Swiftwater Rescue Technician Unit 1

Duration: 30 hours (15 hours at the river, 7 hours hands-on lessons, 8 hours of classroom). It is suggested that the class be held over 3 days, but it can be adjusted to fit other schedules
Level: Technician

General Objectives
1. To develop a sense of confidence and necessary skills for fire and rescue personnel in dealing with swiftwater situations.
2. To train the student in utilization and adaptation of standard rescue gear in swiftwater situations.
3. To train the student in usage of innovative rescue equipment in swiftwater situations.

Behavioral Objectives
Upon completion of this course the student will:
1. Have a sound working knowledge of swiftwater dynamics and water-related physiology.
2. Be able to recognize and treat the signs and symptoms of specific medical problems related to water accidents.
3. Have a working knowledge of all equipment used including: safety gear, climbing gear, lights, boats, signaling devices, specialized gear and vehicles.
4. Be able to utilize helicopters as a rescue asset; understand their characteristics, capabilities, and limitations; including safety considerations while working around helicopters.
5. Be able to rescue and extricate an accident victim from the water.
6. Be able to safely swim in swiftwater and maneuver so as to negotiate river hazards and obstacles at various water levels.
7. Be able to handle small inflatable boats by paddle, oar and on tether.
8. Have a general knowledge of applicable communications systems.
9. Have knowledge of law-enforcement responsibilities and on-scene leadership.
10. Understand swiftwater rescue team organization and the response of the victim.
11. Be able to utilize climbing and technical rescue gear applicable to swiftwater rescue.
12. Be able to ford shallow and fast-moving water utilizing various techniques.
13. Be able to cross deep, slow-moving and fast-moving water utilizing basic climbing gear, small boats, and combinations of the two.

Materials Supplied
Rescue 3 will supply the technical gear necessary for the class (rope, PFD, rafts etc). Each participant will receive a manual of related information and articles. At the successful completion of the course a certificate of completion, a Swiftwater Rescue Technician patch, and an i.d. card will be presented to each student.

Student Equipment
Bathing suit, thermals (depending on weather), towel, and a pair of tennis shoes or wetsuit booties. Moreover, students should have a pen, pencil and notepaper at all class sessions.

Student Requirements
Observation or participation of all activities, a co-signed skills check-off sheet, and a written test are required to receive the certificate of completion. A willingness to learn and endure arduous circumstances, long hours, and fatigue will all contribute to a student's success.
If a student feels uncomfortable about participating in any activity and simply wishes to observe s/he should advise the instructor of this decision. Rescue 3 recognizes caution as the first sign of a good rescuer.