SB- 27 Topic: Water Rescue and PPE
January, 2016 (originally SB-6 April, 2014)
Water is not difficult to find in Louisiana. The geography of Louisiana contains literally thousands of miles
of rivers, bayous, canals, ditches and lakes, not to mention ponds, swimming pools and “water holes”.
In addition, areas that are normally dry may be susceptible to flash floods or
flooding from extended periods of rainfall, levee breaks, dam failures, etc.
NFPA states that a firefighter is four times more likely to die in a water
rescue than fighting a fire. A major contributing factor to drowning involves
BUNKER GEAR. Bunker gear is designed for firefighting and will contribute to
drowning of the wearer, especially in moving water.
Numerous documented firefighter deaths have occurred during water related
rescue scenarios, some of which involved fast moving flood waters as shallow
as two feet deep.
When responding to emergencies (including water rescues) most firefighters PFD or bunker gear - not both
will respond wearing bunker gear. The consequences of these actions can be
dire and deadly. Bunker gear will trap air and provide buoyancy which will keep a firefighter afloat for an
unspecified period of time. Buoyancy depends on several factors and is maximal in still water and limited
movement. However, if the firefighter attempts to swim, struggle or thrash about, trapped air will rapidly
escape the bunker gear resulting in submersion and possibly drowning.
Recommendations for averting these types of disastrous outcomes include:


Do not wear bunker gear during water rescues, station uniforms should
be the minimum
Wear a Personal Flotation Device when participating in a water rescue!
Type III as a minimum and preferably a Type I PFD.
PFD Information


Type III: “these life jackets are generally considered the most
comfortable, accepted styles for different boating activities… They are for use in CALM water where
there is a good chance of fast rescue. They will generally not turn an unconscious person face up.
Type I: This PFD is designed for survival in rough, open water. It usually will turn an unconscious
person face up and has around twenty two (22) pounds of buoyancy.
NOTE: Most adults need an extra seven to twelve (7 – 12) pounds of buoyancy to keep their head above
water
Sources: NFPA; Robert Avesec: fireemsleaderpro.org/tag/water-rescue/ and http://fireemsleaderpro.org/tag/waterrescue/
4/14 (updated 1/16) Eddie Pyle, FETI EMS and Safety Manager