1. Chapter 20: Reaching and Moving Victims in the Water

2. Recognizing an Emergency
There are two kinds of water emergency situations:
A swimmer in distress
A drowning victim
A distressed swimmer may be too tired to get to the shore or the side of the pool but is able to stay afloat and breathe and may be calling for help.
An active drowning victim is vertical in the water but unable to move forward or tread water. The victim is struggling to keep his or her head above water to breathe.
A passive drowning victim is not moving and will be floating face-down on the bottom or near the surface of the water.
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION
Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.

3. Recognizing an Emergency (continued)
Always check first to see whether a lifeguard or other trained professional is present.
If you must assist someone who is having trouble in the water, you must have the appropriate equipment.
Send someone else to call or the local emergency number.
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION
Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.

4. Water Assists Reaching assists Throwing assists Wading assists
Walking assists
Beach Drag
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION
Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.

5. Specific Immobilization Techniques
Care for suspected head, neck and back injuries in the water.
Hip and shoulder support.
Head splint
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION
Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.

6. Helping Someone Who Has Fallen Through Ice
If a person falls through ice, never go out onto the ice yourself to attempt a rescue.
Call 911
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION
Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.