Solo Operator Rescues

Conscious Unaided – Solo Operator

This rescue can be used when:

• The patient is conscious.
• The patient is able to get on the sled themselves.

To perform the rescue:

1. Approach the patient safely as the conditions allow, maintaining a safe distance.
2. During the initial contact with the patient ensure any ropes or lines (e.g. rescue tube leash, kite surfer lines), are bundled to avoid getting caught in the jet intake and communicate with them about what you want them to do.
3. When safe to do so the pickup is then performed by manoeuvring the RWC to present sled and instruct the patient to climb on to the sled.
4. Ensure the patient is secure and has a firm grip of the sled handles before moving off.
5. The Operator must ensure the safety of the patient by conducting regular visual checks.
6. When appropriate, brief the patient on when and how they should disembark the sled.
   

Conscious Aided Rescue – Solo Operator

This rescue can be used when:

• The patient is conscious.
• The patient needs some assistance to safely get on the RWC sled.
  

*NOTE: Care should be taken to ensure the Operator is prepared for the size of the patient and operates only within their limitations.

To perform the rescue:

1. Approach the patient safely as the conditions allow, maintaining a safe distance.
2. To maximise time for pickup the Operator should aim to be approximately one sled length from the patient as a wave passes.
3. The Operator should position themselves with their left leg as far back as necessary, to maximize their reach and safely guide the patient onto the sled.
4. The Operator will raise their left arm straight up and issue the command, “Left hand up.”

*NOTE: A fatigued patient may not hear verbal cues and might mimic rescuer actions. Keep your arm raised straight up until ready to take hold of the patient.

5. Upon manoeuvring the RWC to the patient, reduce the throttle as much as possible while maintaining momentum and use brief throttle inputs to maintain steering control.
6. Once the patient is positioned along the port (left) side of the RWC, level with the Operator, contact is made by grasping the patient’s left wrist with your left hand and issuing the command “grab my wrist”.
7. Once contact has been made, steer hard to starboard, and briefly tap the throttle to present the RWC sled to the patient. As the patient’s legs rise, they will float towards the sled. Noting that while a starboard input has been made to assist with the patient retrieval, it is important for the operator to maintain direction with the bow of the craft pointing into the surf.
8. To perform the pickup, it is essential to step your left leg to the rear of the footwell, to ensure enough reach to land the patient onto the rescue sled. The Operator acts as a pivot, keeping their arm outstretched and leaning back to guide the patient to the sled. This is important to ensure the patient clears the back of the RWC.
9. The Operator should instruct the patient to pull themselves onto the sled and hold the handles firmly. Be sure to maintain contact with patient until they have a firm grip of the sled handles. Once the patient is secure you can safely move off.
10. The Operator must ensure the safety of the patient by conducting regular visual checks.

Conscious Patient Disembarkation

Post Rescue, the Operator should brief the patient on the how to ride the sled back and to disembark.

On returning through the break the Operator at a safe location will approach the shore and turn the RWC into the conditions/surf in up to waist deep water or as conditions allow. RWC Operators should avoid performing a fast or ‘flick’ turn when a patient or Crewperson is on the sled. The RWC Operator will hold the RWC in a stationary position, instructing the patient to disembark the sled.

Ideally the patient should roll off the port side of the sled if the Operator has made a port turn. Disembarking directly from the rear of the sled should be avoided as if the Operator applies throttle as the patient may be impacted by the jet wash.

Unconscious – Solo Operator

This rescue can be used when:

• The patient is not responsive.
• Manoeuvring the patient is within the limitations of the RWC Operator.

*NOTE: Unconscious solo rescues should only be attempted when and where safe to do so with consideration of the conditions.

To perform the rescue:

1. Approach the patient safely as the conditions allow, maintaining a safe distance.
2. Upon approach, assess the situation. If there are no signs of life, conduct a dynamic risk assessment to aid in deciding to either proceed with a solo rescue, obtain a Crewperson member, or abandon the rescue to maintain your own safety.
3. If it’s decided it’s safe to perform a solo rescue the Operator should reduce speed as they approach the patient and position the RWC alongside the patient.
4. The Operator will make contact with patient, removed the kill switch lanyard to stop the RWC and then manoeuvre the patient to the back of the sled. Proceed to pickup the patient by pulling them onto the sled, preferably with the patient facing up to maintain their airway.
5. Using your left hand maintain contact with the wrist of the patient closest to the port side. At no time should the Operator release the patient unless safety of the Operator or the public is compromised.
6. The Operator will then return to the RWC controls and reattach the kill switch lanyard.
7. Re-start the RWC, then radio to provide an update on the patient’s condition and request assistance or signal ‘Assistance Required’.
8. The Operator will proceed on the shortest and safest route back to shore, maintaining contact with the patient’s wrist.
9. The Operator will ensure that the patient is monitored during transport.