Background

Firefighters may encounter emergency situations that require self-rescue.
Self-rescue occurs when a firefighter uses specific techniques to get out of an emergency situation such as when they are trapped or entangled.

Concerns/hazards

Self-rescue is a low frequency, high-risk event that requires practice and training. Over time, without practice, skills may diminish, so regular refresher training is important.

Actions for employers

Employers should:

  • provide training programs that introduce firefighters to self-rescue techniques
  • include practical evolutions combined with any classroom theory in training
  • develop training in consultation with their joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative
  • provide regular refresher training

Self-rescue training programs

These basic elements are recommended in a program:

  • history of the causes of firefighter injuries/fatalities in structural firefighting
  • mayday recognition and response
  • self-contained breathing apparatus familiarization, emergency procedures and air management
  • review of building construction features which can cause firefighter entrapment
  • review of related departmental operational procedures, such as Mayday, Urgent and Evacuate

Consider these additional elements when developing a practical program:

  • rescue and escape procedures, such as hose line/rope escape or other techniques
  • wall breach
  • emergency exit procedures from narrow or small spaces, using full personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
  • entanglement prevention and emergency disentanglement procedures
  • emergency exit procedures
  • emergency radio communications with incident command
  • calling of a mayday

Instructors should be familiar with the self-rescue techniques recognized by their department and have the knowledge, training and experience needed to conduct the training, and be aware of potential hazards which firefighters may encounter.

Applicable regulations and acts

Read:

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
    • clause 25(2)(a) for providing information and instruction to a worker
    • clause 25(2)(h) for taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers