HomeMy WebLinkAbout306.011 - Rescuers Personal Flotation Device
TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT MANUAL
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
306.011 RESCUERS PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE
EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 2007
Current Revision Date: 7/26/19 Next Revision Date: 7/26/24
Author’s Name/Rank: Conor Schwarm, Engineer Review Level: 1
Adminstrative Support
Leslie Oulashian
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or
Department) members with instructions on how to use the Rescuers Personal
Flotation Device.
APPLICATION
The Rescuers Personal Flotation Device is a piece of equipment designed to assist
the wearer to keep afloat in water during water rescue operations.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
All members operating within 15 feet of the water’s edge shall wear personal
protective equipment (PPE).
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
The following is the appropriate level of protection to be utilized in water rescues for
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) members:
Rescue helmet - do not wear a fire helmet.
Wetsuit or dry suit.
Personal floatation device with knife and whistle.
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Booties or tennis shoes.
1. Setting Up the Quick Release Strap:
a. Thread the two-inch webbing through the tri-glide retainer. The
metal tri-glide carries most of the force when the system is
under pressure, minimizing stress on the buckle. (See Figure
1.)
b. Slide the strap through the plastic cam-lock bubble. (See Figure
2.)
Note: Never tie or wrap the extra quick-release webbing.
This could prevent the quick-release from opening.
Figure 1
Figure 2 Section 306.011
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2. Operating the Quick-Release Buckle:
a. Find the quick-release toggle. (See Figure 3.)
b. Pull on the toggle or on the webbing strap. This opens the
buckle and allows the webbing to slip through and release the
metal ring. In turn, it releases the wearer from the tether line
and frees them. (See Figure 4.)
Figure 3
Figure 4
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c. The quick-release strap passes through a metal ring attached to
the back of the jacket with Velcro. The metal ring serves as a
point for securing an anchor line. Secure with a locking
carabiner, a pig tail tether, or tie directly to the metal ring. (See
Figure 5.)
Note: Never use a non-locking carabiner to directly attach to
the metal ring on the back. The carabiner could slide
down the PFD and clip itself onto a loop, not allowing
the quick-release strap to function.
3. Auxiliary Tethers:
a. Tethers are also called pig tails. (See Figure 6.)
Figure 5
Figure 6 Section 306.011
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Figure 7
b. The metal ring at one end replaces the ring in the back of the
harness. The carabiner on the other end attaches to the quick-
release point in the front of the jacket. (See Figure 7.)
The tubular webbing allows the rescuer to hold the tether close to the body under
one arm, and allows the rescuer to clip himself/herself into ropes and anchors. (See
Figure 8.)
Figure 8
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INFORMATION
The Rescuers Personal Flotation Device is equipped with a harness for tethered
rescue work (a.k.a. 'live-bait rescue'), a whistle to alert fellow rescuers, a strobe to
use at night or in poor light conditions to improve visibility, and a rescue knife for
cutting yourself or a victim free from any snags or from the rope itself as a last
resort. The harness holds a maximum load of 1,100 pounds and will release cleanly
at 1,100 pounds.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 202.14d, Water Rescue
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