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Forum Discussion
Thank you for bringing up this subject. We often forget that WE are the first line of rescue and help. The better prepared you are, the better chance you can help save someone. :C
Some general thoughts and story.
"I thought somebody would do something"
Words that cause deaths.
Do something and stay until relieved by someone with more knowledge takes over. Even then, stay until medical services arrive, they may have questions for you and then police/ranger later for a description of the incident.
It's a team effort.
Drownings/water rescues are some of the worst I've known (for people standing around). Entire park full of people looking, zombie walking towards the scene, nobody gets wet.
I've come from behind more than once to be first and second to reach the victim. Know when to take charge and direct people. I have yet to meet anyone who wasn't willing to do exactly what you tell them to do- most people are so afraid of getting in the way that they won't do anything unless asked.
One year I made two serious water rescues while camping. One went by Life Flight. The other went down the 3rd time and wasn't coming up on his own. Old man and a 13yr old boy. (Latter was a double rescue, young girl tried to get him before the river brought them around the corner and my buddy got her)
Even if you are not physically capable of something like a water rescue, keep eye contact and POINT to victims. Make some noise, draw attention.
In the first situation I had almost 300 yds to cover before I knew what was going on. Heard a holler and people zombie walking towards the water. It's like a wake in the water, go where it flows to find the trouble.
Step 1: Discern the problem
Step 2: Alert others (bystanders, 911, whatever)
Step 3: Decide how to help
Step 4: Get involved (time to be assertive not shy. Lives depend on you)
"What do you need?" if someone else is on point.
"Do this...Do it now" if you are on point.
"Who is calling 911?" One person, give them the update they can relay
Send someone to appropriate place to flag down and guide in rescue units. Nothing worse than trying to respond and can't find the right place :(
CPR? Trained is better, but if no one trained is available, do what you've seen or heard. Doing nothing guarantees they die. At least something gives a chance they didn't have before ;)
Any training is good training. See a chance to get some, do it! ;)
Some general thoughts and story.
"I thought somebody would do something"
Words that cause deaths.
Do something and stay until relieved by someone with more knowledge takes over. Even then, stay until medical services arrive, they may have questions for you and then police/ranger later for a description of the incident.
It's a team effort.
Drownings/water rescues are some of the worst I've known (for people standing around). Entire park full of people looking, zombie walking towards the scene, nobody gets wet.
I've come from behind more than once to be first and second to reach the victim. Know when to take charge and direct people. I have yet to meet anyone who wasn't willing to do exactly what you tell them to do- most people are so afraid of getting in the way that they won't do anything unless asked.
One year I made two serious water rescues while camping. One went by Life Flight. The other went down the 3rd time and wasn't coming up on his own. Old man and a 13yr old boy. (Latter was a double rescue, young girl tried to get him before the river brought them around the corner and my buddy got her)
Even if you are not physically capable of something like a water rescue, keep eye contact and POINT to victims. Make some noise, draw attention.
In the first situation I had almost 300 yds to cover before I knew what was going on. Heard a holler and people zombie walking towards the water. It's like a wake in the water, go where it flows to find the trouble.
Step 1: Discern the problem
Step 2: Alert others (bystanders, 911, whatever)
Step 3: Decide how to help
Step 4: Get involved (time to be assertive not shy. Lives depend on you)
"What do you need?" if someone else is on point.
"Do this...Do it now" if you are on point.
"Who is calling 911?" One person, give them the update they can relay
Send someone to appropriate place to flag down and guide in rescue units. Nothing worse than trying to respond and can't find the right place :(
CPR? Trained is better, but if no one trained is available, do what you've seen or heard. Doing nothing guarantees they die. At least something gives a chance they didn't have before ;)
Any training is good training. See a chance to get some, do it! ;)