Lifesaving Techniques
Techniques
Body is tucked tightly and the head is protected by the arms and hands.
Fall in entries are used when the depth or state of water cannot be accurately determined
The log roll entry can be used if the water is clear.
TOWING
Red tows are the most hazardous because they involve entering deep water or entering the contact zone or direct contact with the casualty,
Amber tows are hazardous because they involve the rescuer entering the water, or reaching in to the “contact zone” or indirect contact with the casualty
Amber - Reaching rescue
Amber - Watercraft rescue
Amber - Wading rescue
Green tows are the least hazardous because they do not involve entering the water and use non-contact methods of rescue. However, these skills still present a risk to the rescuer.
Green - Shout and Signal rescue
Green - Throwing rescue
The photos below show the RED tows.
Rope Throw
Coils of rope should be of even lengths
Hand, into which the rope is coiled, should be held still
Stable base with opposite foot to throwing arm, forward
Keep focused on casualty
Shout instructions and reassurance
Underarm throw - throwing arm remains straight and follows through forward
Rope Throw
Coils of rope should be of even lengths
Hand, into which the rope is coiled, should be held still
Stable base with opposite foot to throwing arm, forward
Keep focused on casualty
Shout instructions and reassurance
Underarm throw - throwing arm remains straight and follows through forward
Rope Throw Pull In
This is an AMBER skill because the rescuer reaches into the contact zone and there is indirect contact with the casualty:
Thrower stays low (kneel or lay down) with a wide stable base, positioned away from the water’s edge
Pull on the rope strongly, hand over hand
Extended Arm Tow:
Only used with an unconscious casualty - it is graded a RED rescue because it requires direct contact with the casualty.
Towing arm is fully extended to maintain distance from casualty, and to facilitate the tow.
Contact by the rescuer is made by cupping the hand around the chin of the casualty, away from the throat/mouth - to keep the head out of the water.
Tow using lifesaving backstroke kick or side stroke.
Clothing Tow:
Only used with an unconscious casualty - it is graded a RED rescue because it requires direct contact with the casualty.
One hand supports the back of the casualty’s head to keep it out of the water.
The other grasps the casualty’s shirt / top near the shoulder
Rescuer keeps their elbows as straight as possible
Tow using lifesaving backstroke kick
Chin Tow:
Only used with an unconscious casualty - it is graded a RED rescue because it requires direct contact with the casualty.
Contact is made by cupping the hand around the chin of the casualty, away from the throat/mouth - to keep the head out of the water and the airway as clear as possible.
Casualty is brought close to the rescuer's body by flexing at the elbow.
Rescuer rests the casualty’s head on their shoulder
Tow using lifesaving backstroke kick
Cross Chest Tow:
Only used with an unconscious casualty - it is graded a RED rescue because it requires direct contact with the casualty.
Position the towing arm over the shoulder and across the chest of the casualty.
Towing arm runs diagonally across the chest of the casualty
Rescuer must not put their hand or arm under the casualty’s arm pit.
Lift the casualty with your hip.
Tow using lifesaving side stroke
Towing With An Aid
This is a RED skill because it requires the rescuer to enter the water and reach into or enter the contact zone, using indirect contact with the casualty:
Enter the water safely with a suitable aid (pole, branch, item of clothing etc)
Wade or swim to casualty
Use the defensive stand off position and communicate with the casualty
Keep as far from the casualty as possible and extent the aid to them
Tell the casualty to hold onto the aid, turn onto their back and kick their legs
Use life saving backstroke or sidestroke to tow the casualty to a safe landing position
If the casualty climbs up the aid, let go and use the defence reverse - making lots of splash
RED Rescue
Throwing a buoyant aid and accompanying the casualty.
RED Rescue
Casualty swimming with a buoyant aid thrown by a rescuer who then accompanies the casualty.
RED Rescue
Towing with a pole.
GREEN Rescue
Casualty swimming with a float which has been thrown from about 10-12m away by the rescuer.
If you find yourself in cold water - use the HELP technique
H - Heat
E - Escape
L - Lessening
P - Procedure
Image Courtesy of Debbie Pollard
Problem Solving Skills
