Dispatch call centre information gathering
Emergency call centres have standard questioning regarding incidents to ensure the correct resources are dispatched .
The following additional questions may provide critical intelligence for a response to a tree worker incident :
Worker
Site and tree
Is the worker suspended at height – how high ?
What is the quality of their anchor , and is the casualty secured ?
What is the nature of their injury ? Have you attempted rescue already ?
Are there access or rigging lines set in the tree already ?
Are they communicating ? Can they do anything to assist themselves ?
Is the site easy to find ? Can someone meet us at the access point ?
Is the site accessed by bitumen , 4WD or on foot ?
Is the site access route clear of obstructions ? Are gates unlocked ?
What is the ground slope and ground cover ?
Are there any obstacles that would inhibit vehicle or foot access ? Do you have timber and branches around the tree that would inhibit access for our aerial rescue appliance ? Can you clear those safely before we arrive ?
What is the best access route ? Where should we drive in from to get the best access with our aerial rescue appliance ( give dimensions of appliance )?
Have you blocked the access route with your own truck and chipper , EWP etc ?
Is the site safe ? Are there any suspended loads or hangers ( attached / not attached )?
Is the tree safe ? Was it damaged during the accident ( e . g . partial failure etc )?
Are there conductors on site or in the vicinity ? Were they involved in the incident ? Can you confirm the pole number ? Have you contacted the network operator ?
Is an electrical shutdown required ? Can a shutdown be obtained remotely prior to the rescue crew arriving on site ?
Assets on scene
Timeline
Do you have an EWP on site ? Is it set up already and can it reach the casualty ( ideal ) or the tree ( still useful to access the tree )? Is the EWP insulated for any conductors on site ?
Do you have a crane on site ? Is it set up already ? Is the crane attached to a suspended load associated with the injury ? Could the crane be used to access the casualty or the tree ?
Do you have a tree truck or 4WD equipped with throwlines , Big Shot and access line capability ?
Do you have a competent second climber who could begin setting access lines ?
How long has this emergency been happening ?
How long has the casualty been suspended ?
© Arboriculture Australia 2022 - 13 -