Purpose
To outline considerations, roles and expectations of lifesaving services regarding body recovery operations.
Policy
SLSNSW expects lifesaving services to align their procedures with the body recovery guidelines listed below.
Common submerged body process
A body in the water will under normal circumstances initially sink and then (over 36 – 72 hours) as the body’s cells degenerate, gas will be released and the body will float. Variables include water temperature and depth. Cold water will slow down degeneration and deeper water will compress the gases.
Procedure
Lifesaving personnel should always treat a body as a viable rescue/resuscitation attempt until it is otherwise obvious that the body is of a deceased nature (decomposition, tasked body retrieval etc.).
It is not appropriate to risk life, serious injury or major equipment damage in body retrieval operations. Body retrieval is the responsibility of NSW Police. Any recovery should be under the direction of the Police.
Lifesaving services may be requested and be able to provide effective safety support to Police body recovery operations i.e. in-water support to Police Divers, or recovery from rocks/cliffs.
Body Recovery
On Land
- The body recovery should be completed by NSW Police.
- If a body must be moved at the direction of NSW Police, lifesaving personnel should note any details and keep it as close as possible to the original site.
- Utilise protective clothing (Gloves, Mask, Eye wear).
- If necessary, ensure the body is retrieved above waterline.
In Water
- Assess the situation/risk.
- Keep observation and apply a rescue tube to the body if appropriate (so that it does not disappear).
- Notify NSW Police and request that they recover the body (via State Operations Centre or the on-scene Duty Officer).
- At the direction of NSW Police, recover the body (SLS personnel should only do this as a last resort).
- Minimise direct contact with the body.
- If no recovery is possible then mark or note location and, if possible, maintain contact/sight of the body.
Always Consider
- Young/inexperienced lifesaving personnel (minimise exposure).
- Members of the public.
- Relatives/friends.
- Note important details: times, location, etc.
- Keep any witnesses close to the scene or take contact details.
Equipment Requirement Guidelines
It is advisable that all lifesaving services maintain a Body Recovery Kit for health and safety reasons.
A Body Recovery Kit should contain the following items as a minimum:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Body Bag | 2 |
| Protective Face Masks | 4 |
| Gloves – arm length | 2 pairs |
| Bio-hazard bags/plastic bags | 6 |
| Blanket/sheet | 2 |
| Disinfectant | 1 litre |
| Small anchor/buoy system | 1 |
Safety
All normal hazards associated with search and rescue operations are present in a body recovery. It is not appropriate to risk life, injury or equipment damage in body recovery operations.
The risk of infection is increased, and the use of gloves is highly recommended. Personnel involved in operational activities should be aware of the available counselling services that aid in maintaining psychological health.
Transport Arrangements
The arrangements for transporting the deceased person will normally be the responsibility of the Police. Lifesaving resources may be requested to assist in this task (especially in remote areas). This should not interfere with the safety and rescue tasks of the lifesaving service.
Critical Incident Debrief/Peer Support
A critical incident debrief process and peer support/psychological first aid (including Critical Incident Debriefing options) should be undertaken for any incident where members/staff have been involved/ exposed to a deceased person.
Reference
Critical Incident Debriefing
SLSNSW Member Welfare