Aerial Rescue Training is a a pre-requisite set by OSHA to get certified before any climber can take the certified tree worker exam.  This exam opens the door for several other classifications which will allow Caretaker to bid on municipality work as well as specialty work for the government, cities and companies such as APS and SRP.

Aerial Rescue Training Program helps you protect your employees and meet the aerial rescue training requirements mandated by ANSI Z133.1 and OSHA. According to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), the most common reason for double fatalities in tree care is failed aerial rescue attempts. An emergency could develop any time one of your crews is aloft, and your employees must know how to react.  This certificate program is designed to be used in combination with on-the-job training and practice, so that crews have the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate an emergency situation and potentially rescue an injured tree worker.

Types of Aerial Rescue Scenarios

• Trapped/Pinned/Entangled
• Unable to perform self-rescue
• Fall within tree
• Electrical hazard
• Struck-by
• Incapacitated
• Bleeding
• Unconscious

Summary of Aerial Rescue and Training Protocol

• Incident assessment
  • Assess the victim’s condition from the ground.
  • Is this rescue or recovery?
  • Assess your rescue capability
• Requesting assistance
  • Contact fire & rescue
  • You may have to contact the utility if EMS does not
• Initiating the rescue
  • Do not attempt if an electrical hazard exists
  • Otherwise ascend to victim, assess condition and secure in a horizontal position.
• Victim extraction:
  • The rescuer should maintain close contact with the casualty to monitor changes in condition and to calm and control them if necessary.
  • Rescuers must be properly anchored at all times to ensure their own safety throughout the rescue operation. Anchor points must be selected to ensure they are capable of taking the anticipated loads during the rescue.
  • When the casualty is brought down from the tree, the rescuer and casualty should descend together to ease movement through the branches and to monitor the casualtyʼs condition.
  • Densely branched trees may require alternative methods of rescue. Obstacles on the ground may dictate the most suitable method.
  • Continue to help the casualty under the direction of paramedics until the casualty is transported from the site.
  • Ensure the site is safe and secure before all personnel leave. Note the contact details of any witnesses. Where possible take photographs of the site. Do not use any of the equipment involved in the incident until it has been thoroughly examined by a competent person
• Unless CPR is required (or uncontrolled bleeding) do not extract victim until Fire & Rescue arrive and then do so under their direction.