24.28. LGS RWL 5.8 Emergency Radio Procedures

Introduction

Where a Lifeguard has recognised an emergency, they are to communicate with ‘Surfcom’ via radio communications.

Procedure

Contacting Surfcom:

Non-life threatening:

When using a radio to transmit in a non-life-threatening emergency the radio procedures are as follows: Stay Calm over the radio and state the following:

• Position
• Problem
• People
• Progress
  

i.e. “Surfcom, Surfcom this is Riverway Lagoon Lifeguards”, Wait for response from Surfcom to relay Information, “I’m at the upper Riverway Lagoon, requesting an ambulance for a 40-year-old female suffering from chest pains and difficulty breathing, patient is currently conscious, with no medical history and currently on oxygen therapy.”

Life threatening:

When using the radio to transmit in life threatening situation (refer to LGS 5.7) the radio procedures are as follows:

Stay calm and use rescue, rescue, rescue with as much information as possible.

e.g. “Rescue, Rescue, Rescue, this is Riverway Lagoon Lifeguards, on the upper lagoon, 1 × 40yo male, unconscious, not breathing, CPR in progress, requesting QAS.”

Upon hearing this ‘Surfcom’ will organise the appropriate assistance and will only request more information if absolutely necessary.

Contacting Security:

When using the TCC radio to transmit over the security channel (CH6) the radio procedure is as follows:

• Lifeguard Callsign
• Position
• Problem
• People
• Progress
  

i.e. “Security, Security, this is Lifeguards”, wait for response from Security to relay information, “Please be advised 1 Sierra located 5m east of Children’s pool, wearing grey sweatpants and black hoodie, nil action required, Lifeguards monitoring the situation.”

Receiving a call (Security Channel)

When receiving a call over the radio from other staff (Riverway Libraries), Lifeguards are to obtain details over the radio before delegating responsibility in order to determine the current situation and whether the incident is life threatening.

Procedure

Details are as follows:

• What is the age & sex of the patient?
• Is the patient conscious and breathing?
• Does the patient have any breathing difficulties?
• Is the patient fully alert & responsive?
• What was the mechanism of injury?
• Is there any major bleeding and if so is it controlled?