Training for Aerial Rescues How preparing for the unexpected can save lives during stressful events By Ben Culbreth
Rescuing a colleague suspended in a tree isn’t rou- tine. Knowing how to handle these situations and what to do when an aerial rescue is necessary can oen be the difference between life and death. When someone is in a situation where an aerial rescue is needed, it can be easy to make hasty de- cisions — especially when that person is a friend. In one of the most dangerous fields of work, aerial rescues are near the top of the list of the biggest challenges a tree care worker can face. The tree care industry experiences more than double the incidents of accidents among all other occupations. Tree care work tabs an annual rate of 238.7 injuries per 10,000 workers , while all other occupations experience just 89.4 incidents per 10,000 full-time workers, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Small Business Advocacy Review Panel. From the process to the equipment, here’s what safety experts and tree care business owners say is critical to know before, during, and aer an ae- rial rescue operation. PROPER PROCEDURES Before rushing to save someone, securing the scene is the most important thing to do first, says
Jonathan Sullivan, owner of Century Tree Care, LLC , and a contract trainer with Noble Oak Safe- ty and Training . Any response will depend on crew size, accord- ing to Sullivan, but it’s always ideal to have a per- son on the ground responsible for assessing the steps that need to be taken. “The number one rule we have is, ‘There are no second victims,’” he says. Sullivan describes the importance of crew mem- bers checking their emotional state before rescue begins. From there, it’s determining what’s need- ed for a specific incident. If the crew attempts a rescue, they must ensure there are no other haz- ards on the way up to the injured worker. “Once you get to the victim, your assessment phase is huge,” he explains, adding that this pro- cess begins with the acronym ABC to determine a climber’s condition.
A is for airways. Is the person breathing?
B stands for bleeding. Is the person bleeding?
C is circulation. Do they have a pulse?
ArborTIMES Summer 2024 | 7
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