PADDLER 24
PADDLER 24
An incident procedure
Accidents unfold quickly on the water. Under pressure, we need a plan which is relatively simple to guide us through the incident and casualty assessment. Many paddlers would recognise this as the ABC first aid system.
Imagine a paddler has fallen into the water and taken a nasty swim. How will you manage that incident? A- Assess for danger: Before approaching the casualty, ensure the area is safe and clear of hazards. Check for any immediate threats to your safety or the casualty’ s. Don’ t become the second casualty. If they are not already in a safe position, guide them to shore or into a stable rafted setup, if they are still afloat.
A- Alertness: Is the person conscious? Speak to them, touch their shoulder. Are they confused or dazed? If they are conscious, you can ask them if they are injured and where; if unconscious, check their airway.
A- Airway: Check that their airway is open. Look for obstruction from water, vomit or debris. If unconscious, gently open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift method. Once the airway is clear, check for breathing.
B- Breathing: Look, listen and feel for 10 seconds. Is their breathing regular, noisy, or absent? If they are not breathing or breathing is abnormal( gasping) then begin CPR( see the second article in the series).
C- Circulation: Look for signs of major bleeding or shock. Check for skin colour and temperature. If needed, treat for blood loss immediately.
D- Damage: Often referred to as a head-to-toe or secondary survey of the casualty. Systematically search the casualty’ s body for signs of injury and trauma.
E- Ensure: Ensure they’ re in a stable, safe position. Unconscious casualties should be placed in the recovery position. Think E- Environment: They are likely to need to be kept covered for warmth.
E- Expose: Get to skin depth to see the real problem. You may need to cut through cags and kit.
E- Emotion: Talk calmly to the casualty to reassure them, even if they appear unconscious.
WHEN TO CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES
Remote locations make calling for help more complex. If the casualty is unconscious, showing signs of serious head injury, bleeding heavily, has suspected spinal or limb fractures, or is hypothermic, call for assistance. Depending on your circumstances, use your marine VHF radio( Channel 16) to make a Mayday call or use your mobile where a phone signal is present, or a satellite phone in more remote areas. Always provide an accurate location. Use your GPS device or mobile app to give the longitude and latitude, or a grid reference. Or What3Words to help emergency services pinpoint your position.
FIRST AID KITS FOR PADDLERS
Not all first aid kits are created equal. A small, urbanfocused kit won’ t be much use in a wilderness setting. Tailor your kit to your group size, activity type and remoteness. Always store it in a watertight, clearly marked container. A paddling-specific first aid kit should include: l Gloves and a face shield l Blister dressings and cohesive tape( VetWrap) l Foil blanket or survival bag l Triangular bandages l Scissors or shears l Wound wipes l Sterile dressings / waterproof plasters( Easiplaster) l Rehydration salts l Pain relief( e. g. ibuprofen, paracetamol) l Notepad and pencil
Supplement this with spare clothing, a group shelter and a simple first aid guide laminated for field use. Check and replenish your kit regularly.
RECORDING CASUALTY DETAILS
In the chaos of an incident, recalling key details can be challenging. Always carry a casualty card and a waterproof notebook with a pencil to record what happened and when, observed symptoms, treatment given. It is essential to take a casualty’ s vital signs regularly. This would include breathing and pulse rates, level of consciousness, as well as casualty capillary refill time and temperature. Monitoring of a casualty’ s vital signs is invaluable for professional responders and can support group decision-making if the situation evolves.