What is a Rescue Plan?

A Rescue Plan for Work at Height or Confined Space is a pre-planned strategy designed to minimise the risk of injury or death in emergency situations. At REAX, we specialize in creating site-specific rescue plans tailored for various industries including industrial plants, wind energy, telecommunications, construction, and utility sectors. These plans are essential for mitigating property damage and ensuring that emergency services are quickly notified.

Why is Rescue Planning Critical?

Rescue planning ensures a rapid, effective response during emergencies. A well-prepared Rescue Plan allows emergency responders to quickly evaluate the situation, allocate resources effectively, and minimize damage. REAX’s Rescue Plans are designed to support your risk assessments and provide a safe method of rescue for workers at height or in confined spaces, reducing the risk of injury in emergencies.

What Will REAX Do?

After deciding you need a Rescue Plan (which is a legal requirement under the Health & Safety Executive (HSE)), REAX will arrange a consultation to assess your site's specific needs. This includes evaluating working at height or confined space entry procedures, and addressing any uncertainties, particularly with confined space classifications. After the consultation, a tailored Rescue Plan will be developed, specific to your premises, to ensure optimal safety and compliance.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Rescue Plan?

The duration depends on the size of the site and the complexity of the work at height or confined space planning. Typically, it takes about 2-3 weeks. Further discussions may be required to finalize the details, ensuring the plan meets all site-specific requirements.

What's Included in the Rescue Plan?

A Rescue Plan from REAX contains a number of key documents:

1. Confined Space Risk Assessment: Covers safe entry and exit procedures and any potential rescue scenarios.
2. Work at Height Risk Assessment: Details the safety measures for climbers, including any rescue elements.
3. Confined Space Method Statement: Outlines how to safely work in confined spaces, covering ongoing hazard perception and rescue protocols.
4. Work at Height Method Statement: Denotes the safest access methods and rescue procedures while performing tasks at height.

These documents (RAMS – Risk Assessments & Method Statements) are based on Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Confined Space Regulations 1997 and complement your existing safety systems.

Site-Specific Rescue Plans

A key feature of REAX’s Rescue Plans is the Site-Specific Rescue Plan, which provides crucial information for the rescue controller in case of an emergency. It includes site-specific details such as emergency contact information, equipment on site, and nearby medical facilities, ensuring rapid and effective action in an emergency.

The rescue plan is tailored to account for variables like work site location, task specifics, and personnel involved, ensuring every aspect of the rescue process is covered.

Detailed Rationale

The rationale included in your Rescue Plan outlines current regulations and highlights specific risks and areas of interest at your site. This section will also address hazards such as working at height and confined space classifications, ensuring that your site complies with legal safety standards.

How Will the Workforce Be Prepared?

To ensure your team is fully equipped to handle emergency situations and rescue, REAX provides a training needs analysis based on the site visit findings. The training courses required for both access and rescue to these areas can then be booked. These include rescue awareness, high-risk confined space rescue, and work at height rescue training. After completing these courses, your team will have the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out rescues safely and effectively.

What Equipment Will Be Required?

During the Rescue Planning process, REAX will also help you compile a list of necessary rescue equipment. Candidates in training often gravitate toward specific equipment, and REAX can recommend the most suitable gear for your site. Once your plan is finalised, REAX can train your team on this equipment and supply all the equipment needed to ensure your site is fully equipped for any emergency situation.

By focusing on Rescue Plan Development, Work at Height Rescue Plans, and Confined Space Rescue Plans, REAX ensures that every safety plan is custom-tailored to your business needs, improving response times and reducing risks. Let REAX help protect your team and your site with a comprehensive rescue strategy designed to meet your specific needs.

REAX Introduces Skylotec ActSafe ACX and ICX Power Ascenders for Purchase and Hire

REAX are an official supplier of the Skylotec ActSafe ACX Power Ascender and Skylotec ActSafe ICX Power Ascenders in the United Kingdom. Both models are now available for purchase and hire, offering state-of-the-art solutions for vertical access, rescue, and load handling in demanding environments.

As a trusted name in working at height, rescue, rope access and confined space industries, REAX are excited to bring these cutting-edge products to their customers, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations in sectors such as construction, utilities, telecommunications, and more.

About the Skylotec ActSafe ACX Power Ascender

The Skylotec ActSafe ACX is a high-performance, motor-driven power ascender designed for heavy industrial use and demanding rope access tasks. As part of Skylotec’s ActSafe product family, the ACX is recognised for its robust power output and versatility, suitable for challenging applications like facade cleaning, wind turbine maintenance, rescue operations, and tactical access in difficult environments.

The ACX is ideal for users requiring reliable and powerful ascent capabilities, particularly in high-risk or complex industrial settings.

Skylotec ACX Key features include:

Advanced control for ascent and descent speeds up to 24 meters per minute, with intuitive operation.

Battery-powered mobility, ensuring flexibility for both indoor and outdoor use.

Enhanced safety systems, including automatic monitoring of battery charge, temperature, and emergency descent options in case of malfunction or power loss.

Remote control functionality, enabling users to manage operations from distances up to 150 meters, providing greater flexibility in rescue or access scenarios.

The ActSafe ACX offers a permissible load capacity of 200 kg, making it suitable for both personnel and equipment. Designed for heavy-duty environments, it combines safety, power, and precision, ensuring efficient performance in the most demanding industrial applications.

For more insights into the Skylotec ACX watch our MasterClass video below:

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Skylotec ActSafe ICX Power Ascender

The Skylotec ActSafe ICX is a lightweight, compact motor-driven power ascender designed for light industrial use. Developed in collaboration with Husqvarna, a leading power tool manufacturer, it incorporates Husqvarna's modular battery technology, ensuring high power output and reliability.

Building on Skylotec's expertise in powered hoists, the ICX offers easy and efficient rope-based access, catering to industries like event rigging, telecommunications, tree care, scaffolding, and confined space work. It’s also suitable for sports or DIY applications, making it versatile for both professional and recreational use.

Skylotec ICX Key features include:

Intuitive operation with a thumbwheel for continuous speed regulation (0-24 meters/min).

Built-in safety electronics that monitor battery levels, temperature, and energy output, with an emergency descent button for safety.

Remote control capability, allowing ascent or descent over a 50-meter range.

Durable design, with IP55 protection against dust and water.

With a maximum payload of 185 kg and compatibility with Husqvarna's BLi-X battery system, the ActSafe ICX delivers high-quality performance at an attractive price point for users with light industrial requirements.

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Purchase and Hire Options Now Available at REAX

REAX now offers both the Skylotec ACX and ICX Power Ascenders for purchase and short or long term hire. This provides companies with flexible options depending on their project needs. For businesses seeking a reliable solution for rope access, lifting and lowering equipment, or rescue operations, the ability to hire or purchase ensures that they have access to the best technology available without the long-term financial commitment if only temporary use is required.

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To Purchase Skylotec ACX:

https://www.reaxltd.com/product/ActSafe-ACX-Power-Ascender

To Hire a Skylotec ACX please contact our team on equipment@reaxltd.com

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Why Choose REAX for Skylotec ActSafe Power Ascenders?

As a specialist in confined space training and rope access solutions, REAX has extensive experience in selecting and deploying the most effective equipment for their clients. By offering the Skylotec ActSafe ACX and ICX Power Ascenders, REAX can now supply some of the most advanced equipment in the vertical access and confined space industry, backed by their team of experts who understand the unique challenges of working at height and rescue situations.

"Providing the Skylotec ActSafe ACX and ICX models to our customers for hire and purchase means we can support companies further meeting their access and rescue requirements with new age technology. We’re proud to offer our clients solutions that improve both safety and efficiency while maintaining flexibility through hire, purchase and training options." Keith Parmley, Managing Director of REAX.

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Industrial Applications for the Skylotec ActSafe ACX and ICX Power Ascenders

Both models are designed for a wide range of industries and applications, including:

Rope Access: Simplify and improve the efficiency of vertical access, whether it's in the construction, utilities, or telecommunications industries.

Rescue Operations: Essential for emergency response teams, these ascenders facilitate quick, safe rescues in hazardous environments.

Industrial Maintenance: Perfect for heavy-duty lifting in offshore oil rigs, wind turbines, and high-rise building maintenance.

Confined Space Entry and rescue: Ensuring safe access to confined spaces such as silos, water towers, tunnels and sewer systems.

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REAX is a market leader in providing specialised safety training and equipment for industries requiring confined space entry, working at height, and rescue operations. Our bespoke training courses and consultancy services are designed to equip workers with the skills and knowledge to operate safely in high-risk environments. By expanding our offerings to include the Skylotec ActSafe ACX and ICX Power Ascenders, we continue to be at the forefront of innovation in the safety and access industry.

For Skylotec ACX and ICX Training Course click here:

https://www.reaxltd.com/category/skylotec-acx-training

For more information on purchasing or hiring Skylotec ActSafe ACX or ICX Power Ascenders, visit www.reaxltd.com or contact the sales team at equipment@reaxltd.com

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: What You Need to Know and How First Aid Can Help

When faced with an emergency, knowing the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest can be the difference between life and death. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are very different conditions requiring different responses.

Understanding these differences is crucial not just for general knowledge, but also for ensuring your workplace has the right safety measures in place—including proper First Aid at Work training to prepare you for real-life situations, so you can confidently act when every second counts.

Now let’s get into the differences between these two common medical emergencies.

Heart Attack: What It Is and How to Respond

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually because of a clot in the coronary arteries. The heart doesn’t stop, but it struggles due to this blockage. This is a circulation issue.

Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack:

• Chest pain or discomfort (though not always)

• Nausea or feeling generally unwell

• Pale, clammy skin

• Weakness or dizziness

A heart attack can vary in severity—not everyone who has a heart attack will collapse or fall unconscious. In fact, many people might just feel off or sick. But one sign to watch for is that pale, cold, and clammy feeling. It’s a sign the heart’s not functioning properly due to a blockage.

If someone is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, they need help quickly. Your First Aid at Work training will teach you to act fast, keeping the person comfortable, ensuring they are sitting or lying down, and calling for emergency medical services immediately.

Cardiac Arrest: When the Heart Stops

Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is when the heart completely stops pumping blood. This is an electrical malfunction, often due to ventricular fibrillation (VF). In this case, the person will have no pulse and will not be breathing. Without immediate intervention, cardiac arrest is fatal.

Signs of Cardiac Arrest:

• No pulse
• No breathing
• Immediate collapse

Cardiac arrest is a true life-or-death emergency. You’ll need to act immediately by calling for emergency services, starting CPR, and using a defibrillator. Every minute without action dramatically reduces the person’s chance of survival.

That’s why in our First Aid courses, we place a focus on defibrillator training. Learning to use a defibrillator quickly and effectively is critical. We recommend the ZOLL AED 3 Semi-Automatic Defibrillator, which is designed for easy use in high-pressure situations.

Watch the video on our content hub of our straight-talking instructor, Paul de Wilde, breaks down the critical difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest:

First Aid at Work: A Critical Skill

Every workplace needs to be ready to respond to emergencies, and First Aid at Work training is an essential part of that. Whether you’re on-site at a construction project, in an office, or working at height, being trained in first aid isn’t just ticking a box for compliance—it’s about saving lives.

Our First Aid at Work course covers everything you need to handle workplace emergencies, from treating minor injuries to responding to life-threatening situations like heart attacks and cardiac arrests.

Training for Real-Life Emergencies

We believe in real-world training that prepares you to act when it matters. Our First Aid at Work courses cover everything from the basics to more advanced scenarios, like using a defibrillator in the event of cardiac arrest.

But our services don’t stop there. We also offer specialised training, including:

• First Aid at Height: For workers who operate in high-risk environments, like construction or rope access work.
• Paediatric First Aid: Focused on handling medical emergencies involving children, ideal for schools, nurseries, and parents.

Visit our training courses to find the right option for your team or organisation. We’re not here for short wins or quick fixes. We’re committed to making sure your team has the right training, the best equipment, and a no-nonsense approach to safety.

What’s the Cost of Doing Nothing?

Too many companies delay or cut corners when it comes to first aid training. But ask yourself this: what’s the real cost of doing nothing? A serious incident at work can lead to massive downtime, legal issues, or worse—a fatality.

First aid training is not just about compliance—it’s about keeping your team safe, reducing risks, and ensuring everyone goes home at the end of the day.

And let’s face it—it’s a lot cheaper to invest in training than to deal with the aftermath of an avoidable tragedy.

Prepare, Don’t Panic

When faced with a medical emergency, like a heart attack or cardiac arrest, panic is not an option. Preparation is key, and that’s exactly what we offer. Our First Aid at Work courses don’t just teach theory—we focus on practical, real-world scenarios to make sure you’re ready to act when it counts.

And remember, we don’t just stop at training. We provide ongoing support, equipment recommendations, and site-specific safety solutions. Whether you need to equip your workplace with the ZOLL AED 3 or ensure your team is fully trained in the right rescue techniques, we’ve got you covered.

Whether it’s a heart attack or cardiac arrest, you need to know the difference and how to respond effectively. And more importantly, you need to make sure your team is equipped to do the same.

Get in Touch Today

Don’t wait for an emergency to strike. Equip your team with the skills and confidence to act. Check out our First Aid at Work course here or give us a call to talk about how we can support your safety needs.

If you need advice on defibrillators, including the ZOLL AED 3, reach out to us for expert recommendations on the best life-saving tools for your workplace