TFTC #47 Tree climber Rescue & emergency preparedness: What could happen? What to do.

Arborculture Canada Training and Education LT by DJ Neustater Jun 6th 2025

Arborists represent a distinct group of highly skilled professionals who blend the art and science of tree care into their careers. This line of work is among the most perilous occupations, involving activities such as climbing with ropes, operating chainsaws, and managing heavy machinery, all while engaging with the natural environment. While the role can be thrilling and rewarding, it also comes with significant risks. Accidents resulting in injury or fatalities can happen during arboricultural tasks. In a recent article from 2022 titled "Tree Worker Safety Update By the Numbers: Another Us vs Them" by Dr. John Ball, the author highlights some of the harsh realities associated with tree work.

Dr. Ball references the Beaur Labour of Statistics, informing us that when compared to other industries, tree workers have 15 times the fatality rate and 3 times the non-fatal rate. Dr. Ball concludes with and is quoted:

“Almost 20 years ago Shane Vosberg and I wrote a safety update for TCI Magazine (“How Accidents Occur and Why”, August 2003), and we mentioned that “the biggest hazard, representing about 40% of all fatalities, is contact with an object. The number two-source, at about 35%, is a fall. The third is electricity, accounting for 15% of the fatalities.” Neither the number of incidents nor their sources has changed much over the past two decades.” (Dr. John Ball, 2022)

Two contrasting images: one of a person in greenery, another of a figure in snow.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that these statistics pertain to the United States and reflect only incidents that have been officially reported, documented, and investigated. Access to ropes, chainsaws, and trees is widespread, allowing individuals to start working with minimal or no formal training or education. Consequently, the risk of accidental injury or fatality is significant for professional arborists, and this risk escalates in situations lacking formal training and education.

Professionally trained and educated arborists who employ systematic methods in responding to arboriculture emergencies are more effective team members and possess significant life saving capabilities. As tree workers become increasingly aware of potential hazards they may face on the job, and as they receive thorough training and education on emergency procedures, their likelihood of encountering problems diminishes. Consequently, they are better equipped to succeed in rescue situations should they arise.

Formal training and education in tree climber rescue and emergency preparedness provide structured methodologies for initial responses to arboricultural emergencies. Employing a systematic approach during such emergencies is crucial due to the intense and unpredictable nature of the situation. A common occurrence during high-stress scenarios is perceptual narrowing, where individuals may become overly focused on a specific task, limiting their awareness of the broader emergency context. This narrowing of focus can reduce the number of viable options available, potentially increasing risks for the patient, rescuer, and team, and jeopardizing the overall success of the rescue operation. It is essential to maintain continuous situational awareness regarding the emergency scene, the patient, and the team involved. A systematic approach is the most effective means to ensure situational awareness and facilitate a successful rescue. Always keep in mind the essential elements of arborist rescue.

Establish A Culture Of Safety

To effectively navigate high-risk operations, it is essential for teams to cultivate a safety-oriented culture. The fundamental principles of this safety culture include performing, recognizing, practicing, implementing, supporting, and documenting various elements that contribute to safety and the overall success of the team.

6 Pincipals Of Safety Culture

1. Preform Site Safety & Risk Assessment
Remember that time is never wasted on reconasance.
Effective planning is essential to avoid subpar performance; it emphasizes the necessity of being prepared not only for emergencies but also for the specific job, operation, or task athand. It is crucial to conduct a thorough group analysis of all site and operational hazards. The results of this analysis should be documented in a site safety risk assessment report. This process is recognized by various names, commonly referred to as job site safety assessment (JSA), field level hazard assessment (FLHA), tailboard, or risk form.

2. Recognize Human Factors
Remeber to always check yourself before you wreck yourself and inform a fellow team member if you are not in the right fit, form or function to exicute operations.
It is essential to identify and manage the human factors that could influence team members or individuals engaged in high-risk operations. Factors such as overconfidence, performance pressure, feelings of inadequacy, the time of day, emotional state, and overall health are among the various human elements that can lead to unsafe behaviors.

Physical & Mental Factors

Stress Management
Health
Fatigue
Task load
Comfortability
Situational Awarness
Self Awarne

Communication Factors

Reluctance to ask questions
Failure to state things clearly
Lacking authority
Being ignored
Dificulty listening

Organizational Factors

Inadiquate Resources
Poor Planning
Lack of S.O.P/E.R.P
Lack of training & educaiton
Conflicting goals or priorities

Judgment
Factors

Distractions
Peer Pressure
Insufficient Knowledge
Ignorance
Overconfidence

3. Practice Communication
Planning Remember to utilize effective communication models suchas the P.A.C.E approach, N.R.P.C and G.A.R models.
All individuals involved in operations must be informed about the site safety risk assessment and the emergency response plan prior to, during, and after the operations. They should also have equal opportunities for open feedback and communication at any stage. It is essential to achieve group consensus regarding the overall operation and its successful execution. In terms of safety, the N.R.P.C model—No Rank, Position, or Consequence—proves to be beneficial.

The GAR model serves as both a verbal and physical communication tool. Progress on tasks or actions is contingentupon all members achieving a Green status. If any member is at Amber or Red, the issue must be addressed promptly. A verbal confirmation of Green or a thumbs-up signifies that everyone has understood and agreed, while a sideways thumb or Amber indicates a minor issue or the need for further clarification. A Red status or thumbs-down reflects a significant problem that requires immediate attention.

4. Implement Emergency Response Planning
Remember that preparation is the best form of prevention.
An Emergency Response Plan (E.R.P) serves as a complement tosite safety protocols and risk assessments, as well as thecommunication and documentation processes. Typically, E.R.Ps are required by local regulations and guidelines to establish a clear course of action in the event of an emergency. These plans outline the locations of nearby hospitals, provide contact information, and identify designated first aiders, rescuers, and relevant rescue strategies based on the nature of the work being conducted.

5. Practices Support Training, Educaiton & Connection
Remember that we are all human and accidents are not random acts but highly organizedoutcomes of complex systems.
Integrate safety briefings, tailgate discussions, and debriefings into your safety culture. These safety briefings or tailgate discussions can take place at any time and can be scheduled weekly or monthly, depending on your preference. It is essential to allocate sufficient time for these activities on a consistent basis. The purpose of a safety briefing or tailgate discussion is to communicate information about past incidents, share lessons learned, discuss outcomes, and provide a platform for open questions and answers. Engaging in discussions, reviewing experiences, and sharing incidents among related industries and individuals in similar situations is incredibly impactful and valuable. In the event of an incident, it is crucial to document and debrief it appropriately. Support and accountability play a significant role in the debriefing process, especially when things do not go as planned. Accidents often result from a combination of factors, including site conditions, time of day, equipment issues, and human behavior, which can lead to unsafe actions, near misses, incidents, injuries, and fatalities. Therefore, debriefing, sharing experiences, and supporting each other as colleagues is essential for learning from past occurrences and fostering a culture of safety.

6. Document Safe Work Practices Support
Remember that how you do anything is how you do everything, if documentation is weak then safety culture is likely also weak. Make sure to stay current with safework practices.
It is essential to recognize the significance of conducting duediligence and adhering to relevant regulations and guidelines. Equally important is the necessity to comply with your employer's orteam's standard operating procedures and protocols. Proper documentation plays a crucial role in safeguarding the safety andliability of all parties involved.

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.