Water First Responder
Goal
To train responders to identify limitations and safely and effectively use appropriate water rescue equipment to work safely in and around water and to conduct non-buoyant rescues as a rescue service.
Target group
Emergency services personnel and personnel from organizations involved in water responses at the Water First Responder (DEFRA Module 2) level.
Highlights
DEFRA Module 2-compliant water rescue training.
Focus on real-world applications through immersive, scenario-based exercises.
Specialist equipment and PPE are provided. You can train using your own serviceable PPE subject to inspection by our trainers
Description
This 2-day course trains emergency service personnel and organizations involved in water rescue responses at the Water First Responder (DEFRA Module 2) level. Delegates learn to identify rescue limitations, safely use water rescue equipment, and operate near or in moving water in a non-buoyant capacity.
This two-day heavily practical course trains responders to identify rescue limitations and effectively use appropriate water rescue equipment while operating near or in moving water in a non-buoyant rescue capacity. The course covers water rescue scene management, dynamic risk assessment, roles within incident management, hydrology, search procedures, PPE usage, movement in shallow water, self-rescue, relevant rescue techniques (shout, reach, throw, wade) and casualty management. The remit of the Water First Responder is for non-buoyant rescue only, meaning rescue swimming or the use of rescue sleds or any floating craft is not included. This is a practical course with a lot of in-water training in swift-moving class 2 water.
Compliance
DEFRA Module 2
Previous knowledge
No pre-requisites required
Requirements
Age 18+. Delegates must be fit for physical training requiring the ability to swim in class 2 water in PPE.
Progression
Reassessment & Refresher training is recommended every 2 years by means or re-attending this course.
Theoretical elements
- Classroom sessions cover water rescue scene management, dynamic risk assessment, incident management, hydrology, search procedures, vehicles in water, recovery issues, helicopter operations, adverse environments, unstable surfaces and roles and responsibilities.
- A course manual is issued.
- A short written exam paper confirms learning.
Practical elements
- Practical sessions include sessions on safe working in and near water, the use of water rescue equipment, self-rescue swim techniques, movement in shallow water, rescues (shout, reach, throw, wade), foot entrapments, cinches, and casualty management.
- Practical scenarios bring these skills together for realistic training.
- Specialist equipment is provided.
- Delegates can use their own PPE, subject to inspection by trainers.
- Continuous assessment is conducted throughout practical exercises and scenarios.