Competitive Lifesaving Incidents

A Presentation By David “Blondie” FieldingFeb 07

Introduction• What is a SERC?• The Rules• Back To Basics• Analysis of Mark Schemes• Winning Strategies

If you have any questions as we go through,please put your hand up!

• Simulated Emergency Response Competition• Multiple casualties connected in some way• Could contain:

• Manikins• Bystanders• Victims• Swimmers

• May evolve as you tackle it

Designed to test your initiative,judgement, knowledge and abilities.

What Is A SERC?

What Is A SERC?• Aims of a real lifesaving incident?

• To preserve life.• To obtain further qualified help without delay.

• Aims of a competitive lifesaving incident?• To score the most points in the time available.

NOT NECESSARILYTHE SAME THING!!X X

The Rules• You Need To Read The Rules!

• 2 min time limit (3 min for a 50m pool)• Will be judged in accordance with RLSS Protocols• Assume the situation is “As Found”

• How To Score Zero…• Take a mobile phone into isolation• Enter or rescue from “Out of Bounds”• Use non-designated equipment

The Basics - Rescue Principles• Act as 4 individual lifesavers under 1 team leader• SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT!

• Recognise Problem }• Assess Situation } 10 secs – 1/3 of marks• Plan a course of action }• Carry out the rescue 80 secs – 1/3 of marks• Aftercare 30 secs – 1/3 of marks

The Basics - Casualty Recognition

• Non-Swimmers

• Weak-Swimmers

• Injured-Swimmers

• Unconscious Casualties

The Basics - Casualty Recognition• Non-Swimmers

• Desperate For Air

• Vertical

• Quiet

• Weak-Swimmers

• 45° Angle

• Doggy Paddle

• May Not Shout

• Unconscious Casualties

• Face Down

• On the surface...

• …or on the bottom

The Basics - Casualty Recognition• Injured-Swimmers

• May Be LOUD!

• Hold Their Injury

The Basics - Bystanders

Analysis Of Marks• In a dry incident most casualties carry similar marks

• Choking / CPR• Bleeding• Unconscious, Breathing• Shock

• In a wet incident the following casualties carry the most marks:• Non-Breathing casualties on the side• Locked Swimmers• Non-Swimmers

• In all incidents, between 25% and 50% of the marks are for captaincy, control, team-work and communication!

Teamwork is what separates the good from the best!

Incident Tactics - Captain• The Incident starts in isolation: brief your team!

• 60% of your work is done in the first 10 Seconds!

• Scan the entire area for hazards, aids, casualties and bystanders

• Split the pool into sections – Deep End, Shallow End, Poolside

• Make a plan (Rescuer - Aid - Casualty)

• Clear Communication

• Once you’ve dispatched your team it’s their job to rescue as they see fit.

Incident Tactics - Team• For the first 10 seconds keep out of your captains way!

• Once you’ve been allocated a casualty, carry out the rescue…

• Entry (Slide-in)

• Always take an aid

• Swim Fast – the first 10 seconds are calm, then you need to explode into action

• You only have time to go out and back once!

Incident Tactics - Team• Once you’ve reached your casualty...

• Tell your captain what you’ve got.

• Collect your casualties to the same place on poolside.

• Always treat for shock.

• DO send for help but DON’T send for help too early!

Incident Tactics - Recap• The Aim Of The Incident: To Get As Many Points As Possible!

• 10 Secs Calm: Assess & PlanLook for aids, casualties and bystanders

• 30 Secs Do the rescueTalk to bystanders, re-assess situation

• 50 Secs Rescuers should have reached casualtiesCommunicate with captain!

• 30 Secs Land casualties and AftercareSweep the poolSend for help

4 Things To Remember…

Prioritise the High Scoring Casualties!

Your Safety Comes First!

Always Take An Aid!

Communication!

Any Questions?