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Rescuer Safety: Why Analysis Should Always Come Before Action
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Have you ever assisted at a road accident? Waded into the sea to pull out a kid who was struggling in the waves? It’s instinctive isn’t it?
Sadly it’s that very instinct that causes injury and sometimes death to hundreds of rescuers each year. Hundreds more find themselves in a situation that also requires rescue after realizing out too late they cannot deal with the situation they are now part of.
It’s very difficult to overcome the urge to rush to assist those in trouble particularly when time is of the essence. The last thing on your mind at a time such as that is how your children will cope without a father, who will look after everyone without a mother but as selfish as it seems, thinking these things can make you stop and think of the two most important things in a rescue situation. Firstly is it actually safe to attempt to execute a rescue? And secondly do you have the capabilities to do so?
Just to add to the problems there has been a spate of ‘fake’ accidents in the UK of late, situations set up to lure in unsuspecting rescuers who are then robbed, and worse if they fight back. This is not being publicised for fear of escalating the problem, putting ideas into the heads of those who wouldn’t have thought about it previously. These incidents are usually conducted off the main track, in more isolated spaces, dimly lit side streets and generally in places less likely to be witnessed by a passerby. If someone is whimpering or asking for help from a dimly lit alley, or from behind a dumpster, or someone runs up to you telling you their friend needs help “over there” “behind those bushes” or anywhere else not in plain sight be aware that it might be a set up and act accordingly. Stay where you are, call the police and/or emergency services and wait for their arrival. If it is a genuine emergency you waving your arms about will attract them to the area far quicker than them having to find the casualty. If it was not a genuine emergency you go home unharmed. Win win.
With regard to genuine emergencies the first thing you do is get more help, always call for help. Even if the emergency services will not be there for a while and the situation is going down hill having others to assist lessens the risk to all involved.
Once you have effected the rescue, any rescue, and are in a safe place it’s time for A B C. Airway. Breathing. Circulation. It is impossible, and would be irresponsible to attempt to teach this in a post on a blog. Get on a first aid course and get the hands on experience required to make you as successful as possible at using basic life support techniques.
WATER EMERGENCIES
Water rescue causes more rescuer deaths than any other. Try to get the victim out in any way you can that does not involve one rescuer going to their aid. Human chains can be formed, clothing can be pooled to form ropes if other people are around. Click to read the full article on All Self Sustained
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Source: http://www.allselfsustained.com/rescuer-safety-why-analysis-should-always-come-before-action/
