Rescues with a Crewperson

Tube Rescue

This rescue can be used when:

• The situation requires a Crewperson either due to conditions, size of the patient or location of the rescue.

To perform the rescue:

1. Approach the patient safely as the conditions allow, maintaining a safe distance.
2. The Operator must maintain visual observation of the patient and aim to drop the Crewperson as close as safely possible to the patient without putting themselves or the RWC at risk.
3. The Crewperson should be equipped with a rescue tube and fins (optional), ready to exit the sled on the Operator’s signal. They must gather the rescue tube leash in their hands to prevent it from being drawn into the RWC’s intake grill.
4. After entering the water, the Crewperson should signal “all clear/OK” to the Operator.
5. The Operator will then move to a safe standoff position, while maintaining visual observation of the Crewperson. The Operator should then provide a radio update.
6. Upon making contact with the patient, the Crewperson must check for signs of life and secure them in the rescue tube. If the patient is unconscious the Crewperson should lift their head from the water where possible.
7. Once the patient is secured and assessed, the Crewperson signals assistance required to the RWC Operator for pickup . The Operator will acknowledge the signal and indicate the safest point for the pickup. If necessary, the Crewperson will swim the patient to the safe pickup location.
8. To prepare for the pickup the Crewperson will gather the leash of the rescue tube, and position the patient to their front right, holding the rescue tube lanyard up, and presenting it to the Operator.
9. The RWC Operator will approach slowly to perform the pickup, using their left hand to grab the rescue tube lanyard and guide the Crewperson and patient towards the sled.
10. For a conscious and able patient, the Operator will turn the handlebars to the right, offering the sled to the Crewperson. The Crewperson will use their left hand to grip the sled and their right hand to guide the patient onto the rear of the sled.
    

For an unconscious or otherwise unable patient, once the Operator has hold of the rescue tube lanyard the Crewperson should board the sled and position the patient onto the sled whilst the Operator pulls on the rescue tube lanyard.

11. The Crewperson should secure the patient by positioning their bodyweight over the patient with their knee in between the patient’s legs. The Crewperson will then slide their hands under the patient’s armpits, grabbing the centre two handles.
12. When the patient is appropriately secure, the Crewperson will notify the Operator, and the Operator will pass the lanyard of the rescue tube to the Crewperson. The Crewperson should gather up and hold the tube rope and lanyard before the RWC moves off.
    

*NOTE: The Crewperson shouldn’t wear the tube lanyard during patient transport due to the increased risk of injury if the Crewperson or patient becomes dislodged, or the rope is ingested into the intake.

13. The Operator must ensure the RWC is facing the prevailing conditions and communicate via radio to update the patient’s condition and request assistance if required. Alternatively, the RWC Operator may also signal “assistance required”.
14. The Operator will take the shortest and safest route back to shore and ensure the safety of the patient and Crewperson by conducting regular visual checks. If a wave must be navigated, the Operator will instruct the Crewperson to brace by commanding “Brace, Brace.”
15. If the patient is conscious, the Operator should turn the RWC to face the prevailing conditions in shallow water, and instruct the Crewperson to assist the patient off the sled and to safety.

If the patient is unconscious, or other factors require the Operator to beach the RWC, as the RWC approaches the beach, the Operator will instruct the Crewperson that they are about to beach, again commanding “Brace, Brace.”

16. Once on the beach, the Crewperson will begin preparing the patient for transfer if necessary.