Establishing Standardized Procedures for Low Head Dam Responses in Farmington, New Mexico

Report on a research project for the Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP), FEMA National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg Maryland.

Low head dams present unique safety concerns compared to other waterways. The Farmington Fire Department (FFD) has one low head dam in its response area, but does not have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for rescues there. The purpose of this Applied Research Project (ARP) was to create a FFD SOP for Penny Lane low head dam responses with the information gained after identifying the answers to the questions: (a) Why does a low head dam present unique problems compared to other water rescues? (b) Who needs to be involved in the response? (c) What equipment is necessary for this type of response? (d) Where should the equipment and personnel be positioned to increase safety and survivability? The Action method of research was used. Information was gained via internet searches, textbook reviews, review of other fire department’s SOPs, other fire department’s websites, personal communication, and an online questionnaire. A thorough review of national guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) was also conducted. Recommendations identified during the literature review and personal communications included doing an assessment of the waterway in advance to understand dangers associated with certain flow conditions, provide the appropriate PPE for responders, have additional equipment near the scene, us e the shore based rescue technique whenever possible, and us e mutual aid for a more comprehensive response. This author found that many fire departments may have swiftwater rescue teams available for low head dam rescues, but most do not have a SOP in place. A FFD SOP was created using the information gathered from this research. The SOP outlines predetermined locations and assignments for responders, and gives direction on where to place equipment and personnel from FFD as well as mutual aid responders.