1. Rescuing and Moving Victims
Chapter 25
Rescuing and Moving Victims 1

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. Water Rescue (3 of 3)

5. Near-Drowning
Drowning: Suffocation by immersion in water or other liquid.
Near-drowning: A victim survives an immersion incident.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Cold-Water Immersion (2 of 2)
Cooling speed depends on:
Body fat
Body type
Physical fitness
Water temperature
Clothing
Alcohol
Behavior

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. Hazardous Materials Incidents (2 of 2)
Signs of hazardous materials (cont’d):
Leaks or spills
Strong, noxious odors
Cloud or strange-looking smoke

17. 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
Turn on emergency hazard flashers.
Make sure scene is safe.

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Farm Animals Farm animals can be dangerous.
Approach situation with caution.
Do not frighten an animal.
Use food to lure the animal away.

23. 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

24. Confined Spaces (2 of 2)
If someone enters and signals for help or becomes unresponsive:
Call
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.

25. Triage: What to Do with Multiple Victims
Triage is the process of prioritizing or classifying injured victims.
Greatest good for the greatest number 5

26. 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

27. Classifying Victims Immediate care Delayed care Walking wounded Dead
Up to 1 hour
Walking wounded
Up to 3 hours
Dead

28. 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

29. 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.

30. Emergency Moves (2 of 7)
Shoulder drag
Ankle drag
Blanket pull

31. Emergency Moves (3 of 7)
Human crutch
Cradle carry

32. Emergency Moves (4 of 7) Fire fighter’s carry Pack-strap carry
Piggyback carry

33. Emergency Moves (5 of 7)
Two-person assist
Two-handed seat carry

34. Emergency Moves (6 of 7) Four-handed seat carry Extremity carry
Chair carry

35. Emergency Moves (7 of 7)
Hammock carry

36. 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.

37. Nonemergency Moves (2 of 3)
Blanket-and-pole improvised stretcher
Blanket with no poles

38. Nonemergency Moves (3 of 3)
Board-improvised stretcher
Commercial stretchers and litters