BCM SECTION B - CAPACITY, PHYSICAL, FIRST AID, SURVIVAL Flashcards
USCG TYPE III PFD
Manufactured: STEARNS or MUSTANG
Buoyancy: 15.5 LBS, not rated to turn face up.
Worn: Always, Over Drysuit
Commonly Used: Swimmer, Helo Ops, General Crew.
Required to have Survival Vest over it, if not equipped with survival pyro vest, then must have Personal Marker Light (PML) or Strobe Light attached, with whistle.
USCG TYPE V PFD
Model: MD3183 with Pyro Pouches
Buoyancy: 15-22 LBS, not rated to turn face up
Inflatable Specialty Vest
Required a TYPE V PQS to wear.
SHALL NOT be worn with Survival Vest
SHALL NOT have anything worn outside of vest.
3 Methods of Activation:
Pressure - submerge 2-4” CO2 Hydrostat. Release
Pull Cord - Manual CO2 Release
Oral Inflate Tube
What is the 50/50 square for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Water < 50 (or) Air < 50 - DrySuit Required
Water < 60 - Anti-Exposure Coveralls
COs may grant PPE Waivers
What is the standard equip/outfitting on a Boat Crew Survival Vest? (7 parts)
Emergency signal mirror Signal whistle, MK-124 marine smoke and illumination signal, MK-79 signal kit, Distress signal light (strobe) Survival knife, Personal Locator Beacon.
REF: BCH16114.2 (2017) Rescue & Survival Handbook
Characteristics of “Emergency Signal Mirror”
Usually attached with 36” Type-1 Cord Lanyard
Can be seen up-to “Great Distances”
Instruction on the Back
Mirror Reflective
REF: BCH16114.2 (2017) Rescue & Survival Handbook
Characteristics of “Signal Whistle”
Usually attached with 36” Type-1 Cord Lanyard
Cork-less (cork swells when wet)
Model: FOX40
Heard up-to: 1,100 Yards
REF: BCH16114.2 (2017) Rescue & Survival Handbook
Characteristics of “MK-124”
Smoke/Illumination Signal (Two Ends) Duration: 20 sec, ea side Day: Orange Smoke (Creates Dye, if submerged) Night: Red Burning Flare Night Side is identified by rigid bands Hold at 45-degree angle, turn hand down-ward. Misfire time: 30 Seconds Delta Fire: Combustible Metal
REF: BCH16114.2 (2017) Rescue & Survival Handbook
Characteristics of “MK-79 Kit”
MK79 MOD 0 - Consists of: (07) MK-80, Red-Shell Flares (01) MK-31 Pencil Launcher Range: 250-650 FT @ 4.5 Sec burn time. Power: 12,000 CandleWatt Misfire time: 30 Seconds Delta Fire: Combustible Metal
REF: BCH16114.2 (2017) Rescue & Survival Handbook
Characteristics of “Distress Signal Light” (Strobe Light)
Usually Activated by On/Off Switch (Battery Powered)
Intermittent Flashing White
50-70 Flashes per Minute
Power: 100,000 CandleWatt
Minimum 8 Hr Continuous, Typically 18+ Hours
Range: Approximately 2-5 NM, dependent conditions.
REF: BCH16114.2 (2017) Rescue & Survival Handbook
Characteristics of boat crew “Survival Knife”
Blunt-Tip (so to not puncture) Stainless Steel (Corrosive Resistant) Serrated Edge (Used to Cut Line) Fixed Blade Usually Attached with Lanyard
REF: BCH16114.2 (2017) Rescue & Survival Handbook
Characteristics of “Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)”
Manufacturers: ACR (or) McMurdo Frequencies: 406 MHz & 121.5 MHz Velcro Sided to Adhere. Buttons: Test/Activate (As per OCT 2020) Accuracy: 3NM in 90 Minutes Information/Beacon Registered with NOAA. 2 Year - Renewal/Verify (per Sticker) 5 Year - Replace Tested Monthly
REF: BCH16114.2 (2017) Rescue & Survival Handbook
When egressing (escaping) a capsized vessel, in what order should swimmers go?
Strongest Swimmer with tending line if possible, followed by weak/weakest swimmer. Second Strongest Swimmer Last. Each swimmer is to tap hull or give a tug on tending line to signal next swimmer.
Should you stay with the vessel if it is capsized?
Depends.
Reasons to stay with vessel, if no hazards:
Less exposure to elements (Hypothermia)
Stable Platform
Larger Visual Profile
Reasons to NOT stay with vessel, depending on situation:
Toxic Gases/Liquids
Fire Hazards
Entanglement
Steps to take once you’ve egress the vessel
- Accountability of all Persons
- Wellness/Injury with Aid. Reduce Exposure
- Supply Retrieval/Inventory.
- Utilization of PLB/Equipment.
- “Will-to-Live”
If you find yourself alone submerged in open water, what is a position you can take to survive longer?
“HELP” Heat Escape Lessening Position
If you find yourself with other crewmembers exposed in the water, what is a position you can take to survive longer?
Huddle Position, (arms locked in a circle, knees up)
Define Hypothermia.
is a lowering of a person’s core temperature. It occurs when a person suffers a loss of body heat below 98.6 degrees. Leading cause of Death at Sea.
Define Hyperthermia.
is the heightening of a person’s core temperature above 98.6 degrees. Usually in regards to heat-related issues or exposure.
Water at 70-80 degrees exposure can cause hypothermia in 3-12 hours.
Signs of Hypothermia
- Slow, weak pulse
- Unconsciousness,
- Cold pale skin skin,
- May simulate or accompany shock,
- Shivering,
- Clouded mental capacity (may seem disoriented),
- Slow and labored breathing,
- Dilated pupils,
- Slurred speech (may seem intoxicated),
- Loss of coordination.
How to Treat for Hypothermia
Survivors who are rational and capable of
recounting their experiences, should be insulated by wrapping in blankets and/or move to a warm environment to rest with all wet garments removed.
An alert patient who is shivering, and who is not at risk for aspiration, should receive high-carbohydrate liquids and food. Liquids and food should be warmed but should not be hot enough to cause burns. Do not give cold food items, caffeine and alcohol.
Temperature Stages of Hypothermia
98.6 - Normal Temp.
97 - Sporadic Shivering, increase in oxygen consum.
95 - Mental Confusion, Impairment of Thought
Possible Drowning
93 - Loss of Memory and Speech Impaired
91 - Hallucinations and Delusions 50% of people do not recover or survive.
90 - Heart rhythm irregularities
88/86 - Loss of consciousness, no pain response.
Define Shock
Depressed physiological or mental state, may occur at any time of first aid. Develops when there’s poor blood flow creating a shortage of oxygen throughout body.
Causes of Shock
- Trauma (internal or external bleeding, blunt force [e.g., a fall, being struck by a blunt object, etc.], fractures, and burns),
- Allergic reaction,
- Hypothermia,
- Drugs,
- Toxins,
- Heart attack,
- Illnesses such as diabetes,
- Dehydration,
- Emotional reaction.
Symptoms of Shock
Symptoms of shock include: • Restlessness, • Thirst, • Nausea, • Weakness, • Anxiousness, • Fright, • Dizziness, • Fatigue, • Feeling of impending doom.
Signs of Shock
Signs of shock include: • Pulse – weak and rapid, • Breathing – shallow and rapid, • Skin – pale, cold, clammy (sweating), • Pupils – dilated (enlarged), • State of consciousness – alert (may be deceiving) to fainting and/or unconscious
