Competitive Lifesaving Incidents
A Presentation By David “Blondie” Fielding
Feb 07
Introduction
• What is a SERC?
• The Rules
• Back To Basics
• Analysis of Mark Schemes
• Winning Strategies
If you have any questions as we go through,
please put your hand up!
What Is A SERC?
• Simulated Emergency Response Competition
• Multiple casualties connected in some way
• Could contain:
• Manikins
• Bystanders
• Victims
• Swimmers
• May evolve as you tackle it
Designed to test your initiative,
judgement, knowledge and abilities.
What Is A SERC?
• Aims of a real lifesaving incident?
• To preserve life.
• To obtain further qualified help without delay.
X
NOT NECESSARILY
THE SAME THING!!
X
• Aims of a competitive lifesaving incident?
• To score the most points in the time available.
The Rules
• You Need To Read The Rules!
• 2 min time limit (3 min for a 50m pool)
• Will be judged in accordance with RLSS Protocols
• Assume the situation is “As Found”
• How To Score Zero…
• Take a mobile phone into isolation
• Enter or rescue from “Out of Bounds”
• Use non-designated equipment
The Basics - Rescue Principles
• Act as 4 individual lifesavers under 1 team leader
• SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT!
• Recognise Problem
• Assess Situation
• Plan a course of action
• Carry out the rescue
• Aftercare
}
} 10 secs – 1/3 of marks
}
80 secs – 1/3 of marks
30 secs – 1/3 of marks
The Basics - Casualty Recognition
• Non-Swimmers
• Weak-Swimmers
• Injured-Swimmers
• Unconscious Casualties
The Basics - Casualty Recognition
• Non-Swimmers
• Desperate For Air
• Vertical
• Quiet
• Weak-Swimmers
• 45° Angle
• Doggy Paddle
• May Not Shout
The Basics - Casualty Recognition
• Injured-Swimmers
• May Be LOUD!
• Hold Their Injury
• Unconscious Casualties
• Face Down
• On the surface...
• …or on the bottom
The Basics - Bystanders
Analysis Of Marks
• In a dry incident most casualties carry similar marks
• Choking / CPR
• Bleeding
• Unconscious, Breathing
• Shock
• In a wet incident the following casualties carry the most marks:
• Non-Breathing casualties on the side
• Locked Swimmers
• Non-Swimmers
• In all incidents, between 25% and 50% of the marks are for
captaincy, control, team-work and communication!
Teamwork is what separates the good from the best!
Incident Tactics - Captain
• The Incident starts in isolation: brief your team!
• 60% of your work is done in the first 10 Seconds!
• Scan the entire area for hazards, aids, casualties and bystanders
• Split the pool into sections – Deep End, Shallow End, Poolside
• Make a plan (Rescuer - Aid - Casualty)
• Clear Communication
• Once you’ve dispatched your team it’s their job to rescue as
they see fit.
Incident Tactics - Team
• For the first 10 seconds keep out of your captains way!
• Once you’ve been allocated a casualty, carry out the rescue…
• Entry (Slide-in)
• Always take an aid
• Swim Fast – the first 10 seconds are calm, then you need to
explode into action
• You only have time to go out and back once!
Incident Tactics - Team
• Once you’ve reached your casualty...
• Tell your captain what you’ve got.
• Collect your casualties to the same place on poolside.
• Always treat for shock.
• DO send for help but DON’T send for help too early!
Incident Tactics - Recap
• The Aim Of The Incident: To Get As Many Points As Possible!
• 10 Secs
Calm: Assess & Plan
Look for aids, casualties and bystanders
• 30 Secs
Do the rescue
Talk to bystanders, re-assess situation
• 50 Secs
Rescuers should have reached casualties
Communicate with captain!
• 30 Secs
Land casualties and Aftercare
Sweep the pool
Send for help
4 Things To Remember…
Prioritise the High Scoring Casualties!
Your Safety Comes First!
Always Take An Aid!
Communication!
Any Questions?