Assess the Scene and Provide Information

Assess the scene, and provide the following information to responding units.

• Describe the nature of the emergency:
  • Brief description of the incident and the scene
  • Number of individuals (victims)
  • Point Last Seen (PLS) or Last Known Point (LKP) of the victim(s)
• Give the exact location:
  • Address/road
  • Name of river/lake/access
  • Shore (river right or left)—right or left always refers to looking downstream
  • Distance from a known point
  • GPS location
• Describe scene hazards:
  • Known and/or visible
  • Potential
  • Rising water
    • Monitor by placing a stick at the edge of the water and observe if the water is rising.
    • Use a fixed object (vehicle, house) in the water to monitor changing water conditions.
  • Hazmat concerns identified
  • Utilities (electrical/gas)
• Request specific rescue assets, and provide data for the responding water rescue team.
• Provide a call-back number and only hang up after instructed by 9-1-1 dispatch to do so.