Areial Rescue

[klimbinfool]

I agree fully with you , Tony

Greg

 

[Colin]

In the UK, aerial rescue is part of a basic tree climbing course through our national training organisation, undertaken by registered instructors. The course is 5 days and teaches live aerial recue not far off the ground under direct supervision. The max course number is 4 delegates. 4 techniques are trained using basic equipment. An independant assessment is then required for the national standard to be achieved (via the National Proficiency Test Council NPTC) in Basic Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue.

Most contracts won't be awarded unless staff have aerial rescue training and certification. In addition, if a company is paid a visit by the HSE (OSHA in the USA)and guys on site are not suitably trained and qualified, work will be suspended and training enforcement applied. If an accident occurred and staff were not trained and certified, the employer could have court action taken against them by the employee and be prosecuted by HSE. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of tree climbers in the UK are aerial rescue trained and certified, and in addition have comprehensive first aid training (4 days) as a matter of course.

Emphasis on speed is a mistake - an accident has occurred, why create another one. It is far more important to stabilise and reassure a casualty, than crash them to the ground in seconds and miss vital signs or risk further injury.

Risk assessment is also included in basic training, and if undertaken properly, most accidents are avoided anyway.

This basic and consistent national training is reflected in accident statistics - only a 1 in 240 chance of serious injury in a year. I think the USA's is more like 1 in 40.

I know our legislation approach is different to your litigation, but it looks like a solid basic standard in climbing and aerial rescue would be better observed nationwide.