Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue

Article Index

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Scene Management	Rescue Vest
Locate, access and assess, stabilize and transport	Multi-use rescue tool
Prioritizing the rescue	Components of the vest
Most rescues performed quickly, without a formal structure	Sewn in harness
Larger groups and longer rescues often need more structure	Quick release buckle
Incident Command structure	Belt
Leader	Hazards of the vest
Safety	Buckle jam (avoid by correct release, smooth belt end and appropriate belt length)
Rescuer	Cross lock harness and belt (avoid by using only locked carabiners)
Additional roles – medic, rigger, runner, …	In-water risk exposure (avoid by practicing and recognizing limits)
Complete the rescue without compounding the situation	Tow tether strengths, limitations and hazards
Communication (AW signals)	Communications
Hand and whistle signals	One hand waving in air means “help me”
Cell phone or radio if appropriate	Point with one or two hands for directional changes
Medical Issues	Applications
NOT a first aid class; perform medical care to your level of training	Anchor and belay
Don’t make the situation worse	Towing boats or gear (with tether)
Obtain more training; calling 911 is rarely an effective option	Personal extrication
Rescuers need to be able to handle common medical problems including hypothermia, drowning, cuts and scrapes, and dislocations/broken bones	V-lower and direct lower
CPR and Wilderness First Aid skills are essential for rescuers	Live bait (preset and “on the fly”)
Equipment	Uses limited only by your imagination
Protection from rocks and water
Shoes, helmet, PFD
Thermal Protection
Wet suit vs. dry suit, wool vs. synthetics, avoid cotton in cold/wet conditions
Personal rescue gear
Boat, paddle, whistle, throw rope, knife, saw, first aid kit, rescue PFD
Group rescue gear
Survival kit, haul rope, communications, …
Specific needs depend on the river paddled and local weather
Survival equipment
Food, water, extra clothing, shelter, fire making supplies, …
Specific needs depend on the river paddled and local weather

Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue

Article Index

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