Captain (Ret) Phoenix Fire Department Phoenix, Arizona, United States
A Mayday rescue of a haz mat team Technician in the Hot Zone during an incident is a complex and extremely dangerous situation. Both HAZWOPER and NFPA 472 mention “backup teams”, but do not provide much detail. The new NFPA 470 addresses all these issues. Many haz mat programs use a two-member entry team with a two-member backup team to meet this OSHA HAZWOPER requirement, but time is of the essence in this life-threatening situation, and this is not the most effective solution. The Mayday Project offers some startling data that needs to be understood to have a successful rescue, not a recovery. There are many options on configuration, equipment needed and where to stage the Backup Team but there is much more that needs to be addressed for an effective and safe program. Depending on conditions, your backup team may stay within eyesight of the entry team, in full CPC and on SCBA air, or your backup team could wait just outside the HOT Zone with their suit half on and ready to deploy. This is more than just a “Backup Team” and while some of the concepts are similar, it is far different than a firefighting RIT. The haz mat continuum includes the Rescue Team for decontamination and suit removal before handing the victim off to EMS. Medical intervention may need to start before the Entry Team member is out of the suit in order to have a successful rescue. Air management is critically important. Hot Zone Maydays are rare, but we must train with best practices to perform in an emergency. Videos of MAYDAY training will stress safe techniques for removing a downed technician and getting that individual out of the suit. Learn best practices and "borrow" ideas to take home. This workshop will include one hour of classroom to present concepts and the remainder of the class will be practical exercises in simulated situations.
Pre-registration is required. Transportation is provided to and from the destination. Meet in the hotel lobby near registration to check in for the bus no later than 7:45 AM.
Learning Objectives:
Workshop participants will identify what constitutes a hazmat Mayday using the HAZWOPER definition, NFPA 472 competencies and practical experience.
Instructors will provide a brief overview of the development of current Mayday best practices, cover the unique considerations for hazmat emergencies and introduce the Rescue Team concept.
Participants will use a flowchart identifying the roles and responsibilities of the Backup Team to select the correct option during hands-on exercises.
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