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

2. Water Rescue Reach-throw-row-go Reach for victim.
Throw anything that floats.
Row by using canoe or other boat.
Go by swimming (must be trained).
Entering water is a last resort.

3. Near-Drowning Occurs when a victim survives an immersion incident
Suffocation by immersion in water or other liquid.
Dry drownings
Wet drownings
Secondary drowning

4. Care for Drowning Survey the scene.
If the victim was diving, suspect a possible spinal injury.
Check for breathing and treat accordingly.
If no spinal injury is suspected, place victim on his or her side.

5. Cold-Water Immersion Cold water is water less than 70°F.
A person can become hypothermic in water that is 77°F.
Heat escape lessening position (HELP)

6. Ice Rescue
Extend a pole or throw a line to victim with floatable object.
Pull victim toward shore or edge of ice.

7. Electrical Emergency Rescue
Indoor electrocutions
Faulty electrical equipment or careless use of electrical appliances
Turn off power at circuit breaker, fuse box, or outside switch box before touching the victim.
High-voltage power lines
Power must be turned off.
Wait for trained personnel with proper equipment.

8. Hazardous Materials Incidents
Signs of hazardous materials
Signs on vehicle
Spilled liquids or solids
Strong, unusual odors
Clouds of vapor
Stay away and upwind.
Wait for trained personnel to arrive.

9. Motor Vehicle Crashes Park in a safe area and call 9-1-1.
Turn on emergency hazard flashers.
Make sure scene is safe.
If you suspect spinal injuries, stabilize head and neck.
Check and care for life-threatening injuries.
Whenever possible, wait for EMS personnel to remove victims.
Allow EMS ambulance to transport victims.

10. Fires Get all people out of the area quickly. Call 9-1-1.
Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small.

11. Threatening Dogs Look for signs of a dog and proceed with caution.
Ask owner to control a threatening dog.
Call police for assistance with a vicious dog.

12. Farm Animals Approach a situation involving animals with caution.
Do not frighten an animal.
Speak quietly to reassure it.
If food is available, use it to lure animal away from victim.

13. Confined Space (1 of 2) Any area not intended for human occupancy
Dangerous atmosphere (low oxygen levels)
Requires special training and equipment to perform rescue

14. Confined Space (2 of 2) For confined space emergencies: Call 9-1-1.
Check motionless victims first. Only enter if you have proper training and equipment.
Once victim is removed, provide care.

15. Triage Classify into care and transportation priorities
Triage categories
Immediate care
Delayed care
Walking wounded
Dead 5

16. Moving Victims Only move victim if there is immediate danger: Fire
Hazardous materials
Impossible to protect from hazards
Impossible to access other victims who need lifesaving care
Protect victim’s spine.
Drag in direction of the long axis of the body 6

17. Emergency Moves (1 of 3)
Drags
Shoulder drag
Ankle drag
Blanket pull

18. Emergency Moves (2 of 3) One-person moves Human crutch Cradle carry
Fire fighter’s carry
Pack-strap carry
Piggyback carry

19. Emergency Moves (3 of 3) Two-person or three-person moves
Two-person assist
Two-handed seat carry
Four-handed seat carry
Extremity carry
Chair carry
Hammock carry

20. Nonemergency Moves
All injured parts should be stabilized before and during moving.
Safest way to carry an injured victim is on some type of stretcher or litter.