Texas Task Force member, and Roco Instructor, Matt McElearney gives an inside look at the function and demands of Helicopter Search and Rescue Technicians (HSARTs) during large scale incidents and natural disasters. Matt discusses equipment, skills, and training utilized to perform rescue operations in these adverse conditions.

Texas Task Force member and Roco Instructor Matt McElearney is back to discuss the details and benefits of pre-rigging rescue equipment, as well as preparations for industrial and wilderness rescues.

Pat Furr discusses training considerations that teams should focus on to reach the highest level of proficiency. Pat discusses different approaches that training coordinators can take to ensure that each team member is trained to be proficient in all areas of technical rescue for confined space. Pat gives examples of scenarios, individual skills training, and considerations for roles and responsibilities during training that will benefit the team in its entirety.

Robert Aguiluz joins us again to discuss OSHA’s new construction standard 1926 and the legal effects it will have on the industry. Robert will discuss how he sees OSHA moving into this new era and how he thinks enforcement will come into play during this transition. Robert will also touch on the areas of the new standard that he feels will give the construction industry the most difficult time adapting to for compliance.

Roco council Robert Aguiluz discusses OSHA’s Permit-Required Confined Space Regulation (1910.146). Robert gives his insights on how facilities have conformed to the standard since its promulgation over 20 years ago, OSHA’s pursuit of strict compliance to the standard, and which violations have the highest occurrence rate. Robert also answers questions of potential changes or expansion to the existing regulation.

Petzl representatives John Dorough and Russell McCullar give us a breakdown of some of the new items that Petzl has introduced this year. They discuss in depth the features of these products and the benefits that are provided with their use. Some of the products that are discussed in this episode include the new JAG system, Pro Pulley, Swivel Open, ASAP lock and several more.

In the second part of the interview, Pat continues his discussion on fall protection devices and rescue techniques and closes out with an in depth look into the medical effects of suspension trauma on the human body. Pat discusses the treatment considerations that rescuers should focus on if faced with prolonged rescue operations of suspended workers.

Pat Furr again joins us to discuss the topics of fall protection and the effects of suspension trauma on workers who do not receive prompt rescue. Pat focuses his discussion in the first part of the interview on the different types of fall protection utilized in industry and the rescue techniques that are employed to recover workers who are suspended in these devices.

Dennis O’Connell discusses the complications and hazards rescue teams encounter when tasked with providing rescue from trenches. Dennis points out the important safety concerns and some issues that are potentially overlooked in these dynamic environments as well as deficiencies with training, equipment, and response that some agencies are faced with.

Guest Eddie Chapa gives an interesting inside look into the world of technical rescue for offshore operations and the complications that are faced under such limited conditions. On top of all the hazards faced during land-based rescue efforts, Eddie brings to light the other factors such as weather, sea state, medical and extended care support, transportation, and equipment considerations that compound these already difficult tasks.