Essential Water Rescue Techniques: Towing and Extraction

Water Rescue Techniques: Towing and Removal

Methods of Water Rescue Towing

Definition

Special techniques are used to achieve the effective transfer of a person who has suffered an accident in the water to safety. Any towing method must comply with one primary rule: the safety of the victim. The rescue technician is required to master both theory and practice.

Factors for Method Selection

The choice of a towing or rescue method should be made taking into account the following aspects, in order of priority:

• Victim Safety: Attend to their physical and psychological needs.
• Technical Adaptation: The technician's mastery of the method based on their knowledge and skills.
• Available Material: Prioritizing the use of provided equipment to facilitate the rescue.
• Towing Speed: Directly related to the first two factors.
• Endurance: The ability to withstand long distances.

Water Extraction Methods

Direct Towing Methods

Direct coupling methods, involving effective physical contact between the rescue technician and the victim, should be a last resort. This group refers exclusively to methods where the rescuer acts without external help or auxiliary material. It is advisable to use them in the following circumstances:

• When the casualty is unconscious.
• When there is no material or other medium that allows for a safer rescue.
• When the accident victim refuses to accept help, cannot hold on, or cannot receive it.
• When the injured person is calm but cannot move.

The primary goal of any towing method is to transport the injured from the place of danger to a secure location. However, the technician may decide to change the method depending on the circumstances, provided they:

• Keep constant contact with the injured to prevent panic.
• Do not make the change abruptly, but transition smoothly to the new method.
• Notify the victim of the change if they are conscious.