RESCUES

In this section you will:
  • Understand and implement different rescue techniques.
  • Understand and implement different casualty pick-ups.
  • Understand and implement casualty recovery to shore.
Rescues
Tube Rescue
If a casualty is close to rocks or in a dangerous position that may be a risk to the IRB and  the coxswain may direct the crewperson to use the rescue tube and fins (optional) to perform a tube rescue.
  1. The coxswain pilots the IRB to  drop the crewperson as close as possible to the casualty.
  2. The crewperson  exits the IRB (when safe to do so), swims to the person/people in difficulty and individually or as a group returns them to the IRB, which will be standing off in a safe position.
  3. The crewman clips the rescue tube around the casualty and swims back the the IRB. If there are a number of casualties the rescue tube can be held onto by the casualties and used to aid swimming to the IRB.
  4. The crewperson then climbs back into the boat and assists the coxswain with the pick up of the casualty(ies). In this case a 'bounce/tea bag' pick-up is used.

  • Kite Surfer Rescue

    In the event of a wind or kite surfer in difficulty, approach the casualty and their equipment up wind. This way there is no risk of the equipment blowing into the IRB and potentially damaging it or harming the crew. Ensure the casualty is okay before attending to the equipment. Once the casualty is safe the decision to recover any equipment rests with the coxswain. If it is safe to do so, the equipment may be dismantled and placed in/on the IRB to be taken to shore. Always be aware of potential broken lines floating in the vicinity of a kite surfer rescue.

  • Mass Rescue

    A mass rescue situation occurs when there may be a group of people that have been swept out by the same rip.


    You should approach slowly and instruct the casualties to grasp the IRB sponson ropes. Then priority should be given to the most tired or most distressed casualties while assistance is on its way. It is recommended that the motor should be placed in neutral or switched off if safe to do so.


    If the group is split up and other casualties are unable to swim to the IRB the rescue tube can be thrown to the other casualties to offer some buoyancy.


    If no assistance is available, the coxswain should give priority to the casualties in the most difficulty/distress, whilst  leaving others with a rescue tube to be picked up later. Reassurance should be given before leaving the  casualties that the IRB will be straight back to pick them up. This will then be repeated until all casualties are ashore.


    Alternatively (where conditions permit) the coxswain can slowly drive the IRB with casualties on board or holding onto the sponson ropes towards safer water, ensuring that all casualties are clear of risk and clear of being struck by the propeller.Where a number of people holding onto the side of an IRB prevent it from being safely manoeuvred in or out of the surf, it is best to switch off the motor and for the crewperson and coxswain to climb overboard and assist with the casualty care and to act as outriggers. This will help the IRB stay upright as waves pass over and push the IRB towards the shore until assistance has arrived.

  • Towing a Disabled Vessel

    The IRB is not designed to be a recovery craft for vessels. If there is another vessel in difficulty it is up to the IRB coxswain to assess if it is safe to attempt to recover the vessel, as towing another vessel significantly impedes the handling and capabilities of the IRB.


    If the coxswain deems the situation to be safe and decides to go ahead with a tow, the first decision is whether to leave all of the casualties on the disabled boat or to transfer some to the IRB. Those left on the disabled vessel should all be wearing PFD’s and have some form of communication with the IRB, such as a VHF radio or agreed signals.


    Before attempting a tow, there must be an agreement between the IRB coxswain and skipper of the other vessel that he/she will accept the tow under their own risk. An IRB should only tow a vessel of a similar size.


    The tow rope should be placed on the port side transom eyelet and on the bow of the disabled vessel. The IRB should then slowly take up the slack of the tow rope, and begin to tow paying attention to the disabled vessel. The skipper of the disabled vessel should still steer with the motor (if possible).

Pick Ups
There are three different pick ups that are used in Wales.

1. Single Arm Consious Pick Up.
2. Bounce/Tea Bag Pick Up.
3. Spin Pick Up.

The coxswain should determine which casualty pick up method is best used by conducting a dynamic risk assessment, with the upmost consideration to the surf conditions.
Single Arm Consious Pick Up
Can only be used on a concious alert casualty.
  1. When approaching the casualty, the crewperson should shout ‘give me your left hand!’
  2. They will then  lean toward the port side of the bow, moving the left hand from the crewperson handle to the middle of the bow rope.
  3. They should then grasp the left wrist of the casualty and proceed to lift and swing the casualty into the boat whilst returning back to a sitting position. Whilst doing this, the coxswain will be turning the IRB toward port side in order to lower the port sponson, making it easier for the crewperson to retrieve the casualty







 Bounce/Tea Bag Pick Up
Unconscious/larger casualties.
  1. The crewperson turns the casualty so that his/her back is facing the port sponson. - (the coxswain will then put the motor into neutral and assist with the lift). Both coxswain and crewperson then stand and lean on the sponson grasping the casualty’s wrist and armpit under shoulder.
  2. The coxswain will then decide on the casualty’s size, how many ‘dunks’ they will do to build up momentum for the lift and inform the crewperson.
  3. On the coxswain’s command the coxswain and crewperson will simultaneously ‘dunk’ and lift the casualty so that they are sitting on the sponson (supported with coxswain and crewperson). The coxswain will then go back to attending the motor while the crewperson will reach under the arms of the casualty and lie him/her back in the boat with head tilt applied to the casualty.






Spin Pick Up
Conscious casualties.
  1. When approaching the casualty, the coxswain should ensure that the bow of the IRB is pointing out to sea. The crewperson should kneel on the floor of the IRB facing the port pontoon. He/she should then tuck his/her feet between the floor board and the tube on the starboard side The crewperson should then shout to the casualty ‘give me your hands, ‘give me your hands! Checking for a response.
  2. The crewperson  then grabs the casualties wrist and spins them anti-clockwise, lifting the casualty’s right arm up so it goes over the crewperson’s right arm. The crewperson should then place their left arm under the casualty’s left arm.
  3. The crewperson then ‘hops’ up so that their knees are on the port sponson.
    Finally the crewperson should lift and use his/her body weight to fall towards the bow of the IRB ( the coxswain can assist with the swinging in the casualty’s legs) and apply a head tilt to the casualty (if unconscious) whilst returning to shore.



Returning to Shore and Carrying a Casualty
Returning Casualty to Shore
When returning to shore with a casualty, the crewperson is normally occupied with casualty care. The coxswain role is to contact the patrol team or emergency services by VHF radio advising that they are coming to shore with a casualty and need assistance to evacuate the casualty. When arriving at the beach the coxswain must try and get the boat as shallow as possible. This will reduce any movement and rocking of the boat.
Unconcious Casualty Carry
When the motor is turned off, the coxswain should lift up the tiller arm so it doesn’t restrict the movement of the coxswain in the lift and evacuation procedure.
  1. The coxswain places the casualty’s legs to the side of the IRB that they wish to exit. The coxswain then reaches forward and grasps the casualty’s arms.
  2. On the crewperson’s command, the coxswain slowly pulls the casualty into a sitting position, enabling the crewperson to manoeuvre to his/her feet. (During all of this the crewperson maintains a head tilt on the casualty).
  3. The crewperson then squats behind the casualty, preparing to lift them onto the sponson (ensure that the crewperson follows manual handling techniques).
  4. Once the crewperson is in position the coxswain slowly releases the arms of the casualty in order to grasp the legs of the casualty and prepare to lift. The coxswain should have their hands positioned above the knees of the casualty and hold the casualty’s legs together  in order to lift to the beach facing sponson.
  5. On the crewperson’s command the coxswain and crewperson will simultaneously lift the casualty onto the sponson. (the crewperson gives command ‘Ready, Brace, Lift’).
  6. Once the casualty is on the sponson, the coxswain will secure the casualty above the knees to prevent them sliding off the sponson whilst the crew person exits the IRB.
  7. Then the crewperson gives instructions ‘Ready, Brace, Lift’ - coxswain exits boat on crew person command..
  8. The coxswain and crewperson then carry the casualty up the beach to a safe area (the coxswain will be watching behind the crewperson informing of any hazards behind them).
  9. Once at a safe place, the crewperson will instruct the coxswain to lower the casualty onto the sand (‘Ready, Brace, Lower’).
  10. The crewperson will still be supporting the casualty’s head and keeping the airway open while the coxswain takes control of the patient’s arms and slowly lowers them to the sand.Just before the patient’s head touches the sand, the crewperson will scoop a small amount of sand from under the head, creating a pit to ensure the casualty’s head is secure and assists in maintaining an open airway.
  11. The crewperson should then assess the casualty and for the following:
  • Breathing – place casualty in recovery position (using natural slope of the beach).
  • Not breathing – begin CPR.
  • If the coxswain or anyone else has not already, they should seek clarification that emergency services are on route. Ensuring use of the three P’s to pass on accurate information: Position. Problem and People.