Safe Working Near Water

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Aims & objectives Identify risks Identify features in and around water PPE Throwbags Scene management Post incident TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Identifying risks Slips, trips, falls Drowning Entrapment Impact injury Hypothermia (x26 faster than air) Waterborne infection Most slips, trips & falls start at waters edge and end up in water Entrapment limb or whole body i.e. strainer TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Features sea Shoreline features Depth Submerged objects Waves / currents / tides Floating debris Water temperature, contamination, clarity Water users TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Rip current TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Features rivers Stoppers Strainers Weirs Submerged objects Floating debris Eddies / eddy fence Bank / channel Flow rate / volume Depth Water temperature, contamination, clarity This list is not exhaustive TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Weir / Stopper / Water Clarity TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Strainer / Water Clarity / Debris TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Strainer / Water Clarity / Debris TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Eddy TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water PPE helmets Outer shell resists impact & abrasion Impact absorbing liner Light weight Chin strap Snug fit to cover forehead & temples NO Ambulance helmets?

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water PPE clothing Protection & warmth (ambulance uniform?) High visibility, water / wind proof Wetsuits / drysuits Foot wear – protection & warmth & grip Keeping WARM & DRY TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Throwbags Nylon & cordura shell with polythene flotation 8mm floating polypropylene rope Various lengths High visibility Free line principle (Knots=snag hazard) TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water Scene management PPE – ambulance helmet unstrapped Contact relevant agencies ASAP - fire CG 3 metre rule – cordon area Priorities - self, colleagues, casualty Make contact with casualty ASAP & never rely on casualty to help TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water Scene management Do not enter water & be aware of being pulled in Keep it simple Contingency plans Upstream spotters & downstream support Never tie a rope around a rescuer

Safe Working Near Water 4/25/2017 Safe Working Near Water The rescuer Don’t enter the water Talk contact, assess, encourage & direct Reach branch, knees bent, feet apart, low Throw throwbag Next stages - row, go & tow, helo (other services required for these stages) TB/SWNW

Safe Working Near Water Throwbag deployment Stable position & in view of casualty Bag in throwing hand, free line in other hand Shout - rope / line Aim bag at swimmer & throw Underarm, overarm or side throw Brace yourself & pull swimmer to bank

Safe Working Near Water The swimmer Don’t panic! Shout for help Lie on back, feet downstream, bend knees, bottom above heels, look ahead – never put feet down (defensive swimming) Look for eddy / slack water Avoid strainers Catch throwline, hold line against chest & over shoulder & remain on back

Safe Working Near Water Post incident Self & colleagues? Equipment? inspect throwbag, wash & dry (not in direct sun / heat) visually inspect monthly Document Review & debrief

Safe Working Near Water ?