Rescuing and Moving Victims Chapter 25 Rescuing and Moving Victims 1

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 Wet drownings Secondary 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 5

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 Walking wounded Dead 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 6

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