24/7
UK Coverage
200+
Rescue Technicians
50+
Specialist Trainers
70+
Years Experience

Rescue 2 - Rope Rescue Medical Emergency

Rescue 2 were called into action on a recent assignment to initiate a rescue plan, when a scaffold operative became suddenly ill at the bottom of a 15m wet well, and had to be recovered to safety.  The rescue plan for the medical emergency was implemented and the operative was attached via his harness to a pre-rigged rope rescue system and hauled out of the risk.

Rescue 2 have been working at a large Water Treatment Facility on the South Coast, providing technical rescue cover and advising on the safety of the operatives and contractors on site.  Part of the work involved the erection of a hanging scaffold platform, to provide safe access into a live Inlet Wet Well for the installation of new isolation penstocks. The operative was erecting scaffolding at the bottom of the wet well when he became ill.

Two rescue technicians accompanied the operative into fresh air and he was escorted up to the ground level using the designated escape route, and thankfully later made a full recovery.

Prior to commencement of work, the proposed scaffolding installation was scoped with both the scaffolding contractor and Rescue team members to ensure that suitable provisions were put into place for working safely at height and for rescue recovery.  A scaffold gantry was erected at ground level with suitable lifting points for fall arrest winches and rescue rope systems and a platform was constructed to provide a clear line of sight for the rescue team including sufficient room and a clear route of exit for the use of a rescue stretcher.  Escape routes were established and maintained clear at all times.

Incidents like this are a good reminder of the importance of having a well-equipped, well trained rescue team onsite, being able to implement a quick and effective rescue.

Why Rescue 2?

From an operations point of view, pre planning for rescue is imperative and a legal requirement.  Having a rescue plan in place is not merely a paperwork exercise notated into risk assessments and method statements.  It’s a living breathing, piece of work that needs to be constantly monitored and reviewed to ensure it always fit for purpose.

The day or night starts with a comprehensive safety briefing for all those involved, where the rescue plan is explained in detail to both rescue technicians and operatives.  Rescue equipment is checked before use and pre-rigged ready to go.  Only when this is completed are operatives allowed into the risk.

As the work progresses, rescue technicians will constantly monitor the safety of contractors and operatives, and although we will not advise on working practices, we will intervene if we see unsafe practices occurring.  It may be the rescue plan has to be revised during the course of work, or different extrication methods employed to remove contractors from the risk due to a change to their planned method of work.

The rescue plan is a living document, created with knowledge and understanding and executed swiftly and safely when required using knowledgeable rescue technician through training and experience.

Incidents like this are a good reminder of the importance of a comprehensive risk assessment and method statement, a well-equipped, well trained rescue team, being able to implement a quick and effective rescue.

Rescue 2 provide teams of experienced technical rescue specialists to any company across the UK, that wants to ensure the safest possible outcome for their staff and contractors whilst working in a confined space, or similar high risk environment.

For further information, please contact Rescue 2 on 01903 871105, or visit our website at www.rescue2.co.uk

Technical Rope Rescue

© 2024 Rescue2. Registered address: The Old Stables, Decoy Lane, Poling, West Sussex, BN18 9QA | Rescue 2 Limited Company No. 8093217 | VAT No. 137410142
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