3.4 Offshore Spinal Protocol

Offshore Spinal Protocol Overview

• Joint rescue operation involving Evanston Lifeguards, Evanston Aquatic Camp/Sailing Staff, and Evanston Fire Department Water Rescue Personnel.
• Defined "Offshore" as the distance from shore where swimming to a victim is impractical, necessitating rescue craft.

Initial Considerations for Spinal Precautions

• If a victim in deep water reports head, neck, or back pain, spinal precautions are critical before any movement.
• Unconscious victims from tube or water ski incidents should be assumed to have a spinal injury; take spinal precautions immediately.
• Rescuers entering water must wear personal flotation devices (PFD) and utilize lifeguard rescue tubes.

Rescue Vessel Operations

• All rescue crafts should approach from the weather side to ensure victim safety.
• Slow approach with rescue swimmers deployed a safe distance from the victim.
• Maintain close proximity to the victim until Marine 21 arrives; relay information to dispatch and other rescuers.

Coordination with Marine 21

• Upon Marine 21's arrival, other rescue crafts should clear the area to avoid interference.
• Additional rescue swimmers can be sent in at a safe distance to assist if needed.

In-Water Operations Requirements

• At least two rescue swimmers are essential for offshore spinal rescues.
• Required equipment: spinal board with straps, two lifeguard tubes, and C-Spine blocks, if available.
• The first rescuer on the scene must initiate inline stabilization and keep the victim afloat, ensuring they are secure.

Techniques for Victim Stabilization

• Roll face-down victims onto their backs while maintaining stabilization.
• Plan for potential wave impacts; turn victim’s head into the waves to minimize spine movement.
• Use rescue tubes under the victim's back for flotation support.

Securing the Victim

• When the spinal board arrives, adjust it under the victim while securing with straps in a specified order (chest, waist, arms, legs).
• Continuous inline stabilization is crucial until the victim is safely on the board.

Extrication and Transfer to Rescue Craft

• When extricating, remove Marine 21's dive door and have swimmers take the spinal board to the boat at a proper angle with wave assistance.
• A rescuer on the boat should take over inline stabilization while others help pull the spinal board onboard.

Safe Transport Practices

• Carefully place the victim on the bow of the boat with multiple rescuers assisting.
• Maintain a slow and safe speed to avoid further injury to the victim or rescuers.

Backup Procedures

• If Marine 21 is unavailable, utilize Whaler 17 for transporting the victim once ready for extrication.

This quiz covers the Offshore Spinal Protocol, detailing the joint rescue efforts between the Evanston Lifeguards, Aquatic Camp staff, and Fire Department personnel for deep water incidents. It emphasizes the importance of proper spinal precautions and the use of rescue craft when swimming to a victim is not feasible.