Making the Most of Your Rescue Training

Lots of fall protection providers offer different types of programs and training courses for their customers. Often times, a course will cover one specific area of fall protection. One of the most popular classes is a “Competent Person” training course where workers and other safety professionals can learn the basic information about using fall protection in the workplace. As the fall protection industry continues to grow and expand, more and more companies are beginning to offer longer and more complex training courses.

One of the most difficult subjects in fall protection is explaining how to rescue workers from a fall protection system post fall arrest. This situation is difficult primarily because there are many variables that can factor into a specific worksite. However, there are some core principles that influence any post-fall arrest rescue operation. And in order to get the most out of a training program, there are certain subjects that should be addressed during your rescue training course.

Workplace Hazards

Knowing where the fall hazards are located in the workplace is critical for your employees/co-workers to know and understand. When people know where hazards are located in the workplace, the hope is that they will remember that they are in a dangerous area and that they need to protect themselves in some way. Additionally, workers will know to pay attention when another person is in one of those areas in case something happens and they need help.

Rescue Equipment

In the event that a worker needs to be rescued post fall arrest, it’s crucial for everyone involved to know about the rescue equipment that will be used. For example, if the person who needs to be rescued has suspension trauma relief straps, they will need to know how to use them. But, the same thing can be said for the people who are rescuing the worker. If there is a special piece of equipment that needs to be used during the rescue process, the people on the rescue team need to know how the equipment works and how to use it quickly and effectively. 

Rescue Procedure

Along with knowing about the rescue equipment, it’s equally important that people know what the rescue procedure is for your facility or job site. If the manager of safety has decided that internal employees will make up the rescue team, then those people need to know how to handle an employee rescue from a fall protection system with the equipment provided. If the safety manager for the work locations has decided to use an external rescue team (like a local fire department or other emergency service team), then there should be an internal procedure for how to go about contacting them and any other steps involved in the process. Ideally, either an internal or external rescue team should practice an on-site drill with a rescue manikin 2 to 4 times each year. The rescue team should be able to rescue the victim within 15 minutes if no suspension relief straps are in use.

Please remember that an external rescue team may be difficult to find depending upon the location of your facility. If an external rescue service cannot reach your facility or worksite in a timely fashion, it may be more beneficial to have an internal rescue team with your own rescue equipment. And, if you are in different locations for jobs, you may not be near a group that provides emergency rescue service. This would be another time that it would be helpful to have employees who know how to perform a rescue.

First Aid and Treating Suspension Trauma

Depending upon how someone falls and how long it takes to rescue them, it’s a good idea for people to have some basic knowledge about first aid and suspension trauma. Knowing how to visually inspect a person for broken bones and other physical injuries will help determine if they need to go to the hospital. Meanwhile, knowing the symptoms of suspension trauma and how to begin treating someone who is showing those symptoms could potentially save their life. Generally speaking, CPR and AED certification courses are often beneficial for everyone. Medical training specific to suspension trauma response (positioning and handling a victim of suspension trauma) is a critical part of fall protection rescue.

Effective Communication Techniques

Knowing how to communicate is an important skill in life. And during an emergency situation, having good communication between all involved personnel could mean the difference between life and death. The safety manager will need to decide whether cell phones, two-way radios, intercoms, landlines, or some other means of communication are the most effective way to communicate an emergency. Once a means of communication has been selected, employees need to know how to operate the communication device, who they need to call, and what information needs to be expressed to that contact person. And, if possible, employees should be encouraged to stay calm while communicating an emergency.

All of these subject areas play an important part in having a well-rounded and effective fall protection rescue plan. Anyone who needs to be rescued will have a much greater chance of survival when employees and co-workers are informed about how to handle an emergency rescue situation from a fall protection system.

Until the next time, stay safe up there.

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