Chapter 25Rescuing and Moving

Victims

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.

Near-Drowning

• Occurs when a victim survives an immersion incident

• Drowning• Suffocation by immersion in water

or other liquid.• Dry drownings• Wet drownings• Secondary drowning

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.

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)

Ice Rescue

• Extend a pole or throw a line to victim with floatable object.

• Pull victim toward shore or edge of ice.

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.

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.

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.

Fires

• Get all people out of the area quickly.

• Call 9-1-1.

• Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small.

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.

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.

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

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.

Triage

• Classify into care and transportation priorities

• Triage categories

• Immediate care

• Delayed care

• Walking wounded

• Dead

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

Emergency Moves (1 of 3)

• Drags• Shoulder drag• Ankle drag• Blanket pull

Emergency Moves (2 of 3)

• One-person moves• Human crutch• Cradle carry• Fire fighter’s carry• Pack-strap carry• Piggyback carry

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

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.