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[edit] Basic Rescue

Print version
Health and Science General Conference	Skill Level 1
	Year of Introduction: 1986

[edit] 1. What is the definition of an emergency rescue?

A rescue is the act of removing someone from danger. An Emergency Rescue is a technical term for a rescue taking place under hazardous circumstances and with high risk to the rescue personel, but must be done immediately to save a person's life. In this type of scenario to say a person is in immediate danger may be understated, normally if not removed from their circumstance as quickly as possible the victim will die quite soon. Technical rescues and rescue are descriptive of many types of circumstances, in all cases the victim is in danger. A cat up a tree or an otherwise uninjured person stuck in a crashed car are not likely to die in moments but will need to be rescued from their circumstance by someone with the means and skill to do so.

[edit] 2. Show how to safely rescue a person from the following situations:

[edit] a. Being in contact with a live electric wire

First, do not touch a person who comes into contact with a live electric wire. If you do, the electricity will also flow through your body, and there will be two victims instead of one. Instead, if you can quickly turn off the power source, do so immediately. If it cannot be turned off quickly, try to knock the wire off with something that does not conduct electricity, such as a shoe (take it off first), a wooden broom handle, or a wooden chair.

Once the victim has been separated from the electric power source, check for breathing. If the victim is not breathing, begin artificial respiration (mouth-to-mouth).

[edit] b. A room filled with fumes or smoke

In a fire, a person is far more likely to die from smoke inhalation than from exposure to flames. There are two things to remember about smoke: it rises, and if you inhale enough of it, it will kill you. Therefore, if you find yourself in a smoke filled room, get down and crawl. If you can, cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth to help filter the smoke and keep it from entering your lungs. If water is not available, use a dry cloth - it's better than nothing. Make your way to the door and if it is closed, feel it. If it is hot, do not open it, as this means there is fire on the other side. Try to find another way out such as a window or another exit.

[edit] c. Clothes on fire

Get the person to the ground and roll him over and over on the ground. Another option is to wrap the victim with a blanket, coat, or jacket if one is handy. If your own clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll - do the same thing to yourself as you would to someone else.

[edit] d. Drowning using a non-swimming rescue

Unless you have been trained to properly do so, avoid swimming to the assistance of a person who is drowning. A drowning non-swimmer is typically in a panic, and may grab onto anyone or anything he can reach in an effort to support their airway above the surface of the water. If the victim submerges the rescuer, the rescuer's life is endangered and the original victim has nobody to assist them.

Instead of entering the water, do one of the following:

• Talk the victim in; coach them to kick their legs
• Throw life ring, life jacket, or some other flotation device to the victim
• Reach an item such as a rope, pole, oar, or paddle to the victim, and once the victim grabs it, pull them in
• Wade into shallow water attempt the above
• Row out to the victim in a boat, or use powered craft if possible; try the above from in the boat

[edit] e. An ice accident

The first rule of performing an ice rescue is to not run out to the victim. Remember, the ice was not strong enough to hold one person, so it is very unlikely that it will hold you.

Call for help

Before you do anything, call 911. Use a cell phone, or send someone else to make the call.

Reassure the victim

Tell the victim to remain calm, that you are aware of his predicament, and that you are going to help.

Reach out

Then see if there is anything available that is long enough with which you can reach the victim. Possibilities include tree branches, ladders, paddles, oars, shovels, etc. If necessary, you may lay it on the ice and push it out.

Throw a line

If you cannot find anything long enough, look for a rope or a rope-like item such as a garden hose or jumper cables. Throw one end of the rope to the victim.

Go to the victim

As a last resort you may have to venture out onto the ice. But don't just walk out there - lay a ladder on the ice and walk on it. This will distribute your weight over a greater area, decreasing the chances of another break (but not eliminating that chance). When you get to the end of the ladder, roll off, and laying next to it, scoot it out farther. If the ladder still does not reach the victim, get back on it and continue. Do this until you can extend the ladder to the victim.

If you cannot find a large object such as a ladder, take something else - anything. You'll need something to reach out to the victim with so that you do not have to go all the way to the edge of the ice hole. This could be your coat for example. Then lay down on the ice - again, you are trying to distribute your weight over a larger area. Scoot over to the victim, and stretch out the item you brought with you, trying to keep your body as far from the edge of the hole as possible. Try to pull victim to safety. Once you get the victim to shore, begin treatment for hypothermia immediately.

[edit] 3. Show three ways of attracting and communicating with rescue aircraft.

Make a distress signal

Make a distress signal on the ground by piling rocks, branches, or other debris to form large letters spelling "S.O.S." This is the universally recognized signal for help. Try to use materials that contrast with the surrounding environment. In winter, you may be able to stomp an SOS into the snow. Make the letters read from east to west (or west to east) so that the shadows catch the letters better.

Light three fires

You may also light three fires to signal for help. Build them either in a line or in a triangle, and get them good and hot. When you see a rescue plane during daylight hours, add green plant matter to the flames. This should cause thick smoke. Be careful to not extinguish the fire by doing this.

Signaling mirror The emergency signaling mirror is approximately 3 by 5 inches and consists of an aluminized reflecting glass mirror, a back cover glass, and a sighting device. It is used to attract the attention of passing aircraft or ships by reflection, either in sunlight or in hazy weather. The reflections of this shatterproof mirror can be seen at a distance of 30 miles at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Though less effective, and with possible shorter range, mirror flashes can also be seen on cloudy days with limited visibility. To use the mirror, proceed as follows:

1. Punch a cross-hole in its center.
2. Hold the mirror about 3 inches in front of your face and sight through the cross at the ship or aircraft. The spot of light shining through the hole onto your face will be seen in the cross-hole.
3. While keeping a sight on the ship or aircraft, adjust the mirror until the spot of light on your face disappears in the hole. The bright spot, seen through the sight, will then be aimed directly at the search ship or aircraft.

[edit] 4. Know six indications for the need of an immediate rescue.

1. The victim has stopped breathing
2. The victim has severe bleeding
3. The victim is being electrically shocked
4. The victim has a heart attack
5. There is a fire
6. The victim is drowning
7. The victim has been poisoned

[edit] 5. Know six procedures to follow before moving a victim from a life-threatening situation.

1. The first task is to assess the whole situation and to plan the rescue.
2. Be sure you can perform the rescue without injuring yourself.
3. Make sure that moving the victim will not cause additional injury.
4. Know where you intend to move the victim before lifting him.
5. If bystanders must be used, it is essential that they be briefed in thorough detail on what you want them to do.
6. Unless the danger is immediate, any first aid should be given before moving the victim.
7. If you suspect a spinal injury, do not move the victim.

[edit] 6. Know five principles involved in moving a victim from a life-threatening situation

1. Be sure that it is necessary to move the victim. If it is not, do not move the victim.
2. Know how you will move the victim before trying to move him.
3. Know where you will move the victim before trying to move him.
4. Be sure that you are able to lift the victim before lifting him. If the victim is too heavy, drag him instead.
5. Maintain your balance. Do not start the move from an unbalanced position.
6. Keep your footing throughout the move.

[edit] 7. Know the proper ways to help a victim, without assistance, in the following:

[edit] a. Pulling the victim

The shoulder drag is accomplished by placing the victim in a supine position (laying on his back), grasping the clothing behind his shoulders, and dragging him in the desired direction.

Blanket Drag

The blanket drag can be used to move a person who, due to the severity of the injury, should not be lifted or carried by one person alone. Place the casualty in the supine position on a blanket and pull the blanket along the floor. Always pull the casualty head first, with the head and shoulders slightly raised so that the head will not bump against the floor.

[edit] b. Lifting the victim

Fireman's Carry

If there are no indications of injury to the spine or an extremity and the victim cannot walk, he can be carried by the Fireman’s Carry The figure here shows the steps of this procedure.

Pack-strap Carry

With the pack-strap carry, it is possible to carry a heavy person for some distance. Use the following procedure:

1. Place the casualty in a supine position.
2. Lie down on your side along the casualty’s uninjured or less injured side. Your shoulder should be next to the casualty’s armpit.
3. Pull the casualty’s far leg over your own, holding it there if necessary.
4. Grasp the casualty’s far arm at the wrist and bring it over your upper shoulder as you roll and pull the casualty onto your back.
5. Raise up your knees, holding your free arm for balance and support. Hold both the casualty’s wrists close against your chest with your other hand.
6. Lean forward as you rise to your feet, and keep both of your shoulders under the casualty’s armpits. Do not attempt to carry a seriously injured person by means of the pack-strap carry, especially if the arms, spine, neck, or ribs are fractured.

[edit] c. Assisting a victim in walking

Support carry

In the support carry, the casualty must be able to walk or at least hop on one leg, using the bearer as a crutch. This carry can be used to assist him as far as he is able to walk or hop.

[edit] 8. Know the proper way to help a victim, with assistance, in the following:

[edit] a. Chair carry

Chair Carry in which the victim is placed in a chair and tilted backward as rescuers lift the victim. This carry requires two rescuers.

Two rescuers can also remove a victim by seating him or her on a chair:

• Rescuer 1: Facing the back of the chair, grasp the back uprights.
• Rescuer 2: Facing away from the victim, reach back and grasp the two front legs of the chair.
• Both rescuers: Tilt the chair back, lift, and walk out.

[edit] b. Fore-and-aft carry

A The shorter bearer spreads the casualty's legs, kneels between the legs with his back to the casualty, and positions his hands behind the casualty's knees. The taller bearer kneels at the casualty's head, slides his hands under the arms and across the chest, and locks his hands. B The bearers rise together, lifting the casualty. C Alternate position, facing casualty.

[edit] c. Two-handed and four-handed seats

Two-hand seat carry

Four-hand seat carry

The two-hand seat carry is used in carrying a casualty for a short distance and in placing him on a litter.

Only a conscious casualty can be transported with the four-hand seat carry because he must help support himself by placing his arms around the bearers' shoulders. This carry is especially useful in transporting the casualty with a head or foot injury and is used when the distance to be traveled is moderate. It is also useful for placing a casualty on a litter.

[edit] d. Blanket carry

An improvised stretcher made from a blanket.

The casualty is placed in the middle of the blanket lying on his back. Three or four people kneel on each side and roll the edges of the blanket toward the casualty, as shown in part A of the figure. When the rolled edges are tight and large enough to grasp securely, the casualty should be lifted and carried as shown in part B of the figure.

[edit] e. Three-man hammock carry with victim in supine and prone position

The three-person hammock carry is very similar to the two-person carry, except that three people are involved: One positioned at the victim's calves, one at the hips, and the third person at the shoulders. The carriers kneel on their knee nearest the victim's feet. The person at the victim's head gives the command, and all three lift the victim to their knees simultaneously. The victim is then turned so that he faces the rescuers. The person at the head then gives the command and the three rescuers stand.

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