Swiftwater Rescue Training Program: SRT I/II/III
SRT II: Operations
Course description and core competencies
Like other NFPA compliant programs, the SRT II Operations level training is the second highest level of technical rescue training in moving water. The program is designed for first responders and members of public safety agencies who are tasked to respond to emergent situations where “red zone” operations are likely or expected. This program will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to competently support the rescue efforts of “GO” rescuers or technician certified responders. This is a 2-day (16hr) training program that follows the same course curriculum as the Swiftwater Rescue III program, without the requirement to attend the third day of training. Operations trained responders gain the knowledge, skills and ability to swim and self-rescue from accidental exposure to moving water, use appropriate risk assessment and management practices, support and back-up Technician trained responders, rig rescue equipment including simple mechanical advantage systems and tensioned diagonals.
The Swiftwater Rescue II – Operations program is designed for shore-based rescuers. It is also suitable for individuals who work or guide professionally in the river environment. This program meets and/or exceeds NFPA 1006 and 1670 Standards for Technical Rescue. Participants who do not complete the operations level certification may be eligible for the awareness levels under the NFPA guidelines.
Core competencies: Students will study and put into practice the following swiftwater core competencies:
– Defining technical swiftwater and flood rescue
– Relating NFPA 1006 and 1670 to the swiftwater environment
– Scene assessment and the emergency response process
– River anatomy and hydrology
– Personal protective equipment
– Communication in the swiftwater environment
– Technical swiftwater rescue equipment (ropes, knots, technical hardware)
– Rope and mechanical advantage systems
– Hazard assessment and self-rescue
– Swimming in moving water (defensive & aggressive swimming; ferrying)
– Throw bag techniques.
– Use of static and dynamic belay
– Swiftwater wading techniques (solo + team subject rescue)
– Entrapment self-rescue
– C-spine precautions and patient transport
– Agency specific scenario/exercise
SRT III: Technician
Course description and core competencies
Like other NFPA compliant programs, the SRT III: Technician level training is the third highest level of technical rescue training in moving water. The program is designed for first responders and members of public safety agencies who are tasked to respond to emergent situations where responders will likely be required to perform contact rescues, or other advanced interventions for subjects in moving water. This program will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to competently effect rescue of casualties in moving water, using appropriate risk assessment and management practices, as well as sound judgement following the rescue matrix. The Swiftwater Rescue III – Technician program is also suitable for individuals who work or guide professionally in the river environment. This program meets and/or exceeds NFPA 1006 and 1670 Standards for Technical Rescue.
Participants who do not complete the technical level certification may be eligible for the operations and/or awareness levels under the NFPA guidelines. This is a 3-day (24hr) training program provides first responders with the skills and knowledge to assume the role of "GO Rescuer), as well as the foundational self-rescue skills.
The Swiftwater Rescue III – Technician program is designed for water-based rescuers, who will often make contact with distressed individuals in moving water. This program meets and/or exceeds NFPA 1006 and 1670 Standards for Technical Rescue. Participants who do not complete the operations level certification may be eligible for the awareness levels under the NFPA guidelines.
Core competencies: Students will study and put into practice the following swiftwater core competencies:
- Defining technical swiftwater and flood rescue
- Relating NFPA 1006 and 1670 to the swiftwater environment
- Scene assessment and the emergency response process
- Incident command and size up
- Advanced river anatomy and hydrology
- Personal protective equipment
- Communication in the swiftwater environment
- Technical swiftwater rescue equipment (ropes, knots, technical hardware)
- Rope and mechanical advantage systems
- Hazard assessment and self-rescue
- Swimming in moving water (defensive & aggressive swimming; ferrying)
- Throw bag techniques
- Use of static and dynamic belay
- Swiftwater wading techniques (solo + team subject rescue)
- Entrapment self-rescue
- Entrapment extrication of subject (equipment or body)
- Contact subject rescue (tethered and non-tethered)
- Boat and equipment extrication
- C-spine precautions and patient packaging & transport
- Agency specific scenario/exercise
