What is the function of an on-site rescue service?

The function of an on-site rescue service is to provide rescue operations specifically at the employer's facility. On-site rescue teams are established to ensure that a trained group is available immediately to respond to emergencies that occur within a confined space at that location. These services are tailored to the specific risks and hazards present in the facility, allowing for rapid and effective response to incidents like entrapment or medical emergencies.

With trained personnel familiar with the site’s layout, equipment, and potential hazards, on-site rescue services can execute timely interventions, which significantly improves the chances of a successful rescue compared to waiting for external services that may take longer to arrive. Facilities may also have unique configurations or processes that a general rescue service may not be as familiar with, making the expertise of an on-site team invaluable.

In contrast, responding only to large-scale emergencies does not accurately reflect the purpose of an on-site rescue service, which focuses on immediate and specific incidents that can arise in any context of confined space work. Training outside rescue services is a vital function but typically falls under a different jurisdiction; the on-site team’s primary role is direct action in emergency situations. Designing rescue equipment is an important task, but again, it is not the core mission of an on-site rescue service