Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2006

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Industrial Management

Abstract

Analysis of surveys taken from Nominal and Delphi groups of tree care industry professionals was taken to gain an industry consensus of the most relevant categories of aerial rescue that relate to emergency response in the tree care industry. Analysis of a survey of city municipal tree care operations was also taken to compare to previously published training and accident results. Tree care is a multi-faceted occupation, ranging from municipal and utility organizations to private commercial companies, every organization utilizing trees for a different resource. Arboriculture (tree care) is considered a high risk profession because the tree worker accidents in the United States are alarmingly high. Aerial rescue has become a growing concern for industry leaders and employees. The fust and last published material on aerial rescue was in 1981 by Richard Alvarez. These procedures were used by arborists for many years. However, since there were no enforceable industry standards, arborists began performing and practicing aerial rescues according to the tree-climbing competition guidelines, thus beginning to compromise the safety of the rescuer and victim (Palmer, 1999). Within the past few years, concerns have arisen throughout the industry whether the aerial rescue practices are proper and safe for workers in tree care. Since previous aerial rescue procedures were poorly researched and focused only on one area of aerial rescue, two surveys were conducted to gain an agreement from the tree care industry. This information, along with meetings with medical professionals, provides a comprehensive look at what accidents are happening to tree workers, a view of aerial rescue scenarios, proper medical care to aerial rescue victims, and the areas of emergency response that need to be addressed by arborists. Results showed that aerial rescue protocol is not essential within the tree care industry; there is a need for emergency response training and protocol. In addition, current aerial rescue practices are obsolete and may be dangerous to the rescuer. Furthermore, the accident results from both Vosberg' s and the municipal survey within this study can be summarized in saying that more emphasis must be put on proper and effective training in the tree care industry. Results suggest that current industry training is ineffective. Properly researched and accepted emergency response procedures should be written and accepted by the organizations of the tree care industry. In addition, these procedures should be accepted and written into new ANSI standards, so they may have wide acceptance throughout the industry.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Rescue work

Trees, Care of

Emergency medical services -- Study and teaching

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

116

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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