RescueKey Points

Life and Death

• The victim not reaching the surface will certainly die.– Non-breathing– Seizures– Other

Ascent

• Get the victim to the surface as quickly as possible.

• Consider personal risk!

At the Surface

• Establish Positive Buoyancy– Victim considerations– Rescuer considerations

• Ventilations– 1 every 5 seconds– 2 every 10 seconds

• CPR– Not effective in the water

EMS or other Help• Enlist help as quickly as possible• In the water

– Visual signal– Audible signal– Light signal

• Beach/Boat– Phone 911– VHF radio channel 16

• Agencies– EMS– Coast Guard– DAN

Pace

• Speed to the rescue

• Or not!

• Pace yourself to avoid– Exhaustion– cramps

Towing

• Exit the victim from the water as quickly as possible.– Consistent with safety– Proper assessment– Proper Management

Victim Positioning

• Keep the victim horizontal!

Oxygen

• 100% 02 is the treatment of choice in the field!– Emergency first aid only– When you administer 02 you have declared

an emergency!– Report any incidents to the DSO– Even if the victim begs you not to!

Victim Assessment

• The victim must be medically assessed!– Even if he/she appears to have recovered!

Reporting

• Always report any accidents or rescues to the DSO.

• Even if the victim begs you not to!

Prevention

• Don’t become a victim!

• Don’t allow your buddy to become a victim!