Water Rescue Methods
Historically the 'mantra' of Talk-Reach-Through-Row-Go-Tow-Hello has been viewed as a rescue hierarchy. The order in this manual starts with the simplest of methods and increases with more complex methods, which require more equipment and familiarity with the techniques as they get more complicated. This division can be thought of as conditional rescuers and true rescuers.
A conditional rescue relies upon the causality doing something to assist. For example, throwing a rope to the causality would require them to have the knowledge, presence of mind, and physical capability to hold onto the rope, and grip it tightly until they are safe.
A true rescue requires no assistance from the casualty. The rescuer must do everything, and so must be correctly equipped and trained to perform the rescue. Clearly, the risk to the rescuer is higher, as they must go into the hot zone, however, the benefit to unconscious or injured casualties is obvious.
I. Reach
The length of the reaching aid is the limiting factor with this rescue. Throw bags, inflated fire hoses, ladders, and wading poles have all been used to good effect. Even though a throw is thrown, the rescuer maintains contact with the end of the rope, so it effectively extends their reach. In this skill, the victim is in access and can be grabbed by arms, hair, clothes, etc.
II. Wade (GO Method)
Entering shallow slow-flowing water to perform a throwing, reaching or contact rescue is a relatively low-risk option(for appropriately trained personnel), which can significantly increase the chance of a successful rescue involving wading with casualties. Entering the water to Wade is the super limit of the skill of a first responder.
III. Throw
Accuracy is important, as stated above, to establish eye contact and communication with the causality to ensure they are expecting the object thrown. The object thrown must be buoyant, and the rescuer does not have any contact with it after throwing, such as a Perry Buoy except floating line attached to this.
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