The Breeding Area Volunteer Fire Department provides rescue services to the citizens of Breeding, Sparksville and Nell. We provide mutual aid to all emergency response agencies in Adair and surrounding counties. We have adopted the National Fire Protection 1006/1670 codes.

Definition of NFPA 1006/1670

NFPA 1006 is the Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications.

NFPA 1670 is the Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents.

Under these NFPA codes fire departments are allowed to perform the following rescue diciplines at the approval of Authority Having Jurisdiction (fire dept) .They are:

• Rope Rescue
• Swift Water Rescue
• Surface Water Rescue
• Vehicle & Machinary Rescue
• Confined Space Rescue
• Structural Collapse Rescue
• Trench Rescue
• Wilderness Search & Rescue
• Dive Rescue

The NFPA 1006/1670 code allows fire departments to remain as "fire departments" . The participating fire department does not have to change thier name to a "fire rescue" department. Furthermore, fire departments who have adopted the NFPA 1006/1670 code DO NOT fall under the direction of Emergency Management, nor under KRS Chapter 39.

Note: The Kentucky Fire Commission reconizes NFPA 1006/1670.

Our department currently provides the following rescue services: Vehicle & Machinary Rescue, Rope Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Wilderness Search & Rescue.

Note: Inorder for a individual to become a Rope Rescue / Swift Water Rescue Technician, he or she must have illustrated skills (mentally & physically) that has been setforth by NFPA 1006 / 1670. Any individuals not meeting the critera of NFPA 1006 / 1670 is NOT to be considered a Rope Rescue / Swift Water Rescue Technician and is NOT covered under Workman Compensation.

NFPA Reconizes the Following Certification Levels:

• Awareness
• Operations
• Technician

Information concerning hours for various certification level(s).

• A NFPA compliant Swift Water Rescue Awareness Course is approximately 8 Hours
• A NFPA compliant Swift Water Rescue Operations Class is approximately 24 Hours
• A NFPA compliant Swift Water Rescue Technician Class is approximately 40 Hours
• A NFPA compliant Rope Rescue Awareness Course is approximately 8 Hours
• A NFPA compliant Rope Rescue Operations Class is approximately 24 Hours
• A NFPA compliant Rope Rescue Technician Class is approximately 40 Hours  

  THE 15 ABSOLUTES OF SWIFT WATER RESCUE

  1) Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD).

  2) Always deploy upstream spotters above the location of the rescue operations.

  3) The priorities at the scene are always self-rescue first, the rescuer and security of fellow team mates second and the victims last.

  4) Never put all your eggs in one basket; always have a backup plan.

  5) Always have multiple downstream backups.

  6) Always keep it simple.

  7) Always use the right equipment.

  8) Never put your feet down if swept away.

  9) Never count on the victim for help in their own rescue.

  10) Never tie a rope around the rescuer.

  11) When tensioning a line across the river to be used for an in-water safety or walking stream crossing, never tension the line at a right angle to the current.

  12) While tensioning a line across the river, never stand inside the bight, and always stand on the upstream side of the rope.

  13) Once a victim is contacted, never lose them.

  14) Given the choice between a fire helmet and no helmet, always go with no helmet.

  15) Finally, Always be proactive.

  RISK ALGORITHM

In order to provide for the safety of both the rescuer and victim, a low to high risk algorithm has evolved for the implementation of various rescue methods in Swift Water Rescue. Under times of stress, the implementation of this algorithm helps to prevent a rescuer from endangering himself and the victim, thus providing a sound, step by step approach when effecting a rescue. As the algorithm progresses, the danger and threat to rescuer and victim increases. The algorithm is, "Talk", "Reach", "Throw", "Row", "Go and Tow", and "Helo". While it is safest to talk a victim into performing a self-rescue, there exists a substantial increase in danger once a rescuer enters the water. "Talk" refers to the dialogue that takes place between the rescuer and victim, and includes the rescuer directing the victim in methods of self-rescue, such as swimming to shore. If unsuccessful, the rescuer will attempt to "Reach" with an object, such as a tree branch, paddle, or pole, to the victim, so that the victim can be pulled to safety.

            ZONES OF OPERATION

The immediate area of operations at the incident, is divided into three zones of operation, "Cold", "Warm", and "Hot". Certain requirements regarding training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) exist for personnel operating within these three zones. The Cold Zone is considered to be anything greater than 10 feet from the water's edge. Awareness Level personnel shall approach no closer than this zone. The Warm Zone begins 10 feet from the water's edge, and ends at the water's edge. Personnel operating in the Warm Zone shall be trained to the Operations Level, and must wear a properly fitted and secured Personal Flotation Device (PFD). The Hot Zone refers to any and all activities taking place in the water. These activities shall be performed by personnel trained to the Technician Level, provided they are wearing a properly fitted and secured PFD.