Chapter 25
Rescuing 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 threeperson 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.