Bronze Exam Flashcards
Which factors contribute to your safety in an aquatic environment
Weather conditions, slippery floor,
List the steps in any rescue
Awareness
Assessment
Action
Aftercare
List the characteristics of the different types of swimmers.
Non-swimmer: Panic when experiencing difficulty. Vertical in water and appear to be “climbing the ladder”. Minimal or non-supportive leg action. Submerge and may or may not be facing the shore. May attempt to grasp the rescuer. Head low in water with mouth at water level, head tilted back with mouth opening and closing as they gasp for air. Bobbing up and down. Splashing
Weak swimmer: May be capable of using arms and legs for support. Angle in water (approx. 45 degrees), may attempt to grasp the rescuer or flotation device. Tilted up head position, tilted towards safety for help.
Injured swimmer: Grasp injured body part and call for help. May be in awkward position. However capable of using flotation device if provided.
Unconscious: May be at any level of pool depending on how long they were unconscious for. May be face-down or face-up in water, but NOT moving
List the different types of defences and when to use them.
-Maintain a safe distance from the person in difficulty.
• Tuck the legs rapidly under the body.
• Push the legs forwards.
• Make a final assessment from this safe position
Rope: swimmer is far away and capable of grabbing onto the rope, more efficient. Kickboard, pool noodle, tube: unconscious or non-swimmer, no effort required by them.
List some associated safety issues when swimming in the following aquatic environments: river, public pool, home
Rivers:
- Crumbling banks
- Uneven and unsafe river beds
- submerged obstacles
- Currents
Public Pool: -Large crowds with young children, elderly people or inexperienced swimmers -Slippery surfaces around edges -Varied depth of water Lakes and Dams: -River entry points -Cold water -Waves (surging)
The Home:
- Unfenced
- Gates/ barriers left open
- Uncovered spa bath
- Filled paddling pools which are not in use
- Eskies with melted ice
- Bath filled with water or plug left in
- Washing machines with open lids
- Toilets with open or accessible lids
- Buckets filled with liquids
- Fish bonds which may attract youngsters
What is the name of the grip best used to immobilise a spinal casualty in ‘deep’ water?
The Vice Grip
Why is it vital that first aider’s document incidents in which they are involved?
So it can be referred to later on and all key information is there
For the doctor to know exactly what happened
Steps for emergency care procedure
Danger Response Send for help Air way Breathing Cpr (compressions) Defib
List the entries into the water
Slide Step in Compact jump Standing Dive Shallow Dive Stride
When would you use a ‘Slide’ entry into water? and give an example
Unknown depth and state of bottom of water.
As it is a controlled and safe entry, it allows the feet and an aid to feel for unseen obstacles below the surface.
Use upper body to slowly lower into the water feeling with feet for obstacle
When would you use a ‘step in’ entry into water? and give an example
Clear water, known depth, bottom free from obstacles.
Entry is most appropriate for areas where the entry point is not much higher than the water level.
Feet together on edge of pool. Chin up, arms out to side. Take large stride forward and maintain this stride as you enter water.
When would you use a ‘compact jump’ into the water? and give example
An entry is required from a height of more than one metre into known deep water. A feet-first entry is safer than a head-first entry, especially when the water has debris floating on it. This entry is primarily used in emergencies.
From a height keeping the rescue tube up under the armpits, feet flat, knees slightly bent
When would you use a ‘standing dive’ in the water? and give an example
The water is known to be deep and free of obstacles.
Diving. Both feet grip the edge of the pool standing hip-width apart. The body is bent at the knees and hip, with the upper body, head and arms curved and pointing at the water.
When would you use a ‘shallow dive’ in the water? and give example
The water is known to be deep and free of obstacles.
Leap forward parallel to the water, stretching your arms far out in front of you and your legs behind you. Drop your arms and head slightly just before you reach the water so that you strike the water at a shallow angle. Glide just below the surface of the water until you feel your speed begin to diminish.
When would you use a ‘Stride’ into the water? and give an example
A rescuer needs to watch the person in difficulty and entry is to be made from a low height into water known to be free of obstacles.
Extend 1 leg some distance, slightly bend the knees, lean forward and extend arms sideways. On entering the water, push down with the arms and scissor kick the legs to keep head out of water. and nose, step off then bring legs together keeping them straight.