Swift Water

Question 1

what is the rescue hierarchy?

Answer 1

talk
reach
throw

row
go/tow
helo

Question 2

what are the whistle and hand signals?

Answer 2

whistle
1 blast = attention
2 blasts = upstream
3 blasts = downstream
long repeated blasts - emergency/help

hand signals

1 arm up = i need help
hand on head = OK
2 hands crossed over chest = needs medical help

Question 3

what does LAST stand for?

Answer 3

acronym for order of swift water rescue

locate
access
stabilise
transport

Question 4

describe search tactics used in swift water rescue?

Answer 4

IVC - initial visual checks

• find people who are relatively easy to find
• small team, designated zone
• may identify areas where a casualty could be trapped
• mark areas that have been searched

Systematic search

• search with foot
• teams of searchers, close together
• may use a line to help measure and mark search areas