A person who works as a rescuer is someone who devotes their life and livelihood to helping others, facing danger, and bringing others to safety. Rescuers are often referred to as the unsung heroes in emergencies. A good rescuer will be well prepared for all types of situations for both indoors and outside. Some rescuers may specialize in certain areas like those who rescue in water, or on a mountainside (think snow, avalanche), or others who fall in the general area such as a paramedic or fire fighter. The thing that sets a professional rescuer apart from others are the equipment they have to help with such rescue endeavors.

Rescue workers need rescue equipment that includes things to aid them in the rescue endeavors. They need good lighting in flashlights and torches. They may end up in places that are in total darkness and no electricity. A good torch helps them to find the victims. They need ropes and pulleys and a good GPS. There are any number of things that can happen where a rescue worker needs items like ropes to help with the rescue.

The next items to consider are items to help with the victim. A rescuer has no idea how the victim will be when they reach them so they need to be prepared for the worst case scenario. A casualty bag is necessary as well as a vacuum mattress. Remember to bring the vacuum mattress pump to make the victim turn patient comfortable. If the unfortunate happens, they may need a defibrillator, entonox, and oxygen tank and pulse oximeter. If the patient is badly injured, they will also need a neck collar. Rescue workers often put these on as a precaution, as a “better safe than sorry” in case the patient has a broken neck or back.