Competitive Lifesaving Incidents A Presentation By David “Blondie” Fielding Feb 07

Introduction What is a SERC? The Rules Back To Basics Analysis of Mark Schemes Winning Strategies If you have any questions as we go through, please put your hand up!

Simulated Emergency Response Competition Multiple casualties connected in some way Could contain: Manikins Bystanders Victims Swimmers May evolve as you tackle it Designed to test your initiative, judgement, knowledge and abilities. What Is A SERC?

Aims of a real lifesaving incident? To preserve life. To obtain further qualified help without delay. Aims of a competitive lifesaving incident? To score the most points in the time available. NOT NECESSARILY THE SAME THING!! XX

The Rules You Need To Read The Rules! 2 min time limit (3 min for a 50m pool) Will be judged in accordance with RLSS Protocols Assume the situation is “As Found” How To Score Zero… Take a mobile phone into isolation Enter or rescue from “Out of Bounds” Use non-designated equipment

The Basics - Rescue Principles Act as 4 individual lifesavers under 1 team leader SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT! Recognise Problem} Assess Situation} 10 secs – 1/3 of marks Plan a course of action} Carry out the rescue 80 secs – 1/3 of marks Aftercare 30 secs – 1/3 of marks

The Basics - Casualty Recognition Non-Swimmers Weak-Swimmers Injured-Swimmers Unconscious Casualties

The Basics - Casualty Recognition Non-Swimmers Desperate For Air Vertical Quiet Weak-Swimmers 45° Angle Doggy Paddle May Not Shout

Unconscious Casualties Face Down On the surface... …or on the bottom The Basics - Casualty Recognition Injured-Swimmers May Be LOUD! Hold Their Injury

The Basics - Bystanders

Analysis Of Marks In a dry incident most casualties carry similar marks Choking / CPR Bleeding Unconscious, Breathing Shock In a wet incident the following casualties carry the most marks: Non-Breathing casualties on the side Locked Swimmers Non-Swimmers In all incidents, between 25% and 50% of the marks are for captaincy, control, team-work and communication! Teamwork is what separates the good from the best!

Incident Tactics - Captain The Incident starts in isolation: brief your team! 60% of your work is done in the first 10 Seconds! Scan the entire area for hazards, aids, casualties and bystanders Split the pool into sections – Deep End, Shallow End, Poolside Make a plan (Rescuer - Aid - Casualty) Clear Communication Once you’ve dispatched your team it’s their job to rescue as they see fit.

Incident Tactics - Team For the first 10 seconds keep out of your captains way! Once you’ve been allocated a casualty, carry out the rescue… Entry (Slide-in) Always take an aid Swim Fast – the first 10 seconds are calm, then you need to explode into action You only have time to go out and back once!

Incident Tactics - Team Once you’ve reached your casualty... Tell your captain what you’ve got. Collect your casualties to the same place on poolside. Always treat for shock. DO send for help but DON’T send for help too early!

Incident Tactics - Recap The Aim Of The Incident: To Get As Many Points As Possible! 10 SecsCalm: Assess & Plan Look for aids, casualties and bystanders 30 SecsDo the rescue Talk to bystanders, re-assess situation 50 SecsRescuers should have reached casualties Communicate with captain! 30 SecsLand casualties and Aftercare Sweep the pool Send for help

4 Things To Remember… Prioritise the High Scoring Casualties! Your Safety Comes First! Always Take An Aid! Communication!

Any Questions?