Think before you act !
If you jump in and go for a casualty,
assess the situation, the condition of the casualty and your own safety.
Only enter the water if you have no alternative and can do so safely.
|
Safety First
|
| Rescue Priorities |
|---|
- Shout
- Signal
- Reach
- Throw
- Wade
- Row
- Swim with an aid
- Swim without an aid
|
Your safety is of utmost importance.
Whatever you do, avoid putting yourself in danger.
There is no need to add yourself to the casualty list.
Some types of rescues are safer than others.
If the first is unsuccessful (or impossible), try the next one on the list.
Only as a last resort use a rescue tow.
|
Casualty Recognition
|
The main proprity of a rescue is to mobilise the mobile.
Use this sequence of priorities to rescue multiple casualties (get those at the top of the list first):
- Conscious non swimmer
- Conscious weak swimmer
- Conscious injured swimmer
- Unconscious swimmer
The reason for this is that an unconscious swimmer may have been in the water for some time already, and you may not be able to help them.
For water rescues the rule of thumb is to treat those making the least noise first, and the unconscious last.
Mobilise the mobile.
|
|
Conscious Non Swimmers
They are simply unable to swim and is often positioned vertically in the water.
Some can be in a panic and thrash around.
They can be quite dangerous to the rescuer as they may grab hold of anyone who comes too close.
|
|
Conscious Weak Swimmers
They are either exhausted, unskilled, or unable to swim in clothes after falling in.
They are usually in a forward pointing position, like breast stroke, but at a steeper 45° angle.
|
|
Conscious Injured Swimmers
They usually hold on to the injured body part.
Be careful when you pick them up so you don't injure them even further.
|
|
Unconscious Casualties
They are floating motionless and face down in the water.
They need more care than others. Hence you get any other casualty out of the water first.
|
