Must

By Christopher Feder

When it comes to technical rescue, I live and work in two worlds: standby rescue and emergency response. My full-time position allows me to oversee a division for a private third-party consulting firm that delivers standby technical rescue and rope access teams for high angle, confined space, challenging access, and special work at height projects. In this capacity, I am tasked with visualizing the rescue job prior to deploying a team to support the project. Over the years, I have found various tools and techniques that have helped a great deal in not only the standby rescue team world but emergency response as well. Many of these tools and techniques I have picked up from other people over my 27 years in the fire service and 17 years in the military. I’ve found ways these devices can be best used and adapted to rescue, your audience, and your department.

A technical rescue "toolbox" is more than just a physical container that holds hammers, ropes, or carabiners. It also refers to our mental arsenal of problem-solving techniques and strategies that are cultivated by years of experience and education. We bring this toolbox with us to every scenario we encounter, and the more diverse this toolbox is, the more useful it will be. In my own technical rescue "toolbox," I always consider the many ways possible to achieve a given objective–and the various physical tools I can potentially use for that purpose.

A well-rounded rescue professional should know multiple ways of achieving a given task using a variety of items. Within the past 8-10 years, technology has evolved to allow professionals to develop new techniques with their equipment while pushing the envelope further than previously thought possible. This evolution in boundary pushing has also allowed rescue technicians to look elsewhere for additional guidance on best practices, regulations, and standards. As such, there may be some simple tools that could make our lives easier when preplanning or responding to a technical rescue (photo 1). Don't expect to see all these tools in any given rescue class, because it's easy to overlook such tools when we are focusing on rope work, medical considerations, and skills. None of these tools will magically perform a given rescue but could potentially help make your life easier before or during the rescue.

These tools are the must-haves that have been found to be incredibly—and at times, surprisingly—beneficial to my work as a rescue technician. As an instructor, officer, technician, or someone in a support role, you may find these beneficial in some capacity.

Laser Measuring

Preplanning is a crucial step for any rescue team. When visualizing a confined space or high angle standby project, I’m always mapping out the aspects of the work—any known hazards, workers’ training backgrounds, areas to stage gear, anchor points, and the distances to a given edge or hole opening—in much the same way as a firefighter rescue technician may preplan a local water treatment facility or high-rise building for rescue. Preplanning allows us to gather additional information from the site/client. For example, rescue technicians who preplan a confined space rescue at a local site may have greater concern for the size of the hatch opening than the site/client would, due to the differing needs from a rescue perspective.

One must-have tool that helps with preplanning is a laser measuring tape (also called a laser distance meter or laser distance measurer). The one I carry measures up to 135 feet and is a simple and cost-effective tool that quickly measures areas where a tape measure often falls short.

Most versions feature a laser that you simply point the dot where you want to measure and a button that locks in the unit of measurement (photo 2, top left). This is perfect for those high angle and confined space projects in which I’m unable to access the other side. Sometimes, the laser also allows you to identify I-beams visually and easily, walls, and columns when speaking to people. Just point the laser, and voilà! Nothing is lost in translation. Laser measuring devices benefit any given technical rescuer on a real-world emergency as a quick way to see just how deep, long, or high an area is. These devices come in different shapes and sizes; some include Bluetooth technology and can connect to your phone or an app for additional capabilities; others can store data and measure in different units. Some have an accuracy of +/- 1/16 inch, which for builders and contractors can be very important.

Not long ago, I discovered a laser measuring device that does more than just two straight points. Simply google "bilateral laser meter" and you will find some on the market that can measure up to 262 feet with an accuracy of +/- 1/8 inch.Bilateral laser meters (photo 2, top left) can also measure the middle from two points no matter where you are positioned. Additional features may include measuring for volume, the area of a triangle, and even Pythagorean. Units of measurements may include ft, inch, m, cm, and mm. Many of these laser meters even feature an app for your smartphone. The benefits to this tool are immeasurable. The laser does have limitations, such as not being able to see the red or green dot at long distances or in brightly lit areas.

These devices are vital to quickly measure areas you’re working in, to figure heights, and to determine the depths of a confined space. Prices may vary based on durability and capability. You can also use these as a laser pointer, but again, a brightly lit area may pose challenges.

While a measuring tape may seem like overkill (especially if you already have one or two laser measuring meters), a normal measuring tape will literally never die. There may be instances in which you’re unable to use a laser measuring device (due to site restrictions or the need to have intrinsically safe devices) and you’ll need to do your homework to find a laser measurer that is intrinsically safe. It's also super practical to have a tape measure for small stuff, like measuring the openings of a confined space, the width of columns, or an I-beam. You can never, ever go wrong with having a regular measuring tape. I’ve found that a 25-foot measuring tape is more than adequate.

Range Finder

Range finders are used in a variety of sports, outdoor activities, and hobbies. The technology used to determine the distances measured varies, but the result is the same: a measured distance. There are pros and cons to each technology that impact how accurate you want it to be, the environment in which you’re using it, and the distances you need to measure. When researching, I knew that I didn't need an expensive or sophisticated range finder. I needed one that was easy to use, small and compact, cost effective, and used disposable batteries (alkaline or lithium). Several units are available with rechargeable batteries but can also take alkaline or lithium as replacements in the field. The one I have uses CR123 batteries, which is not overly important, just be aware that not every place may sell that size battery (photo 2, bottom left).

Range finders designed for hunting include technology that allows for accurate measurements even with interference from trees, bushes, and foliage. If you spend two minutes on the internet, you will see the endless possibilities to this technology and price. This tool is perfect where a laser measure falls short, such as long distances or just to have an additional capability. Ultimately, it lets you see exactly where you are trying to measure.

Flashlights

Flashlights have come a long way with LEDs and compact technology. A small, right-angle, super bright flashlight is a must-have for every rescue toolbox. I have many, but the one I carry day to day is 500 lumens (photo 2, bottom center). They areperfect for many reasons, but some may only have a flood feature. Other useful features may include a belt clip on the back or a clip that upfolds—ideal for hanging from a harness, clothing, or piece of rope. If you do some internet researching, you can find unlimited possibilities to find the product that will best meet your needs.

About a year ago, I was on a job taking photos of an area where I needed to use a laser measuring device for measurements but also a flashlight to illuminate the area that didn't have adequate lighting. What made this more interesting was that I needed to take photos of the areas identified by the laser but also illuminate the area for the photo. So, I found myself holding a laser measuring device with a flashlight in the same hand while trying to take a photo.

A few weeks later, after spending some time on the internet, I found a flashlight that had a built-in laser with a brightness of 1,200 lumens. What made this more attractive is that it could be used as a flashlight, laser pointer, or both at the same time. You can find these types of lights for under $30. You may want a light that has a flood and spotlight feature, but they are not all created equal. Searching the internet will yield plenty of results and many of these lower end cost effective lights are great if you are not concerned about losing or breaking it on a day-to-day basis. I’m not necessarily advocating one way or another for the use of these types of lights in a fire suppression environment, but something like this kept in the glove compartment, center console of a vehicle, or jacket pocket gives you easy capability over the light on your phone. Most importantly, if a $20 light breaks or disappears, its less impactful vs. that $150 light you may have.

Along with flashlights, let's not forget a headlamp. Like regular flashlights, you can find high-end and cheaper versions for your helmet. I have a few different models, but again, that's mainly because I had one version and then discovered other options that are brighter, more cost effective, and physically lighterweight. I own a couple, and they range from 150 to 350 lumens. One of them is the traditional helmet lamp that has a self-contained light attached to a flexible band while the other one has the light and technology built into the flexible band. One is intrinsically safe under UL Rating: Class I Division 1, Groups A, B, C & D and the other is not, but that may not matter to you. One of them uses 3 (AAA) batteries while the other one is only rechargeable. The rechargeable version has a run time peaking at 8 hours with a maximum brightness of 350 lumens.

You may be asking yourself how bright 350 lumens are. This is a unique topic because brightness (illumination) is measured various ways. You may see terms used like candela (or candle) or lumen as an example and are trying to figure out the difference. Basically, candela measures the strength of the light (how far the beam will reach) whereas lumen measures the light output (how bright the area can be lit). To understand this, think about the traditional box light you may see on any given engine or truck that locks into a charger. They can start around $500+ and exceed 5,300 lumens, but some of them can also have a candle power of 500,000 or more. That should give you an idea on brightness if you are looking for a nonscientific, nonlaboratory comparison.

In 2009, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved a new specification standardizing performance of flashlights, which was appropriately called "ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2009 Flashlight Basic Performance Standard." That's a good place to start to better understand flashlight performance and what may be suitable for you or your department. I can say based on my experience that 300 to 700 lumens have always been a good number for a headlamp. They do make headlamps that can creep well above 1,000 lumens but the battery run time may be decreased and the cost of the light can be increased. The cost to own these lights is incredibly reasonable, and I have been on jobs where one light worked better based on time or illumination needed.

You may decide that just one light is enough and that's fine, but with the technology today, there is no reason to spend a lot of money on a light for these purposes when the internet is filled with decent products at a reasonable price. One thing people may not always consider regarding the brightness of a helmet light is if it is too bright, you’re going to blind other members of your team, but you may want a light that has a spot and flood capability depending on the use. Some lights come with night colors such as red or blue. There are manufacturers that make smart light technology that essentially allows one light to dim automatically when another light of the same brand is pointing at the other one.

Other Tools

Have you ever used an anemometer? It is a wind measuring device. Like range finders, there are so many anemometers on the market, it's hard to find where to begin. After I started to research anemometers, I was amazed by how in-depth they can get. I assumed they could get very expensive, but it never occurred to me some of the features for an inexpensive version could include capturing the wind chill and wind temperature. I assumed that was expensive technology; I was wrong. There was a lot to consider, but I ultimately decided to go with a basic unit for $35 (photo 2, bottom right).

The U.S Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a formal regulation on wind speeds and when work can and cannot commence, but that's for work taking place on scaffolding or cranes, as examples. That doesn't mean you need follow that or change how you do business; however, there is existing guidance and direction for acceptable levels to work in wind. Keep in mind that OSHA and the National Weather Service (NWS) each have definitions and terminology for wind that may vary. When it comes to wind, there are breezes, gale force winds, gusts, forces, etc. All this matters when preplanning or when responding to an emergency because you want to understand acceptable levels in a hazardous environment, such as wind and establish go/no-go levels. With respect to rope rescue, what's your plan if you must hang off a building in 25 to 30-mile-per-hour wind gusts? Are you trained for that? Is that safe? Are there other ways you can conduct the rescue? The list of questions goes on and on, but I again, if you don't know what levels are acceptable and how to measure the wind, how are you to know what's safe? Being familiar with formal regulations and guidance on wind speeds and having an anemometer that fits your needs could increase the safety level of your rescues.

We also need to include binoculars in the rescue toolbox. I own a few different brands, but none of them are more than $75. They range in size from compact to extra-large and may have zoom features, distances markings, wind, photo capturing, etc. They can creep well above a few thousand dollars. You may be asking, why do I need a range finder or anemometer if I can get binoculars with that capability? Well for one, is there a guarantee that the binoculars will tell you the wind readings exactly where you need it? If you purchase very powerful binoculars, will you be able to use the range finder mode for things that are considerably closer? Also, if something happens to the binoculars, you are now out of two other resources. Every fire truck should have a pair of binoculars, so do yourself a favor and get a good pair at a reasonable price.

As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest limitations of the laser measurer is that it's not really bright under certain circumstances. Sometime ago, I was participating in a training session and the facilitator was using a super bright green laser pointer to point at an object 100 feet away. It was easily visible to many people and very bright. Days later, I found out what type of laser pointer that was and I purchased a two-pack for about $35 (photo 2, top right). It works well for long distances and even in very bright atmospheres. Interestingly, I found out it even works well on LED TVs, whereas other laser pointers fall short.

The last tool to cover is Radio Frequency (RF). RF hazards exist more places than people realize. You can find RF hazards on rooftops, sides of buildings, sports arenas, tops of light and telephone poles, and cell or broadcast towers. You may be asking where this impacts you if you don't climb the tower. Well, you could have a vehicle accident with a light standard or telephone pole down that has a cell antenna on it that is still being powered. Or maybe your team is operating on a roof with an antenna array. When I meet a client or see a project near or adjacent to antennas (cellular or broadcast), I want to know what hazards exist. These RF meters can range in price from $500 to a few thousand, but the one I use is around $700 and includes the new 5G as well as FM Radio frequency (photo 2, top center). Unlike binoculars or a laser range finder, you are going to need formal training on RF hazards unless you’ve already been trained, which could be beneficial for everyone. There are plenty of resources for RF training. When shopping for an RF meter, look for something compact, easy to use, cost effective, and durable. I doubt you need that $4,000 RF meter tower workers use.

Another thing to think about is where you are going to store these tools. In the beginning, I would keep a flashlight and tape measure in my laptop bag. As the tools increased, so did the need for space in the bag. It got to a point where I needed a bag just for these devices. So, years later, I started to look for something else to store these tools. I looked at many options, but I didn't want just another bag, I wanted a formal way to organize them. I wasn't looking to spend the money needed for a heavy-duty plastic case, but I still wanted a rigid case that was lightweight. After some research, I found a few simple cost-effective options. I discovered a local company that sold various cases and offered custom foam cutting. I got a case with custom foam cut for under $140 (photos 3-4). Also included in the case were two top flap pockets, which hold extra batteries and charging cables. If you are looking for the same capabilities, find a place that you can send all the devices to and will organize, measure, and manufacture the foam cuts specific to the devices. You may be asking yourself, why do this if I may find another tool for the toolbox? Well, I found that this is the basic collection of tools I need. For example, I chose not to put the binoculars in the case because I wanted to keep it to a reasonable size, but your needs may require binoculars all the time. If I need a second or larger case down the road, I can address it at that time. You’ll see what type of case you need based on your own work.

Earlier, I mentioned alkaline/lithium batteries vs. rechargeable. I prefer to purchase devices that allow for using disposable batteries. Some devices leave me no option, but it's far easier to have backup batteries than to wait to recharge something. All these devices covered here are tools that I use daily. They are just as beneficial for preplanning and training as they are for real-world applications, and you will be surprised how often you use these tools once you have them.

When it comes to technical rescue, don't just look at things from a rope and knot perspective.

There are any many ways to perform, but if you have additional tools and resources that will help before, during, or after, why not take advantage of that? In the end, an educated consumer is a smart one, so do your homework and research what's out there. Today's technology for effecting a rescue has, in some ways, made things easier and so has grown the rescue toolbox. You may find that incorporating these devices into your training model or responses will yield positive results and help with creating the critical thinkers we need to be in technical rescue. These devices may not make the rigging any easier, but they may offer capabilities to you and your team you didn't have before.

BIO

Christopher Feder has been in emergency services since 1995 and started his career with the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills (PA) Fire Company, where he rose to the rank of assistant chief. He is a rescue specialist with the Montgomery County (PA) Urban Search and Rescue Team. He is the director of rescue services for Med-Tex Services, Inc., based in Philadelphia. In additional to being ProBoard Certified in various rescues disciplines, he is also an ITRA Level 3 Rope Instructor/Evaluator and SPRAT Level 2 Rope Access Technician. He has presented at FDIC and contributed to articles in Fire Engineering on technical rescue and safety.