Aquatic Rescue Techniques

• Checklist includes: DRSABCD, CPR, Secondary survey, Consent, 4 A's, Aqua code, Order of a rescue, Methods of entering the water, 2 types of tows, Types of swimmers, Abilities of a rescuer, Water safety signs, H.E.L.P, and Rescue aids.

DRSABCD Action Plan

• D = Danger: Check for dangers to yourself, bystanders, and the casualty; consider what caused the problem and if it still poses a threat.
• R = Response: Assess the casualty's level of consciousness by asking questions and squeezing their shoulders.
• S = Send: Have bystanders call 000 for help, providing clear and precise information.
• A = Airway: Check and clear the airway; open the mouth and look for foreign matter.
  • If foreign matter is visible, roll the casualty onto their side and scoop it out with your fingers
  • If no foreign matter is seen, leave the casualty on their back.
• B = Breathing: Check for breathing by tilting the head back, looking, listening, and feeling for ten seconds.
  • With the airway open, place your cheek near the casualty's mouth to feel for breathing and place one hand on the diaphragm, looking down at the chest to see if it rises.
  • If the casualty is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position and monitor their ABCs; seek immediate medical assistance.
• C = CPR: Perform 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
• D = Defibrillation: Attach an AED as soon as possible and follow its directions.

CPR Details

• CPR ratio: 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
• Compression rate: Approximately 100 compressions per minute.
• Compression depth: 1/3 of the chest depth.
• Breaths: Full breaths for adults, half puffs for infants.

Secondary Survey

• S = Signs and Symptoms

###AMPLE History

• A = Allergies
• M = Medications
• P = Past medical history
• L = Last oral intake
• E = Events leading up to present

Water Safety Signs

• Regulatory Signs: Red border and bar on a white background; indicate mandatory instructions, with failure to comply considered a criminal offense.
• Warning Signs: Black border on a yellow background; advise of specific hazards or conditions and may discourage certain activities.
• Informative and Permissive Signs: White border on a blue background; provide information about water safety features or indicate permitted activities.

Aqua Code

• When playing in or near water, ensure someone is with you.
• If in trouble, roll onto your back, hold onto something if available, and wave one arm to attract attention.

Reach to Rescue

• If someone needs help, avoid entering the water; lie down and reach out with a stick or throw a rope.

The 4 A's of Rescue

• Awareness
• Assessment
• Action
• Aftercare

Methods of Water Entry

• Slide In: Used when the depth and bottom conditions are unknown; provides a controlled entry while feeling for obstacles.
• Wade In: Used in shallow water when conditions are uncertain; allows feeling for unseen obstacles with feet and an aid.
• Step In: Used when the entry point is only slightly above the water level.
• Compact Jump: Required from a height of more than one meter into known deep water; feet-first entry is safer due to potential debris.
• Standing and Shallow Dive: Used when the water is known to be deep and free of obstacles, employing appropriate safety measures.
• Accidental Fall In: Occurs unexpectedly.

Types of Tows

• Cross Chest: Used in rough conditions.
• Head Tow: Requires a firm hold of the unconscious casualty's head.
• Clothes Tow: Used when the unconscious person is clothed and conditions are suitable.
• Double Armpit Tow: Used when the rescuer lacks the swimming power for a cross chest tow and needs to control the body position of the unconscious person.
• Double Shoulder Tow: Used to maintain a higher head elevation of the unconscious person, beneficial in rough water but requires more propulsive power.
• Vice Grip Tow: Used when the person in difficulty has a suspected spinal injury.
• Support Tow: Supports the head, keeping it clear of the water; useful for those who are unconscious and not breathing
• Wrist Tow: The person in difficulty is entirely cooperative, and all other rescue methods are unsuccessful.
• Armpit Tow: The person in difficulty is entirely cooperative, and all other rescue methods are unsuccessful.

Order of a Rescue

• Assess the situation
• Alert and activate resources
• Secure the scene
• Reach the victim(s)
• Stabilize the victim(s)
• Remove the victim(s)
• Transport the victim(s)
• Debrief and report

Abilities of a Rescuer

• Assessment and decision making
• Strong communication
• Physical ability
• First aid and emergency skills
• Rescue techniques
• Calm under stress
• Preparedness

H.E.L.P (Posture)

• Heat
• Escape
• Lessening

Rescue Aids

• Personal flotation device (PFD)
• Throw ropes / throw bags
• Reach tools
• First aid kit
• Rescue whistle
• Ropes and carabiners
• Improvised stretchers
• Blankets or bicycle sacks
• Communication devices
• Emergency shelter

Types of Swimmers

• Non-swimmer
• Weak swimmer
• Injured swimmer
• Unconscious