Buzz
For lifeguards, facing a real spinal rescue in water is their worst fear. This is due to the intricate and challenging nature of the procedure, which must be carried out flawlessly to give the victim the best chance of recovery from any accidents. Whether you're a lifeguard or not, having a clear set of instructions to follow can boost your confidence in conducting this rescue and ensure the best possible outcome for the victim.
Procedures
Assisting the Victim
Activate the Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Inform others about the situation so they can provide assistance in the rescue operation.
- Use your whistle to alert everyone and evacuate the pool area.
- Ask another lifeguard or nearby individual to call 911.
- Instruct another lifeguard or individual to retrieve the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and bring it to you.
- Have a second lifeguard bring you a backboard.
Approach the individual in need. Once the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is initiated, cautiously enter the water and move towards the victim. Avoid creating large disturbances or waves that could further harm the individual.
Immobilize the victim's head and neck. Gently elevate the victim's arms above their head, aligning them together. Securely maintain this position, stabilizing the arms against the head to prevent movement of the head and neck. Ensure the victim's body remains in a straight line parallel to the water's surface to avoid any spinal bending.
Positioning the Backboard
Adjust the head-splint technique. Once the backboard is in place, transition to securing the victim onto the board by modifying the head-splint method and repositioning the backboard in the water.
Support the backboard. As you position yourself against the wall, provide additional stabilization for the backboard. Utilize rescue tubes placed beneath the backboard by your secondary lifeguard.
Securing the Victim to the Board
Secure the backboard straps around the victim. Ensure the victim's safety during removal from the pool and enhance immobilization by fastening the straps attached to the backboard. Your secondary guard will handle this task while you maintain control of the victim's head and neck.
Complete the strapping process. Repeat the previous steps on the opposite side of the board. Avoid reaching over the board, which could further endanger the victim. Ensure each strap is correctly positioned and securely fastened using the provided method (Velcro, buckle, etc.).
Secure the head restraints. After strapping the victim's body into the backboard, restrain their head using the provided head restraints. Guide your secondary lifeguard in positioning and securing the head restraints on both sides of the victim's head.
Finalize securing the head restraints. Once both restraints are positioned, use the head restraint strap attached to the board to fully immobilize the victim's head. Place the strap across the victim's forehead and secure it on the opposite side of the board.
Removing the Victim From the Water
Prepare the backboard for removal from the water. After securing the victim to the board, move to one side of the board and position it on the pool gutter with the assistance of your secondary guard.
Position yourself for backboard and victim removal. With one side of the board on the pool gutter, hold it while your secondary guard exits the pool. Once they are out, have them hold the top of the board while you move to the other end.
Retrieve the backboard and victim from the water. Instruct your secondary guard to pull the backboard towards them while you push, ensuring it stays low to the ground to avoid further harm to the victim.
Providing Comfort and Support Until EMS Arrives
Address any additional injuries. If the victim has other injuries like cuts or bumps, treat them appropriately. This may involve applying Band-Aids, ice packs, or gauze patches.
Ensure the victim's comfort. While waiting for EMS, ensure the victim is comfortable. If they're cold, cover them with a towel or emergency blanket.
Materials Needed
- One backboard (including head restraints and straps)
- At least two rescue tubes
Useful Tips
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Throughout the process, engage with the victim to gather essential information like their medical history, allergies, and medications. This helps assess their consciousness level and determine if further action is needed.
