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