Standard Operating Procedure
Incident Management
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedures to be followed in the event of an incident during a canyoning activity. The primary objectives are to:
Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants and activity leaders.
Manage the incident effectively and efficiently.
Facilitate appropriate rescue and evacuation procedures.
Document the incident accurately.
Prevent similar incidents in the future.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all canyoning activities conducted by members of Canyoning Australia. It covers all types of incidents, including but not limited to:
Injuries (e.g., fractures, dislocations, lacerations, hypothermia)
Falls
Drowning/near-drowning
Equipment failure
Environmental hazards (e.g., flash floods, rockfalls)
Lost or missing persons
Medical emergencies
Participant incapacity
3. Definitions
Incident: Any unplanned event that results in or has the potential to result in injury, illness, damage, loss, or other undesirable consequences.
Emergency: A situation posing an immediate threat to life or health, or a situation that requires urgent intervention to prevent serious consequences.
First Responder: The first person(s) on the scene of an incident with a duty of care.
Activity Leader: The person responsible for the overall management and safety of the canyoning activity.
SAR: Search and Rescue.
4. Procedure
4.1 Prevention and Preparedness
4.1.1 Risk Assessment:
Prior to any canyoning activity, a thorough risk assessment must be conducted to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. This includes:
Evaluating the specific canyon (e.g., difficulty, water flow, access/egress).
Assessing weather conditions and forecasts.
Checking for environmental hazards.
Verifying participant experience and fitness levels.
Inspecting equipment.
The risk assessment must be documented and communicated to all participants.
4.1.2 Trip Planning:
Develop a detailed trip plan, including:
Route description and map.
Emergency contact information.
Communication plan (e.g., radios, satellite phone).
Designated meeting points.
Emergency exit strategies.
Equipment list (including first aid and rescue gear).
Ensure all participants are aware of the trip plan and any potential hazards.
4.1.3 Equipment:
All canyoning equipment must be in good working condition and inspected before each trip.
Participants must be trained in the proper use of all equipment.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used (e.g., helmet, harness, wetsuit).
4.1.4 Training and Competency:
Activity leaders must be qualified and experienced in canyoning and possess current first aid and rescue certifications (e.g., swiftwater rescue).
Participants should have the necessary skills and experience for the planned canyon.
Pre-trip briefings should cover safety procedures, communication signals, and emergency protocols.
4.1.5 Communication Systems:
Establish reliable communication methods for use during the activity. This may include:
Two-way radios
Whistles
Hand signals
Verbal calls
Satellite communicators or personal locator beacons (PLBs) for remote locations
Test all communication equipment before the trip.
4.1.6 Emergency Response Plan (ERP):
A comprehensive ERP must be in place, outlining procedures for various emergency scenarios. The ERP should include:
Chain of command and responsibilities
Procedures for contacting emergency services
Evacuation procedures
First aid and medical treatment protocols
Search and rescue procedures
Incident reporting procedures
The ERP should be regularly reviewed and practiced.
4.2 Incident Response
4.2.1 Initial Actions (First Responder):
Assess the situation:
Identify the nature and severity of the incident.
Assess immediate hazards (e.g., unstable terrain, water flow, falling rocks).
Ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Provide immediate care:
Administer first aid to injured persons.
Stabilize the patient and prevent further injury.
If trained, manage life-threatening conditions (e.g., CPR, bleeding control).
Communicate:
Use established communication methods to notify the activity leader or other team members of the incident.
Provide clear and concise information about the location, nature of the incident, number of casualties, and assistance required.
4.2.2 Activity Leader Responsibilities:
Take charge:
Assume overall responsibility for managing the incident.
Delegate tasks as necessary.
Assess and reassess:
Continuously evaluate the situation and adjust the response as needed.
Coordinate:
Coordinate rescue efforts and communicate with emergency services (if required).
Manage other participants and ensure their safety.
Maintain clear communication with all involved parties.
Resource management:
Identify and allocate necessary resources (equipment, personnel).
Decision making:
Make informed decisions regarding evacuation, treatment, and further actions.
Documentation:
Begin documenting the incident.
4.2.3 Evacuation:
Determine the most appropriate evacuation method based on the location, terrain, and severity of the injury. Options may include:
Self-evacuation (if the party possess the capability and capacity)
Technical rescue (e.g., rope rescue, helicopter extraction)
Prioritize the safety of the casualty and the rescue team during evacuation.
4.2.4 Communication with External Agencies:
Contact emergency services (e.g., police, ambulance, fire department, SAR) as soon as possible if external assistance is required.
Provide accurate information about the location, nature of the incident, number of casualties, and required resources.
Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
4.2.5 Search and Rescue (SAR):
If a participant is lost or missing, initiate search and rescue procedures according to the ERP.
Coordinate with SAR authorities and provide them with all relevant information.
Establish a search plan and allocate search teams.
4.3 Post-Incident Procedures
4.3.1 Documentation:
Complete a detailed incident report as soon as possible after the incident. The report should include:
Date, time, and location of the incident
Description of the incident
Names and contact information of all involved persons
Nature and extent of any injuries
Description of actions taken
Equipment involved
Environmental conditions
Witness statements
Communication logs
Photographs or diagrams of the incident scene
Ensure the accuracy and completeness of the report.
4.3.2 Equipment Inspection:
Inspect all equipment involved in the incident for damage or malfunction.
Remove any damaged or faulty equipment from service.
4.3.3 Debriefing:
Conduct a debriefing with all involved personnel to:
Review the incident and the response.
Identify any lessons learned.
Discuss the emotional impact of the incident.
Provide support to affected individuals.
4.3.4 Review and Revision:
Review the incident report and debriefing notes to identify any areas for improvement in the SOP, risk assessment, or training.
Revise the SOP and other relevant documents as necessary.
Implement corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
5. Communication
Clear and effective communication is essential throughout the incident management process.
Use established communication protocols and equipment.
Keep all involved parties informed of the situation and any changes.
Designate a communication officer to manage information flow.
6. Training
All persons involved in canyoning activities must receive regular training on this SOP and related procedures.
Training should include:
First aid and CPR
Rescue techniques (e.g., rope rescue, swiftwater rescue)
Equipment use and inspection
Communication protocols
Incident management procedures
Search and rescue procedures
Conduct regular drills and simulations to practice incident response skills.
7. Review
This SOP will be reviewed and updated annually or as needed, following any significant incidents or changes in best practices.