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Rescue 3

Defra Mod 2 - Swiftwater and Flood First Responder Training Course

Defra Mod 2 - Swiftwater and Flood First Responder Training Course

Course type:

Industrial Water Rescue Courses

Description:

Primarily intended for those working in and around floods, our First Responder course is very popular with industrial clients as it is so widely known and accepted by key stakeholders. Defra Mod 2 is often stated as the minimum requirement for operatives working around water in tender documents.

When we run these programmes for industrial clients, the programme is re-shaped with an emphasis on safety and prevention rather than rescue. We often also include lifejacket training, which is a standard requirement for our industrial clients.

First Responders undertake bank-based and shallow water operations. To enable this, a responder requires the ability to self-rescue; basic boat handling and rope work are also covered on the programme where relevant to your needs.

Course content includes:

  • Rescue 3 philosophy
  • Training standards
  • Best practice guidelines for water rescue
  • Hydrology and water hazards
  • Floodwater dynamics and hazards
  • Flood theory
  • Personal equipment
  • Technical and team equipment
  • Pre-planning
  • Risk assessments
  • Incident size-up
  • Incident management and site control
  • Medical and decontamination considerations
  • Considerations for night/poor visibility operations
  • Mud, ice and unstable surface considerations
  • Introduction to searching rivers and floods
  • Communications
  • Swiftwater swimming techniques
  • Strainer swim
  • Conditional rescues – talk, reach, throw
  • Shallow water techniques
  • Casualty management
  • People and equipment entrapments
  • Tethered boat options (if used by agency)
  • Inflated fire hose (if used by agency)
  • Flat-water sled paddling (if used by agency)

Need something different?

Any of our Rescue 3 training courses can be delivered at your preferred location and tailored to meet your organisation's operational requirements. Contact us to discuss your requirements →

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  • Cumbria

    We deliver specialist water rescue training across the Lake District and North West. Our local knowledge, extensive operational experience and realistic training environments provide practical, high-quality courses for emergency services and industry alike.

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  • Scotland

    Our Scotland training courses take advantage of some of the UK's most challenging rivers, lochs and flood environments. We deliver specialist water rescue training throughout Scotland, bringing expert instruction directly to your team or chosen location.

    Scotland Courses 
  • UK-Wide

    We deliver bespoke water rescue training throughout the UK, travelling to your site or preferred venue. From emergency services and industrial clients to television, film and event safety support, we provide tailored training and specialist water safety services nationwide.

    Wales & UK Courses