Abstract
Aim: Provide a focus for an improvement in the state of readiness for water rescue operations within the National Firefighting and Rescue System (NFRS).
Introduction: The State is responsible for the safety of its citizens. The Polish State Fire Service (PSFS) conducts rescue operations generally, including water rescue activities. PSFS formations took part in rescue operations during 2007, after a violent storm in the Great Masurian Lakes. The storm culminated in 12 deaths and many sunk boats. PSFS personnel and staff from other organisations were engaged in searching for missing people, identification of locations for sunk boats and human corpses. Equipment used by the PSFS during rescue operation proved itself, including radio and telephone communication systems with the use of runners. Command communications, links with co-operating formations and full flow of information were established and maintained. During 2011 rescue operations on the Powidzki lake, involving significant resources of the National Firefighting and Rescue System, ended in failure. Based on analysis, the PSFS is striving to improve the provision of assistance and is developing tactics, which increase the effectiveness of rescue operations. Potential firefighters are tested for their ability to swim. The NFRS should have trained personnel engaged in water rescue work and this includes operators, and instructors. The NFRS anticipates an expansion in water rescue activity. Accidents in areas covered by water occur throughout the whole year. Majority of local authorities in Poland are responsible for areas covered by water. Basic operational activity, including action in the water environment, is led by Divisional Headquarters located in administrative districts and numerous volunteer fire stations have declared a desire to participate in water rescue activities. At times, firefighters who are not fully trained in water rescue work participate in such activities. Training and professional development programmes should contain water rescue activity in the curriculum. A reorganisation should be undertaken to reflect water rescue operations at all levels of the PSFS, including stations manned by volunteers.
Methodology: Analysis of publications, legal records and documents, opinion research with use of open interview techniques.
Conclusions: 1. Compile a guide (procedures) for NFRS dealing with water rescue operations. 2. Define the qualifications expected to be achieved by firefighters engaged in water rescue activities. 3. Conduct an analysis of qualifications and skills in water rescue operations currently held by units of NFRS. 4. Modify the training and professional development programmes of PSFS in water rescue activities. 5. Optimise the PSFS procurement of equipment for use in water rescue operations.
Keywords: safety, water rescue, firemen, operational readiness
Type of article: review article