A moments reflection is all that is needed to realise that any situation requiring a rescue operation, by definition is one which contains either dangerous or potentially dangerous elements. People tend to react differently to danger, but the most general responses are anxiety and fear, perhaps the most powerful of all emotions. It must be remembered that it is not just the victim who faces the danger; in order to rescue the victim the rescuer must first enter the site of the dangerous situation and face the same danger.

Rescue work is not an easy task, nor is it necessarily a 'glamorous' one. Certainly not all people are suited to such work. Physical fitness, personality, and emotional stability are all factors in determining one's suitability.

Ideally, the rescuer will have the following qualities:

Interest
A genuine interest in rescue work, not just because of peer pressure, trying to impress etc.

Training
The will to continually undergo training to maintain a professional standard.

Cooperation
Rescue work is usually a team effort, hence cooperation with others is vital.

Dependability
The lives of victims and team members rely on the rescuer.

Initiative
The nature of rescue operations is such that it is often impossible to closely supervise each team member. Each must be able to see what needs doing, set priorities and do the tasks at hand.

Versatility
Each situation is unique. An individual must be able to apply a wide range of skills and knowledge to new situations.

Physical fitness
Rescue work of any kind is physically demanding and often continues for long periods. Any physical limitations must be recognised and taken into consideration.

Leadership qualities
Required by all rescuers at various times and to varying degrees. Through the capable leadership of trained rescuers, many more untrained personnel may be utilised.

Control over fears and phobias
It is important that rescuers know what they can and cannot do. Part of this knowledge consists of being aware of any phobias. It is also vital that the leader of a rescue team knows of any phobias in team members. Some phobias that could seriously affect a rescuer and which may be identified in training are: fear of the sight of blood (Hemophobia), fear of heights (Acrophobia), fear of confined spaces (Claustrophobia) and fear of water (Hydrophobia).

The conduct of individuals says a lot about their psychological makeup and personality. The nature of rescue work is such that it is particularly important that personal conduct does not aggravate matters, but rather assists in creating a feeling that the situation is in competent hands, and everything possible is being done to rescue and care for the victims. Bad behavior by an individual, e.g. bad language, reflects negatively on the whole team and its leadership.

A few of the more important general areas of conduct or behaviours follow:

Attitude
A serious, professional attitude must be maintained to gain confidence and support. Arrogance and superiority create instant antagonism. Loud talking, joking, and horseplay reduce credibility; they create a feeling of resentment and disgust and add to the confusion, thus hindering the work and adding to the state of anxiety of the victims. Rescuers cannot consider themselves 'professional' if they add to the confusion by loud shouting or frantic gestures.

Emotions
Emotions are hard to control in the best of circumstances. In a disaster the control of emotions is a very difficult task but every effort must be made to prevent emotions from influencing good judgement and competence. Regardless of the excitement and the severity of the incident, the rescuer must be able to remain calm, and be sympathetic without becoming emotionally involved.

Courtesy
Courtesy, tact, and good judgement are vital if the rescue task is to be completed quickly and effectively. Courtesy must be given to all concerned.

Confidentiality
During rescue activities and training there may be times when rescuers will see and hear things which will be deemed confidential. It is essential that they understand this, be 'professional' and do not discuss these matters with others.

(Taken from the 'General Rescue Manual' Chapter 2, MCDEM 2006)