Saving Tree Workers Lives: The Neglected Component of Urban Forest Management (04-DG-111244225-447)

This project was directed at updating aerial rescue in relation to the ever changing tree worker equipment and climbing techniques.

Tree worker equipment and climbing techniques have changed greatly during the past decade; however, our approach to aerial rescue has remained essentially the same. The current procedures may be based upon unrealistic situations and may be placing rescuers at risk. The objective of this project was to examine the types of accidents where aerial rescue is most needed and what procedures may be best suited to safely and efficiently rescue victims yet minimize risk to the rescuers. The study found that aerial accidents could be placed into five different categories based upon the situation in which the accident occurred. Theses are: aerial lift, electrical contact, incapacitated, palm/pole, and trapped/pinned. Each of these categories requires different responses from rescuers in terms of first-aid and extraction/evacuation training and skills and may involve a non-medical or medical rescue. If it is a medical rescue the need to extract and evacuate may take priority to medical needs due to the victim or environment considerations or the reverse may be true. The key is to provide thorough training so tree workers have the knowledge and skills to perform any potential rescue rather than only the one currently practiced today.

Project objectives:

The objective of this project was to determine the mostly likely situations where aerial rescue would be necessary for tree workers and prepare protocol for the safest and most efficient means of conducting these types of rescues.

Attachments

Click here to download this final grant report as a PDF.