You will need to pause and plan to collect as much relevant information about the emergency as you can to help inform your rescue method. You should quickly ask yourself:
- What is your emergency action plan (DRSABCD)?
- What dangers exist at the scene to yourself, others and the victim(s)?
- Whom do you need to contact?
- have you sent for help?
- what do your local SOPs require?
- Do you need assistance?
- how will you arrange assistance?
- is assistance nearby?
- Can you perform a rescue immediately?
- what are your limitations?
- what are you trained to do?
- what equipment is available?
Use the ‘4 Ps’ to pass on information quickly and effectively when requesting assistance—position, problem, people and progress. Your patrol captain can use this information to:
- inform your surf lifesaving communication centre and/or support operations, e.g., rescue water craft, offshore rescue boats, helicopters
- issue instructions to you or other members of your team
- send for help—ambulance, police, etc.
Check your local SOPs for calling other emergency services.