TFTC #49 Emergency Response Plan & Scene Assessment
Arborculture Canada Training and Education LT by DJ Neustater Jul 1st 2025Informed decision-making and a methodical approach are essential for effective rescue operations. This series of articles will examine emergency response planning (E.R.P) and scene assessment in the context of arboricultural incidents. It is important to keep in mind that the most effective prevention strategy is thorough preparation.
The initial action in any arborist-related emergency is to implement an all-stop protocol and initiate the emergency response plan (ERP).
Assemble all individuals and get ready for the subsequent actions. One of your initial steps should be to call 911 and/or inform your supervisor or foreman. Regardless of the situation, ensure that the relevant authority and/or emergency contact is notified.
Provide the location and succinctly outline the situation and environmental conditions. Always make well-informed choices and select a suitable course of action.
Emergency Plan Details
Always ask yourself, “Who’s who in the zoo, and what do they do?”
Location address
where are you?
Nearest Hospital
distance to ambulance or help.
Emergency Contact Info
numbers or contact
First Aid and Rescue Plan
- Single Point of Contact/Incident Command (S.P.O.C or I.C.)
- Primary Responder
- Secondary Responder
- Caller
- Driver
Identify Types of Rescue
- Ground assisted
- Bucket Evacuation or Extrication
- Aerial Climber Rescue
- Support and Assist
- Dificulty Listening
Equipment and Resources
- First AidKit/Survival Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
- Rescue Kit
- Radios & Maps
Additional Information
- Allergies
- Medications
- Human Factors
- Special Risk Concerns
Scene Assessment
Once E.R.P has been actioned, begin Sceneassessment. This can be completed using the HEMPA systematic survey approach.
Hazards
Pictured here are some common hazards such as:
- Wasp’s / Wildlife
- Neighboring Dead Hazard Tree
- Fungal Fruiting Mushrooms
- Cracking
- Electrical Powerlines
- Cross Walk/Road Chainsaw/Equipment
- Rope Entanglement
Always assess the situation from an external viewpoint before moving into the inner area. Identify any potential risksthat could lead to additional harm, damage, or complications. If there are elements that cannot be safely addressed, it is essential to remain on standby and secure the area to the best of your ability. Do not enter the scene or attempt a rescue unless it is safe to do so. Ensure that you recognize and mitigate any hazards present, set up barriers to safeguard everyone from further injury, and initiate communication with the patient.
Enviornment
Next, evaluate the environment of the emergency scene. Pay attention to factors such as temperature, terrain, vegetation characteristics, and the overall surroundings. These elements can significantly contribute to a successful rescue operation. For instance, if you observe that the patient is situated in a dense canopy and the outdoor temperature is unusually high, this environmental data will inform subsequent decisions regarding the patient's condition and the rescue process. Every detail is crucial.
Mechanism of Injury
Identify the MECHANISM OF INJURY(MOI) or the primary complaint (CC).The mechanism of injury typically pertains to the trauma sustained, whereas the chief complaint refers to the specific issue or symptom the patient is facing. Both terms help toarticulate the nature of the injury, the circumstances surrounding it, and the affected area of the patient. For instance, this could involve an individual being hit by falling debris leading to severe bleeding, a compound fracture, or a patient reporting symptoms like dizziness, exhaustion, chills, tingling sensations, or various types of pain such as aching, stabbing, or shooting.
Patient or Patients
Ensure that you account for the total number of patients and the availability of personal protective equipment at the emergency scene.
It is essential to verify the number of patients present to ensure that no one is over looked and that acoordinated response can be effectively implemented.
Ensuring the safety of first responders and their team is the top priority during any response. It is crucial to avoid placing any team member in harm's way. Therefore, always ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment and apparel are worn. This may encompass safety glasses, gloves, helmets, face shields, masks, and any other necessary items.
Additional Resources
The last aspect of scene assessment involves evaluating any EXTRA RESOURCES that may be necessary. This step is crucial as it guarantees that all elements have been considered, assistance is forthcoming, and that all essential personnel, equipment, and resources are either present or en-route. For instance, this could involve verifying the estimated time of arrival(ETA) for an ambulance or any additional emergency services that were requested earlier.
It is essential to verify that all elementsof the arborist rescue kit and first aid kitare available and prepared for use. Keep in mind that the H.E.M.P.A steps may take place in rapid succession. For instance, establishing contact and communication with the patient should occur promptly. This interaction can provide valuable information regarding the chief complaint (CC) or the mechanism of injury (MOI). Additionally, it allows for the assessment of other critical details, such as the number of patients involved and their level of consciousness (LOC).
Thank you to the following contributors
All organizations, individuals, and publications mentioned herein are acknowledged for their valuable contributions and support of this article series. We extend our gratitude for the various photo credits, content, and reviews provided by those listed below. Your support, service, and commitment to safety are greatly appreciated.
References
Arboriculture Canada Training & Education, (Since 1999). Entire ArborCanada Team.Engström, A. Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) & Member of T.E.A.A.M.Fire Rescue, H.V.F.D. (2024). Highlands Volunteer Fire Department. Highlands, British Columbia, Canada.John Ball, PH.D., CTSP (2022). Tree Worker Safety Update By the Numbers: Another Us vs. Them. TCIA.T.E.A.A.M, (2025). Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical. TEAAM. Canada.Tree Climber Rescue & Emergency Preparedness, (2024). ArborCanada Workbook. Tresselt, T. (2024). Director of Training & Education. Arboriculture Canada Training & Education. Canada.