Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Health

and Science/Basic Rescue

Basic Rescue

Skill Level 1
Health and Science
General Conference
Year of Introduction: 1986

Contents

1. What is the definition of an emergency rescue?

A rescue is the act of removing someone from danger. An Emergency Rescue is a technical term for a
rescue taking place under hazardous circumstances and with high risk to the rescue personnel, but must
be done immediately to save a person's life. In this type of scenario to say a person is in immediate
danger may be understated, normally if not removed from their circumstance as quickly as possible the
victim will die quite soon. Technical rescues and rescue are descriptive of many types of circumstances,
in all cases the victim is in danger. A cat up a tree or an otherwise uninjured person stuck in a crashed car
are not likely to die in moments but will need to be rescued from their circumstance by someone with the
means and skill to do so.

2. Show how to safely rescue a person from the following

situations

a. Being in contact with a live electric wire

First, do not touch a person who comes into contact with a live electric wire. If you do, the electricity
will also flow through your body, and there will be two victims instead of one. Instead, if you can quickly
turn off the power source, do so immediately. If it cannot be turned off quickly, try to knock the wire off
with something that does not conduct electricity, such as a shoe (take it off first), a wooden broom handle,
or a wooden chair.

Once the victim has been separated from the electric power source, check for breathing. If the victim is
not breathing, begin artificial respiration (mouth-to-mouth).
b. A room filled with fumes or smoke
In a fire, a person is far more likely to die from smoke inhalation than from exposure to flames. There are
two things to remember about smoke: it rises, and if you inhale enough of it, it will kill you. Therefore, if
you find yourself in a smoke filled room, get down and crawl. If you can, cover your mouth and nose
with a wet cloth to help filter the smoke and keep it from entering your lungs. If water is not available,
use a dry cloth - it's better than nothing. Make your way to the door and if it is closed, feel it. If it is hot,
do not open it, as this means there is fire on the other side. Try to find another way out such as a window
or another exit.

c. Clothes on fire
Get the person to the ground and roll him over and over on the ground. Another option is to wrap the
victim with a blanket, coat, or jacket if one is handy. If your own clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and
roll - do the same thing to yourself as you would to someone else.

d. Drowning using a non-swimming rescue

Unless you have been trained to properly do so, avoid swimming to the assistance of a person who is
drowning. A drowning non-swimmer is typically in a panic, and may grab onto anyone or anything he can
reach in an effort to support their airway above the surface of the water. If the victim submerges the
rescuer, the rescuer's life is endangered and the original victim has nobody to assist them.

Instead of entering the water, do one of the following:

Talk the victim in; coach them to kick their legs

Throw life ring, life jacket, or some other flotation device to the victim
Reach an item such as a rope, pole, oar, or paddle to the victim, and once the victim grabs
it, pull them in
Wade into shallow water attempt the above
Row out to the victim in a boat, or use powered craft if possible; try the above from in the
boat

e. An ice accident
The first rule of performing an ice rescue is to not run out to the victim. Remember, the ice was not
strong enough to hold one person, so it is very unlikely that it will hold you.

Call for help

Before you do anything, call 911. Use a cell phone, or send someone else to make the
call.
Reassure the victim
Tell the victim to remain calm, that you are aware of his predicament, and that you are
going to help.
Reach out
Then see if there is anything available that is long enough with which you can reach the
victim. Possibilities include tree branches, ladders, paddles, oars, shovels, etc. If
necessary, you may lay it on the ice and push it out.
Throw a line
 If you cannot find anything long enough, look for a rope or a rope-like item such as a
garden hose or jumper cables. Throw one end of the rope to the victim.
Go to the victim
As a last resort you may have to venture out onto the ice. But don't just walk out there -
lay a ladder on the ice and walk on it. This will distribute your weight over a greater area,
decreasing the chances of another break (but not eliminating that chance). When you get
to the end of the ladder, roll off, and laying next to it, scoot it out farther. If the ladder still
does not reach the victim, get back on it and continue. Do this until you can extend the
ladder to the victim.

If you cannot find a large object such as a ladder, take something else - anything. You'll need something
to reach out to the victim with so that you do not have to go all the way to the edge of the ice hole. This
could be your coat for example. Then lay down on the ice - again, you are trying to distribute your weight
over a larger area. Scoot over to the victim, and stretch out the item you brought with you, trying to keep
your body as far from the edge of the hole as possible. Try to pull victim to safety. Once you get the
victim to shore, begin treatment for hypothermia immediately.

3. Show three ways of attracting and communicating with rescue

aircraft.
Make a distress signal

Make a distress signal on the ground by piling rocks, branches, or other debris to form large letters
spelling "S.O.S." This is the universally recognized signal for help. Try to use materials that contrast with
the surrounding environment. In winter, you may be able to stomp an SOS into the snow. Make the letters
read from east to west (or west to east) so that the shadows catch the letters better.

Light three fires

You may also light three fires to signal for help. Build them either in a line or in a triangle, and get them
good and hot. When you see a rescue plane during daylight hours, add green plant matter to the flames.
This should cause thick smoke. Be careful to not extinguish the fire by doing this.

Signaling mirror The emergency signaling mirror is approximately 3 by 5 inches and consists of an
aluminized reflecting glass mirror, a back cover glass, and a sighting device. It is used to attract the
attention of passing aircraft or ships by reflection, either in sunlight or in hazy weather. The reflections of
this shatterproof mirror can be seen at a distance of 30 miles at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Though less
effective, and with possible shorter range, mirror flashes can also be seen on cloudy days with limited
visibility. To use the mirror, proceed as follows:

1. Punch a cross-hole in its center.

2. Hold the mirror about 3 inches in front of your face and sight through the cross at the ship or
aircraft. The spot of light shining through the hole onto your face will be seen in the cross-
hole.
3. While keeping a sight on the ship or aircraft, adjust the mirror until the spot of light on your
face disappears in the hole. The bright spot, seen through the sight, will then be aimed
directly at the search ship or aircraft.
4. Know seven indications for the need of an immediate rescue.
1. The victim has stopped breathing
2. The victim has severe bleeding
3. The victim is being electrically shocked
4. The victim has a heart attack
5. The victim is on fire
6. The victim is drowning
7. The victim has been poisoned

5. Know six procedures to follow before moving a victim from a

life-threatening situation.
Though the requirement is for only six principles, we present seven. This allows the student to forget one
of the principles and still meet the requirement.

1. The first task is to assess the whole situation and to plan the rescue.
2. Be sure you can perform the rescue without injuring yourself.
3. Make sure that moving the victim will not cause additional injury.
4. Know where you intend to move the victim before lifting him.
5. If bystanders must be used, it is essential that they be briefed in thorough detail on what you
want them to do.
6. Unless the danger is immediate, any first aid should be given before moving the victim.
7. If you suspect a spinal injury, do not move the victim.

6. Know five principles involved in moving a victim from a life-

threatening situation
Though the requirement is for only five principles, we present six. This allows the student to forget one of
the principles and still meet the requirement.

1. Be sure that it is necessary to move the victim. If it is not, do not move the victim.
2. Know how you will move the victim before trying to move him.
3. Know where you will move the victim before trying to move him.
4. Be sure that you are able to lift the victim before lifting him. If the victim is too heavy, drag
him instead.
5. Maintain your balance. Do not start the move from an unbalanced position.
6. Keep your footing throughout the move.
7. Know the proper ways to help a victim, without assistance, in
the following

a. Pulling the victim

The shoulder drag is accomplished by placing the victim in a supine position (laying on his back),
grasping the clothing behind his shoulders, and dragging him in the desired direction.

The blanket drag can be used to move a person who, due to

the severity of the injury, should not be lifted or carried by
one person alone. Place the casualty in the supine position on
a blanket and pull the blanket along the floor. Always pull the
casualty head first, with the head and shoulders slightly raised
so that the head will not bump against the floor.
Blanket Drag

b. Lifting the victim

If there are no indications of injury to the
spine or an extremity and the victim cannot
walk, he can be carried by the Fireman’s
Carry The figure here shows the steps of this
procedure.

Fireman's Carry

With the pack-strap carry, it is possible to carry a heavy person for some distance. Use the following
procedure:

1. Place the casualty in a supine position.

2. Lie down on your side along the casualty’s uninjured or less injured side. Your shoulder
should be next to the casualty’s armpit.
3. Pull the casualty’s far leg over your own, holding it there if necessary.
 4. Grasp the casualty’s far arm at the wrist and bring it over
your upper shoulder as you roll and pull the casualty onto
your back.
5. Raise up your knees, holding your free arm for balance
and support. Hold both the casualty’s wrists close against
your chest with your other hand.
6. Lean forward as you rise to your feet, and keep both of
your shoulders under the casualty’s armpits. Do not
attempt to carry a seriously injured person by means of
the pack-strap carry, especially if the arms, spine, neck,
or ribs are fractured.

Pack-strap Carry

c. Assisting a victim in walking

In the support carry, the casualty must be able to walk or at least hop on one
leg, using the bearer as a crutch. This carry can be used to assist him as far as
he is able to walk or hop.

Support carry

8. Know the proper way to help a victim, with assistance, in the

following

a. Chair carry
Two rescuers can also remove a victim by seating him or her on a chair:
 Rescuer 1: Facing the back of the chair, grasp the back
uprights.
Rescuer 2: Facing away from the victim, reach back and
grasp the two front legs of the chair.
Both rescuers: Tilt the chair back, lift, and walk out.

Chair Carry in which the victim is

placed in a chair and tilted backward
as rescuers lift the victim. This carry
requires two rescuers.

b. Fore-and-aft carry

A The shorter bearer spreads the casualty's legs, kneels between the legs with his back to the
casualty, and positions his hands behind the casualty's knees. The taller bearer kneels at the
casualty's head, slides his hands under the arms and across the chest, and locks his hands. B The
bearers rise together, lifting the casualty. C Alternate position, facing casualty.

c. Two-handed and four-handed seats

 Two-hand seat carry Four-hand seat carry

The two-hand seat carry is used in carrying a casualty for a short distance and in placing him on a litter.

Only a conscious casualty can be transported with the four-hand seat carry because he must help
support himself by placing his arms around the bearers' shoulders. This carry is especially useful in
transporting the casualty with a head or foot injury and is used when the distance to be traveled is
moderate. It is also useful for placing a casualty on a litter.

D. Blanket carry
The casualty is placed in the middle of the blanket lying on his back. Three or four people kneel on each
side and roll the edges of the blanket toward the casualty, as shown in part A of the figure. When the
rolled edges are tight and large enough to grasp securely, the casualty should be lifted and carried as
shown in part B of the figure.
An improvised stretcher made from a
blanket.

e. Three-man hammock carry with victim in supine and prone position

The three-man hammock carry is very similar to the two-person carry, except that three people are
involved: One positioned at the victim's calves, one at the hips, and the third person at the shoulders. The
carriers kneel on their knee nearest the victim's feet. The person at the victim's head gives the command,
and all three lift the victim to their knees simultaneously. The victim is then turned so that he faces the
rescuers. The person at the head then gives the command and the three rescuers stand.

f. Three- or four-man lift

g. Six-man lift and carry

9. Know how to properly use a stretcher and carry a victim on a

stretcher. Know how to make an improvised litter.
When transporting an injured person, always see that the litter is carried feet forward no matter what the
injuries are. This will enable the rear bearer to observe the victim for any respiratory obstruction or
stoppage of breathing.

10. Know how to properly use ropes and knots as follows

a. Tie knots for joining ropes together

Sheetbend

Use: The sheet bend knot is excellent for joining two

ropes together, especially if the two ropes are not the
same size. When tied properly, it will not come undone,
and it is easy to untie. It is very similar to the bowline.

How to tie:

1. Make a bight at the end of the larger rope (if they are not the same size).
2. Run the end of the smaller rope through the bight, entering from the bottom.
3. Wrap the end of small rope around the back of the large rope, crossing the short end of the
large rope first.
4. Tuck the end of the short rope under itself, on top of the bight.

Square Knot
Use: Also known as a Reef knot, the Square Knot is easily
learned and useful for many situations. It is most commonly
used to tie two lines together at the ends. This knot is used at
sea in reefing and furling sails. It is used in first aid to tie off a
bandage or a sling because the knot lies flat.

How to tie:

1. Pass left end over and under right end.

2. Curve what is now the left end toward the right and cross
what is now the right end over and under the left.
3. Draw up tight by pulling one end and line away from the
other end and line.

WARNING: Do not rely on this knot to hold weight in a life or death situation. It has been
known to fail.

Surgeon's knot

Use: The surgeon's knot is similar to a square knot,

except that the first stage is doubled. This helps the
knot stay tight while it is being tied.

b. Tie knots for making rope shorter

Sheepshank

Use: The sheepshank knot is used to shorten a length

of rope. It comes undone easily unless it is under
tension.

WARNING: Keep this knot under tension or it will come

untied.

c. Tie knots for use around a person for a rescue

Bowline
Use: This knot doesn't jam or slip when tied properly. It
can be tied around a person's waist and used to lift
him, because the loop will not tighten under load. In
sailing, the bowline is used to tie a halyard to a sail
head.

How to tie:

1. Make the overhand loop with the end held toward

you, then pass end through loop.
2. Now pass end up behind the standing part, then down through the loop again.
3. Draw up tight.

d. Coil and accurately throw a light and a heavy 50-foot (15.2 m) rope.
Separate the rope into two equal sized coils, with a little less than half the rope in each coil. Choose one
end that you will hang on to, and grasp it firmly in the palm of one hand, using the three smallest fingers
to hold it securely. Hold the rest of that coil between the index finger and thumb, and hold the other coil
in the other hand. Take aim, and throw both coils toward the victim at the same time while retaining
your grip on the end. If you have difficulty with this, try standing on the end of the rope you wish to keep
with you. Using this method, you can throw the rope quite a bit farther than if you had thrown a single
coil. This is because the second coil will not begin to unravel until the first one uncoils. Practice until you
can hit a target with the rope from the 50-foot (15 meter) mark.

11. What steps should be taken before reporting a lost person?

What information will be needed when reporting a lost person?
How is a search for a lost person conducted in a wilderness area?
Before reporting:

Children

If at home check your home carefully, contact your child's friends house and your neighbors house
quickly to see if your child is with one of them. If at a store or mall contact management or security and
have the child paged, if needed many stores today will "lock down" until all people and places are
checked. If in a public place, do not panic. Try a high spot such as a chair or table to get a better vantage,
and contact the facility management if there is one.

Gather yourself and be prepared to provide information to the police that will be relevant to the search for
your child.

Adult
Adults do not have to be missing for a certain amount of time before you can report them missing,
however police might not look into it for 24 hours. Contact known friends, work, and hang outs before
reporting an adult missing. Adults who are mentally unstable for any reason or in need of medication for
survival can normally be reported immediately as missing.

According to [Link]([Link]
persons/faqs) "You do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone as missing. If you have serious
concerns for the safety and welfare of a person, and their whereabouts are unknown, then you may
immediately report them missing (link) to your local police. Police will take a report where there are
concerns for safety and welfare and their whereabouts are unknown."

Those on outings

If you are expecting loved ones to return from an outing and they are overdue be sure to contact their
various phones and their home before calling authorities. If this is travel, some delays may be caused by
weather and other circumstances that can be checked by calling the airport or travel authority for their
means of travel. Road conditions can normally be checked through the state's department of
transportation or the department of public safety (Highway Patrol). For those who were camping, hiking,
or the like you will contact the forest/park authority for weather and road issues.

Be sure to have information on planned hiking routes and camping locations left behind by your loved
ones so they can be used in a search if needed.

What will be needed

The more detailed your physical description to police can be the better. The color of eyes, hair and skin
are needed but are not truly distinctive. Pictures are best and any identifying marks such as scars will help
to identify a particular person quite well. The clothes the missing or lost person was wearing when last
seen are very helpful too, as well as details on the vehicle(s) any adults may have been driving when last
seen.

Age, date of birth, and other personal details such as family nicknames and family known information are
helpful in child abduction cases. This information can not only be used to identify a child but to retrieve
the child and gain trust with police. The person's doctor and dentist will also be helpful so have those
names ready if possible.

Searches

In wilderness areas searches are conducted in an ever widening circle normally. All available resources
are used including hunting dogs, aircraft, search hikers, and mounted search personnel. When a person is
lost in the wilderness there is rarely any expense spared in the search for the person. If details are known
about intended camping sites and hiking routes then teams will be sent to investigate those locations
directly while others are sent into line of site search patterns where from the best known location for the
missing person(s) was outward with each searcher being within site of the next. This will also be done in
staggered waves so that any evidence overlooked by one searcher might be found by the next. When the
area becomes large enough to make line of site searches impractical the teams will be broken into zones
using a search grid. A team of two or more will be assigned some small piece of the map area to search,
all areas will be searched repeatedly for missed evidence or people. All the while roadways and known
paths will have searches, or outposts on them in case the victim is still mobile and trying to work his way
out of his circumstance. Aircraft will search in grids as well when weather provides. At night some
aircraft may utilize heat sensors to try and identify people in the wilderness, this has proven effective at
times and at other times not. When an aircraft identifies a possible victim a search team in the grid will
respond to the location, sometimes they find nothing; other times they find animals. If a person is seeking
shelter in a very cold area, he may have burrowed deep enough into a location as to defeat the heat
sensors on any aircraft as was the case with a child in Arizona who hid among some cactus which cool
greatly at night. This particular child had evaded rescuers intentionally for more than a day because he
was not supposed to talk to strangers.

References

Retrieved from "[Link]

title=Adventist_Youth_Honors_Answer_Book/Health_and_Science/Basic_Rescue&oldid=4519361"