Chapter 25Rescuing and Moving

Victims

Water Rescue (1 of 3)

• Reach-throw-row-go• Reach for the victim.

• Requires an object that can be extended to the victim.

• Throw anything that floats.

• Tie a rope to the object if possible.

Water Rescue (2 of 3)

• Reach-throw-row-go (cont’d)• Row to the victim.

• If victim is out of throwing range

• Go by swimming (must be trained).

Water Rescue (3 of 3)

Near-Drowning

• Drowning: Suffocation by immersion in water or other liquid.

• Near-drowning: A victim survives an immersion incident.

Types of Drownings• Dry drownings

• No water passes the vocal cords.

• Wet drownings• Water, vomitus, or foreign bodies are

aspirated into the lungs

• Secondary drownings• Resuscitated victim dies within 96 hours.

Care for Drowning

• Survey the scene before rescue.

• If the victim was diving, suspect a possible spinal injury.

• Check breathing; treat accordingly.

• If no spinal injury is suspected, place victim on his or her side.

Cold-Water Immersion (1 of 2)

• Cold water is water less than 70°F.• Cold water causes heat loss 25 times

faster than cold air.• Survivors should get as much of their

bodies out of water as possible.

• Two potential medical emergencies• Drowning and hypothermia

Cold-Water Immersion (2 of 2)

• Cooling speed depends on:• Body fat• Body type• Physical fitness• Water temperature• Clothing• Alcohol• Behavior

Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP)

• Draw knees up close to chest

• Press arms to the sides• Remain as quiet as

possible• Two or more people

should huddle together quietly.

• Requires personal flotation devices

Ice Rescue (1 of 2)

Near the shore:•Extend a pole or throw a line to victim with floatable object attached to it.•Pull victim toward shore or edge of ice.

Ice Rescue (2 of 2)

Away from the shore:•Lie flat and push a ladder, plank, or similar object ahead of you.•Tie a rope to a spare tire and an anchor point on shore.

Electrical Emergency Rescue (1 of 2)

• Electricity enters the body at the point of contact and travels along the nerves and blood vessels.

• Most indoor electrocutions are caused by:• Faulty electrical equipment • Careless use of electrical appliances.

Electrical Emergency Rescue(2 of 2)

• Before touching the victim:• Turn off the electricity.

• If you feel a tingling, do not approach.

• Raise one foot and hop to safety.

• If a power line falls over a car, the driver and passenger should stay in the car.

• Unless a fire or explosion threatens

Hazardous Materials Incidents (1 of 2)

• Signs of hazardous materials:• Warning signs on vehicle

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

Hazardous Materials Incidents (2 of 2)

• Signs of hazardous materials (cont’d):

• Leaks or spills

• Strong, noxious odors

• Cloud or strange-looking smoke

Motor Vehicle Crashes (1 of 2)

• In most states, you are legally obligated to stop and help when you are involved in a crash.

• Park at least five car lengths away.

• If police have not arrived call 9-1-1.

• Turn on emergency hazard flashers.

• Make sure scene is safe.

Motor Vehicle Crashes (2 of 2)

• If you suspect spinal injuries, stabilize head and neck.

• Check and monitor breathing.

• If possible, wait for EMS personnel to remove victims.

• Allow EMS to transport victims.

Fires (1 of 2)

• Get all people out of the area quickly.

• Call 9-1-1.

• Use a fire extinguisher if fire is small and escape route is clear. • Aim directly at whatever is burning• Sweep across at base of flames

Fires (2 of 2)

• If clothing catches fire:• Tear article off away from face • Keep victim from running.• Wrap a rug or blanket around victim’s

neck or throw a blanket on the victim. • Smother the flames by rolling the victim

on the floor.

Threatening Dogs

• Look for signs of a dog before entering.

• Proceed with caution.

• Ask owner to control a threatening dog.

• Consider using a fire extinguisher, water hose, or pepper spray.

• Call police for assistance with a vicious dog.

Farm Animals

• Farm animals can be dangerous.

• Approach situation with caution.

• Do not frighten an animal.

• Use food to lure the animal away.

Confined Spaces (1 of 2)

• Any area not intended for human occupancy that may have or develop a dangerous atmosphere

• Three types of confined spaces:

• Below ground

• Ground level

• Above ground

Confined Spaces (2 of 2)

• If someone enters and signals for help or becomes unresponsive:

• Call 9-1-1.• Do not rush in to help.• Try to rescue after help arrives. • Only trained and properly equipped

rescuers should enter the space. • Provide care once the victim is removed.

Triage: What to Do with Multiple Victims

• Triage is the process of prioritizing or classifying injured victims.

• Greatest good for the greatest number

Finding Life-Threatened Victims

• Tell all victims who can walk to move to a specific area.

• Walking wounded: delayed care

• Do not force victim to move

• Perform primary check on remaining victims

Classifying Victims

• Immediate care

• Delayed care• Up to 1 hour

• Walking wounded• Up to 3 hours

• Dead

Moving Victims• All necessary first aid should be

provided before moving victim• Only move if there is immediate danger.

• Fire• Explosives or hazardous materials• Impossible to protect from hazards• Impossible to access other victims

Emergency Moves (1 of 7)

• Every effort should be made to pull victim in the direction of the long axis of the body to protect spinal cord.

• Use various techniques.

Emergency Moves (2 of 7)

• Shoulder drag• Ankle drag• Blanket pull

Emergency Moves (3 of 7)

• Human crutch• Cradle carry

Emergency Moves (4 of 7)

• Fire fighter’s carry• Pack-strap carry• Piggyback carry

Emergency Moves (5 of 7)

• Two-person assist• Two-handed seat

carry

Emergency Moves (6 of 7)

• Four-handed seat carry

• Extremity carry• Chair carry

Emergency Moves (7 of 7)

• Hammock carry

Nonemergency Moves (1 of 3)

• All injured parts should be stabilized before and during moving.

• The safest way to carry an injured victim is on some type of stretcher or litter.

Nonemergency Moves (2 of 3)

• Blanket-and-pole improvised stretcher

• Blanket with no poles

Nonemergency Moves (3 of 3)

• Board-improvised stretcher

• Commercial stretchers and litters