International Beach Lifeguard
Student Manual
Name:
version 1
For new and developing Lifeguard Services
2
Published: May 2012
2
ISBN:
Authors:
Version 1:
Published: May 2012
ISBN:
Tom Mecrow (IDRC-B), Dr. Aminur Rahman (IDRC-B), Dr. Fazlur Rahman (IDRC-B), Steve Wills
(RNLI), Darren Williams (RNLI), Scott Davidson (RNLI), Peter Dawes (RNLI), Barry Heathfield
(RNLI), Brett Shepherd (RNLI)
Authors:
The First
Aidissection
of this manual
hasin
been
adaptedand
fromWales
the International
The
RNLI
a registered
charity
England
(209603)Drowning
in the Republic
Authors:
of Ireland.
The First Aid section of this manual has been adapted from the International Drowning
©
Copyright
Research
Centre
Bangladesh
(IDRC-B)
First
Responder
manual.
IDRC-B: Tom Mecrow, Dr Aminur Rahman, Dr Fazlur Rahman
International
Drowning
Centre Bangladesh
RNLI: Steve Wills, Darren Williams, Scott Davidson,
This
document
mayResearch
be reproduced
without(IDRC-B)
the prior consent of the
© Copyright
Part of theorCentre
for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh (CIPRB)
Peter Dawes, Barry Heathfield, Brett Shepherd,
IDRC-B
RNLI.
International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh (IDRC-B)
House and
-B162,
LaneBangladesh
23, New(CIPRB)
DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1206, Bangladesh
Mike Lavis
Part of the Centre for Injury Prevention
Research
House -B162, Lane 23, New DOHS,
Mohakhali,
Dhaka,
1206,
Bangladesh
The
IDRC-B
and
RNLI
take no responsibility for any outcomes as
The First Aid section of this manual has been adapted from the
aThis
result
of this
document
maymanual.
be reproduced without the prior consent of the IDRC-B or RNLI.
This document may be reproduced without the prior consent of the IDRC-B or RNLI.
International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh (IDRC-B)
The IDRC-B and RNLI take no responsibility for any outcomes as a result of this manual.
The IDRC-B and RNLI take no responsibility for any outcomes as a result of this manual.
First Responder Manual and part of the RNLI Casualty Care Manual.
Produced with generous support from the following
organisations:
Made with generous support from
the following
organisations:
Made
with generous
support from the following organisations:
September 2012
Tom Mecrow (IDRC-B), Dr. Aminur
Rahman (IDRC-B),
Fazlur Rahman
(IDRC-B), First
Steve Responder
Wills
Research
Centre Dr.
Bangladesh
(IDRC-B)
manual.
(RNLI), Darren Williams (RNLI), Scott
(RNLI),(SC037736).
Peter Dawes (RNLI), Barry
Heathfield
andDavidson
Scotland
Charity
number CHY 2678
(RNLI), Brett Shepherd (RNLI)
Cox’s Bazar
Lifesaving
and Surfing Club
Cox’s Bazar
Lifesaving
and Surfing Club
IDRC-BInternational Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh
Additional photographs kindly donated by:
Additional photographs kindly donated by:
Additional photographs kindly donated by:
Part of:
CIPRBCentre for Injury Prevention and Research – Bangladesh
House-B162
Lane 23
New DOHS
Mohakhali
Supported by:
Supported by:
Dhaka-1206
Bangladesh
Tel: +88 (2) 881 4988
Web: ciprb.org
RNLIRoyal National Lifeboat Institution
West Quay Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 1HZ
England
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 663000
Web: rnli.org
Email: international@rnli.org.uk
2
| International Beach Lifeguard
Cox’s Bazar
3
Lifesaving
and Surfing Club
Disclaimer
The content of this manual is for general guidance only. It represents
best practice as at the date of publication and should not be
considered as legal advice. Those using this manual should seek
professional advice as and when necessary. The RNLI and IDRC-B do
not accept responsibility for any errors in this document.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Contents
LIFEGUARD
LIFEGUARD
EGUARD
FEGUARD
Introduction
5
1. Lifeguard Knowledge
8
6
Lifeguard role
What is the role of a lifeguard?
6
What is the duty of a lifeguard?
6
Personal skills of a lifeguard
7
Lifeguard uniform 7
Sun safety
8
Lifeguard fitness
9
2. Beach Environment
10
The Beach
10
Water depth
11
Wind, waves and rip currents
12
Wind
12
Waves
12
Rip currents
13
What is a rip current?
13
What does a rip current look like?
13
Escaping from a rip current
13
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
1
Contents
3. Lifeguard Operations
14
Red and yellow flags
15
Black and white flags
15
Red flag
15
Patrolling 16
Scanning
16
Rotation
16
Casualty identification
17
Weak swimmer
17
Distressed casualty
17
Injured casualty
17
Unconscious casualty
17
Lifeguard communication
18
2
Flags
14
Whistle
18
Hand signals
19
| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Contents
4. Rescue
20
Rescue equipment
20
Water container
20
Surfboard
20
Conducting a rescue
Land-based rescue
21
21
Reach rescue
21
Throw rescue
22
Wade rescue
23
Swimming rescue
24
Entering the water
24
Swimming to a casualty
25
Towing a casualty back to shore
25
Towing using a floating object
26
Towing with no floating object
26
Cross-chest tow
26
Extended chin tow
26
Close chin tow
26
Swim rescue with floating object – conscious casualty
27
Swim rescue with no floating object – conscious casualty
28
Swim rescue with floating object – unconscious casualty
29
Swim rescue with no floating object – unconscious casualty
30
Board rescue – conscious casualty
31
Board rescue – unconscious casualty
32
Removing a casualty from the water
34
Single-person carry
34
Two-person carry 35
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
3
Contents
5. First Aid
Casualty assessment
36
Check for Danger
36
Check airway, breathing and signs of life (circulation)
36
Check Airway
36
Check Breathing
36
Action for vomiting
If the casualty is breathing normally
Recovery position
If the casualty is not breathing normally
Open airway and initial breaths 36
37
37
38
38
Check for signs of life (Circulation)
38
If there are no signs of life
39
Chest compressions Summary – casualty assessment
Notes
4
36
| International Beach Lifeguard
39
40
41
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Introduction
Introduction
Drowning is a major but under-recognised public health problem in the developing world,
and a leading cause of death in many countries.
New and developing lifesaving organisations can struggle
to implement effective coastal drowning prevention
strategies due to limited training and resources.
Together, the International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh (IDRC-B) and the Royal National Lifeboat
Institution (RNLI) have developed a beach lifeguard
course, specifically designed for use in areas where
specialist equipment and facilities are unavailable.
This International Beach Lifeguard Student Manual is
a simple learning aid for both new and experienced
lifeguards to refer to.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Organisations and individuals are free to copy parts
of the manual for teaching and learning purposes.
We hope that by sharing knowledge and understanding
of the beach environment and lifesaving skills we
can help save more lives from drowning worldwide.
The IDRC-B is a leading research organisation focused
on reducing drowning by developing appropriate and
fit-for-purpose solutions.
The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea by
operating a lifeboat and lifeguard service around
the UK and RoI. It trains more than 1,000 lifeguards
each year, who patrol more than 180 beaches.
Student Manual |
5
LIFEGUARD
Lifeguard Knowledge
1. Lifeguard Knowledge
Lifeguard role
What is the role of a lifeguard?
The role of the lifeguard is to maintain the safety of people
using the beach and the water.
Lifeguards take responsibility for a defined area or activity to
ensure that it is safe to use.
What is the duty of a lifeguard?
It is the duty of the lifeguard to:
• prevent incidents from occurring
• respond to developing incidents
•respond to emergency incidents by providing
rescue and emergency care skills.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Lifeguard Knowledge
LIFEGUARD
Personal skills of a lifeguard
A good lifeguard must be able to interact well with
members of the public and other services. To do this
a lifeguard must be:
•a good communicator – able to communicate well
with members of the public and other lifeguards
•reliable and trustworthy – regularly attend training
and always be on time for lifeguard duty.
Lifeguard uniform
• Yellow T-shirt.
• Red shorts.
• Suitable footwear.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
7
LIFEGUARD
Lifeguard Knowledge
Sun safety
• Shade.
• Sunscreen.
• Cover up.
• Water – drink water often to avoid dehydration.
Always look out for other beach users who may be at risk.
Give advice on sun safety.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Lifeguard Knowledge
LIFEGUARD
Lifeguard fitness
A good lifeguard must be able to:
1. Run – to an incident, and for further assistance.
2. Swim – to a casualty in difficulty in the water.
3. Tread in water – stay stationary with a casualty in the water to give them appropriate medical assistance.
4. Tow – to bring the casualty back to shore.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
9
Beach Environment
LIFEGUARD
2. Beach Environment
The Beach
Sand
Rocks
Stones
Dangers:
Dangers:
Dangers:
• quicksand
• falling
• tides
•entry and exit for
swimmers and lifeguards.
•beach can change
very quickly
• rip currents.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
• steep slope of beach.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Beach Environment
LIFEGUARD
Water depth
A shallow sloping beach is best for weak swimmers.
A beach with a steep slope can be dangerous for weak
and non-swimmers as they can easily slip into the water
out of their depth.
‘Holes’ in the sand close to shore can be particularly
dangerous for small children playing or bathing in
shallow water.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
11
Beach Environment
Rescue
LIFEGUARD
Wind, waves and rip currents
Wind
Inflatables should not be used during a strong
offshore wind.
Waves
Waves are formed by the wind.
There are three main types of wave:
Spilling
Spilling waves are the safest to swim in.
Plunging
Dangerous for swimmers.
Surging
Dangerous for swimmers and people near the water.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Beach Environment
Rescue
LIFEGUARD
LIFEGUARD
Rip currents
Escaping from a rip current
What is a rip current?
Rip currents do not pull people under the water; they
simply pull people away from the shoreline.
Rip currents can be found on any beach with breaking
waves and are the main reason for lifeguard rescues.
They are caused by waves pushing water on to the beach,
and the water flowing back to sea.
The easiest way to escape a rip current is to stay calm
and float or swim parallel to the beach, often into
breaking waves that can help with the return to shore.
What does a rip current look like?
Rip currents can be very difficult for a lifeguard to
identify. However, there are a number of features that
could be used as clues:
• a channel of churning, darker, choppy water
• an area having a difference in water colour
•a line of foam, seaweed or rubbish moving
steadily seaward
• a break in the incoming wave pattern.
Always inform the public about the location of rip currents and adjust your swimming
areas to keep swimmers away from rip currents.
Sometimes the only sign of a rip current may be the casualty moving out to sea.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
13
Lifeguard Operations
3. Lifeguard Operations
Flags
A patrol zone is the area of the beach where the lifeguard
is responsible for keeping beach users safe.
Flags are used to tell people where to swim and surf.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Lifeguard Operations
LIFEGUARD
Red and yellow flags
Lifeguarded area. Safest area to swim, bodyboard and
use inflatable objects.
Black and white flags
Can be used for:
•a buffer zone to protect swimmers from colliding with hard
craft such as surfboards or boats
• an area for surfboards and other craft.
Red flag
Danger! Never go in the water under any circumstances when
the red flag is flying.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
15
Lifeguard
Rescue Operations
Patrolling
Scanning
Lifeguards should be able to see all beach users in the
flagged areas.
High chairs and binoculars may be used to see people
far from shore.
Rotation
Lifeguards should regularly rotate their position so that
they do not get tired or lose concentration.
During breaks they should drink water and stay out of
the sun.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Lifeguard Operations
Rescue
LIFEGUARD
LIFEGUARD
Casualty identification
Weak swimmer
Injured casualty
The distressed casualty is a person who struggles to keep
their head above water using only basic swimming strokes.
Many different types of injury can occur in the sea,
including muscle cramps, bruises and broken bones.
Signs of a weak swimmer include:
Signs of an injured casualty include:
• shouting for help
• shouting for help
• weak swimming stroke
• staying still in the water
• look of panic.
• holding the injured part of the body.
Distressed casualty
Unconscious casualty
A distressed casualty is a person who is unable to
use basic swimming strokes to keep their head above
the water.
There are many reasons a person may become
unconscious:
Signs of a distressed casualty include:
• a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke
• unable to call for help
•unaided, a distressed casualty will soon lose
consciousness.
• vertical in the water
• a bang to the head, perhaps from a surfboard
• no effective leg kick and vigorous arm movements.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
17
Lifeguard Operations
Rescue
Lifeguard communication
Whistle
If a whistle is used too often then its significance will
decrease and people will take no notice when it is used!
The following combinations of whistle blasts should
be used:
1 whistle blast = attract the attention of beach users.
2 whistle blasts = attract the attention of another lifeguard.
3 whistle blasts = lifeguard taking emergency action.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Lifeguard Operations
Rescue
LIFEGUARD
LIFEGUARD
Hand signals
The following hand signals should be used by a lifeguard on the shore to communicate with another lifeguard
in the water:
Return to shore.
Proceed further out to sea.
Stay stationary.
Message not understood.
Move that direction.
Move that direction.
Investigate an object in
the water.
Pick up swimmers
(spin upper arm and point in
the direction of swimmers).
The following signals should be used from a lifeguard in the water to a lifeguard on the shore:
Assistance required.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Danger.
All clear.
Student Manual |
19
Rescue
4. Rescue
Rescue equipment
Water container
Description
Positives
Negatives
Standard liquid
container, ideally
5-litre capacity
or above.
• Widely available.
• Durable.
•Can attach a
rope to the
handle to give
the lifeguard
distance from
the casualty.
•Can be difficult
to hold
when wet.
•Possibility of
leakage.
Description
Positives
Negatives
Often found at
tourist beaches
around the world.
•Quick to reach
casualty and
return to shore.
• Effective in surf.
•Can support
multiple
casualties.
•Can be difficult
to manoeuvre in
large surf.
•Needs
significant skill
and practice.
•Easily damaged
and difficult to
transport.
•Relatively
expensive.
•Unavailable in
many countries.
Surfboard
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Rescue
Conducting a rescue
It is important to let another member of the lifeguard team know that you are conducting a rescue. They can then
provide appropriate assistance with the rescue or go for further help if necessary.
Land-based rescue
Reach rescue
When?
When the casualty is close to shore.
Why?
It is the safest type of rescue.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2 and 3 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Reach the casualty using a long rigid object, such as
a stick or pole.
Stay low on the ground so that the casualty cannot
pull you into the water.
Step 3
Pull the casualty into the side.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
21
Rescue
Throw rescue
22
When?
If the casualty is close to shore, but too far to conduct a reach rescue.
Why?
Reduces the risk to the rescuer – no need to swim.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Attract the attention of the casualty.
Throw a floating object to the casualty, such as a
water container or rescue tube.
Step 3
Step 4
Tell the casualty to kick their legs and swim in
to the side.
Help the casualty out of the water.
| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Rescue
Wade rescue
When?
If the casualty is close to shore and in shallow water. The casualty may
have stepped into a ‘hole’.
Why?
Reduces the risk to the rescuer – no need to swim.
Does not require a floating object.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Attract the attention of the casualty.
Enter the water carefully, taking a stick/pole with
you if possible to test the water depth and for the
casualty to hold onto.
Step 3
Step 4
Pass one end of a stick/pole to the casualty.
Help the casualty out of the water.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
23
Rescue
Swimming rescue
Entering the water
Look for the casualty.
Choose the shortest and safest route.
If the depth of water is unknown then run or wade up
to chest depth before starting to swim.
If the depth is known then a shallow dive can be used.
Large waves
•Dive through the base of the wave with hands in front to protect your head.
•Dig your fingers in the sand.
•Pull yourself forward to surface the other side of the wave.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Rescue
Swimming to a casualty
When swimming to a casualty the lifeguard should swim on their front, regularly looking up for the casualty.
The lifeguard should communicate with the casualty so that they know help is coming.
On approaching the casualty, try to keep a safe distance of 3 metres.
3 metres
Towing a casualty back to shore
Sidestroke is an efficient way for a lifeguard to
swim while towing a casualty.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
25
Rescue
Towing using a floating object
When?If the casualty is conscious and a floating
object is available.
Why?Safest type of tow. Gives support to the
casualty and allows the lifeguard to keep
a safe distance.
Towing with no floating object
Cross-chest tow
When?
If the casualty is panicked or injured.
Why?Gives the lifeguard good control over
the casualty.
Extended chin tow
When?
If the casualty is unconscious or cooperative.
Why?It is simple, efficient and allows the lifeguard
to look where they are going.
Close chin tow
When?If the casualty is conscious and needs support
or monitoring.
Why?It gives extra support to the casualty
and greater control to the lifeguard.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Rescue
Swim rescue with a floating object – conscious casualty
When?
If the casualty is conscious and too far away from the shore to throw a
floating object or wade.
Why?
Does not put the lifeguard in direct contact with the casualty.
Suitable floating objects are commonly available.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Communicate with the casualty to tell them you
are coming.
Enter the water with a floating object.
Step 3
Swim to the casualty with the floating object.
Step 4
Step 5
Keep a safe distance from the casualty. Reassure the
casualty and pass them the floating object.
Encourage the casualty to swim to the shore,
or tow the casualty to shore and give
appropriate aftercare.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
27
Rescue
Swim rescue with no floating object – conscious casualty
28
When?
If the casualty is conscious and no floating objects are available.
Why?
Allows the lifeguard to conduct a rescue with no floating object.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Enter the water. Swim to the casualty and keep
checking the position of the casualty.
Keep a safe distance from the casualty.
Reassure the casualty.
Step 3
Step 4
Ask the casualty to turn around, or swim behind
the casualty.
Tow the casualty to shore and provide
appropriate aftercare.
| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Rescue
Swim rescue with floating object – unconscious casualty
When?
Why?
How?
If the casualty is unconscious and too far away from shore to throw a floating
object or wade.
Does not put lifeguard in direct contact with casualty.
Suitable floating objects are commonly available.
Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Enter the water with a floating object, swim to the
casualty and keep checking their position.
Use the floating object to support the casualty.
Step 3
Step 4
Turn the casualty onto their back and if possible
secure the floating object or hold in a position that
supports the casualty. Ensure that their face is out
of the water.
Tow the casualty to shore making as much use
of the flotation as possible and provide
appropriate aftercare.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
29
Rescue
Swim rescue with no floating object – unconscious casualty
30
When?
If the casualty is unconscious.
Why?
Allows the lifeguard to rescue a casualty who is unconscious in the water.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Enter the water. Swim to the casualty and keep
checking the position of the casualty.
Turn the casualty onto their back.
Step 3
Step 4
Keep their face out of the water.
Tow the casualty to shore and provide
appropriate aftercare.
| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Rescue
Board rescue – conscious casualty
When?
If a board is available.
Why?
Fast response to reach the casualty and rapid return to the shore.
Effective in surf and can support multiple casualties.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Enter the water with board. Paddle to the casualty
and approach on the shoreside of the casualty.
Keep checking their position.
Lifeguard moves to the back of the board and
assists casualty onto the middle of the board.
Step 3
Step 4
Paddle the casualty to shore and assist off
the board.
Provide appropriate aftercare.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
31
Rescue
Board rescue – unconscious casualty
When?
If a surfboard or rescue board is available.
Why?
Fast response to reach the casualty and rapid return to the shore.
Allows for rescue breathing in the water.
How?
Follow steps 1 to 7 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Enter the water and approach the casualty.
Support the casualty. Check breathing for
10 seconds. If not breathing, cover the mouth
and give 5 rescue breaths through the nose.
When at the casualty, turn the board upside down
and lean over the board. Keep the board facing
into the wind/waves.
Step 4
Step 3
Turn the casualty onto the board.
Move the casualty fully onto the board and paddle
the casualty to the beach.
Step 5
Assist off the board and provide aftercare.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Rescue
Large waves
1. Roll the board upside down.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
2. Hold down the front of the board while the waves pass over you.
Student Manual |
33
Rescue
Removing a casualty from the water
Single-person carry
34
When?
If a casualty is unconscious, injured or exhausted.
If no other assistance is available/if the rescuer is alone.
Why?
Removal of casualty from the water for treatment.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Rescuer secures the casualty by putting their
arms under the casualty’s shoulders and holding
their wrists.
Rescuer lifts the casualty up and out of the water.
Step 3
Step 4
Rescuer walks backwards up the beach and out
of the water.
Rescuer brings the casualty up the beach to a point
of safety and lowers the casualty to the ground
carefully, minimising movement of the head.
| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Rescue
Two-person carry
When?
If a casualty is unconscious, injured or exhausted.
If another lifeguard or member of the public is available to assist.
Why?
Fast removal of the casualty from the water for treatment.
How?
Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
Step 1
Step 2
Call for assistance. Rescuer secures the casualty by
putting their arms under the casualty’s shoulders
and holding their wrists.
Second person lifts casualty’s feet off the ground.
Step 3
Step 4
Rescuer lifts the casualty up and out of the water.
Rescuer walks backwards up the beach and out
of the water.
Rescuer brings the casualty up the beach to a point
of safety and lowers the casualty to the ground
carefully, minimising movement of the head.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
35
First Aid
5. First Aid
Casualty assessment
Check for Danger
Check for danger before approaching and assessing a casualty.
Check airway, breathing and signs of life (circulation)
It is very important to keep the airway clear, to ensure breathing is present, and to check for signs of life (making sure
the heart is still circulating blood).
In first aid these priorities are called the ABC: Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
Check Airway
Check Breathing
Action for vomiting
If the casualty starts vomiting, roll them onto
their side immediately to reduce the chance of
them choking.
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
First Aid
LIFEGUARD
If the casualty is breathing normally
If the casualty is breathing normally then they need to be kept in a comfortable position that keeps their airway open.
Recovery position
Place the casualty in the recovery position. This:
• allows fluids to be drained from the mouth
• keeps the casualty in a stable position while help can be found.
If they are kept in the same position for more than 20 minutes then they should be turned to the opposite side.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
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Student Manual |
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First Aid
If the casualty is not breathing normally
Open airway and initial breaths
Step 1
Step 2
Pinch the nose of casualty.
Give 5 breaths.
Check for signs of life (Circulation)
After giving 5 initial breaths it is important to find out if the heart is still working
and blood is circulating around the body.
If there are signs of life put the casualty in the recovery position.
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First Aid
LIFEGUARD
If there are no signs of life
If there are no signs of life then the blood needs to be pumped around the body by the rescuer:
Chest compressions
Step 1
Step 2
Check for signs of life.
Compress the chest 30 times.
Step 3
Compressions on children
Give 2 breaths.
In children (aged approximately 1–8 years), use a
single hand to compress the chest to approximately
one third of the chest depth.
Continue Steps 2 and 3 for 30 minutes.
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Student Manual |
39
First Aid
Summary – casualty assessment
Check for Danger
Unresponsive?
Shout for help
Breathing
Open Airway and
check Breathing
Recovery position
No breathing
5 breaths
Check for
signs of life
(Circulation)
30 chest
compressions
Repeat for 30 minutes
before stopping
2 breaths
If there is no immediate help available, someone should go and get help at an appropriate time.
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Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Notes
Student Manual |
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Notes
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
LIFEGUARD
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
Notes
Student Manual |
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Notes
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| International Beach Lifeguard
Developed by IDRC-B and RNLI
For new and developing Lifeguard Services