Dive Alert 3 - Water Rescue (Witnessed drowning or person missing in or near the water): Which units are dispatched?

• A. 2 Dive, 2 Engines or Aerials, 2 Medics, 2 Battalions, 1 Safety, PIO
• B. 2 Dive, 1 Engine or Aerial, 2 Medics, 2 Battalions, 1 Safety, PIO
• C. 2 Dive, 2 Engines or Aerials, 1 Medic, 1 Battalion, 1 Safety, PIO
• D. 2 Dive, 2 Engines or Aerials, 2 Medics, 2 Battalions, 1 Safety, PIO

Answer: (A)

Dive Alert 3 focuses on a high-resource water rescue with a dual-diver capability and strong on-scene support to protect divers, manage the incident, and care for anyone found. Having two dive teams ensures one team can search while the other handles safety, rigging, and equipment, keeping both divers and the scene safe. Two engines or aerials provide the necessary water access support, lighting, and scene stability (including pumps or other gear) to sustain the operation and support any extraction or recovery tasks. Two medics are important to address potential injuries from the water environment and to maintain medical care on scene with the ability to transport patients promptly if needed. Two battalions ensure there is enough command and staffing to supervise the dive operation, coordinate rescue efforts, and maintain safety across a larger, complex scene. A dedicated safety officer continuously monitors hazards, and a public information officer handles communications with stakeholders and the public. Missing any of these elements—such as reducing the number of engines/aerials or medics, or omitting safety and PIO—could slow the rescue, compromise safety, or hamper incident management. This combination aligns with the highest level of on-scene resources for Dive Alert 3, which is why it’s the best match.