A first responder trained for tight spaces but not for ropes arrives at the scene of a child in a hole. What should they do?

In this scenario, the first responder's best course of action is to call for rope rescuers. This is because dealing with rescues involving confined spaces often requires specialized training and equipment that goes beyond basic first responder protocols. Rope rescue teams have the necessary skills to safely extricate individuals from tight or elevated spaces, ensuring that both the child and rescuer remain safe during the operation.

Rope rescuers are trained to assess the risks involved in such situations and implement techniques that minimize potential harm, thus making them better prepared for the complexities of a rescue that could involve vertical or horizontal rigging. The first responder should avoid taking actions such as climbing into the hole, which could exacerbate the situation or create additional hazards, as their training does not cover rope rescue techniques. While communicating with bystanders and calling EMS can be important, the priority in this case should focus on activating the right resources trained for the particular scenario at hand.