accessible entry and exit point, which is a
critical consideration for the officer in charges risk assessment.
The system of work and Load Spreaders allow a high safety factor if the Casualty and the rescuer should fall and load the
system whilst attached to the Load Spreader at the head of the ladder, or whilst descending, control is maintained at the ladder
base by a nominated Fire Fighter with a hands free rope control device. This action also applies if the casualty is walked down
the ladder face.
Click on the images to view full size
1. Effecting a rescue
2. Setting up control systems to load spreader
3. Fire Fighter securing to the head of ladder by load spreader and scaffolding hook
4. Fire Fighter attaches two hooks to load spreader
5. Fire Fighter attached to load spreader and also rescue system attached to load spreader
6. Rescue system being set up inside building
7. Casualty being loaded into rescue system
8. Fire Fighter and casualty attached to system lowered down face of the ladder
Same as previous image but from a different angle
9. Control of descent is monitored by Fire Fighter with hands free device