Aquatic First Aid - by Hobie Kayak Fishing PDF Print E-mail

The following is a generalized overview of aquatic first aid care, and by no means should be used for practicality without the proper hands-on-training that is received through certified professionals.  The Information collected has been done in a manner to give a generalized impression of lifesaving techniques, and does not fully cover in-depth the information necessary to carry out such emergency care tasks.  Thereby, the information provided is simply that; information, and is not intended for an unauthorized individual to perform.

Bleeding Control - Bleeding is the body’s natural way of controlling blood loss.  At the site of a hemorrhage; the body forms blood clots made up of cells held together by clusters of fibers.  These clusters form a barrier around the hemorrhage in a process known as coagulation.   In certain circumstances coagulation may take a relatively long period of time, and although the body has an excellent natural defense in controlling bleeding, it also only has a limited amount of blood supply.  Therefore, in order to ensure that a victim with a relatively large hemorrhage does not run out of blood and bleeds to death; several incremental steps can and should be taken. These steps are as follows:
  1. Direct Pressure – apply pressure to the wound with some form of a cloth like material known as dressing.  The pressure will slow the bleeding while the dressing helps to collect the blood and aids in clotting.

  2. Elevation – In the event that direct pressure is ineffective, the next step is to elevate the extremity above the heart, thus allowing the blood flow to the site to slow even more.

  3. Reinforce Dressing – Do not remove the original dressing! If blood continues to flow, continue applying additional dressing to the top of the original.

  4. Pressure Point – If at this point the bleeding is still occurring occlusion to the artery supplying blood to the area can be applied.  (If bleeding is occurring on the head DO NOT apply pressure to the carotid artery).

  5. Tourniquet – This is the absolute last step in bleeding control and SHOULD NOT be attempted by any non professional rescuer.  The application of a tourniquet will stop bleeding, but will result in the loss of the affected limb or extremity.
Impaled Objects - Sharp objects; if misused can have severe ramifications if they become impaled in the human body.  Objects such as fishing knives, pliers, hooks, etc… are all characteristics of objects that present a potential hazard to the outdoorsman.  Objects such as these should not be removed from the body, and instead should be secured in place, until further medical treatment can be sought.  The following steps should be taken in order to secure impaled objects.
  1. Stabilize – Manual stabilization of the object should be done in order to prevent further injury.  This is done by simply holding the object in place.

  2. Direct Pressure – If bleeding is present, it can be controlled by applying direct pressure to both sides of the object at once. 

  3. Secure – Place gauze, clothing, or some form of clothing around the object to further control bleeding and to hold the object in place.
 CPR/Rescue Breathing - Someone can stop breathing and/or go into cardiac arrest from a: heart attack, stroke, choking, near-drowning, head injury, back injury, severe electrical shock, severe infection, excessive bleeding, and severe allergic reactions. Rescue Breathing should be used when a victim is not breathing, but still has a pulse (beating heart).  CPR should be used at the time someone has stopped breathing and their heart has stopped beating. NEVER DO CHEST COMPRESSIONS WHEN SOMEONE HAS A PULSE!- The following steps are based on instructions from the American Heart Association.
  1. Check for responsiveness - Shake or tap the person gently. See if the person moves or makes a noise. Shout, "Are you OK?"

  2. Call 911 if there is no response. Shout for help and send someone to call 911. If you are alone, call 911 even if you have to leave the person.

  3. Carefully place the person on his or her back. If there is a chance the person has a spinal injury, two people are needed to move the person without twisting the head and neck.

  4. Open the airway. Lift up the chin with 2 fingers. At the same time, push down on the forehead with the other hand.

  5. Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Place your ear close to the person's mouth and nose. Watch for chest movement. Feel for breath on your cheek.

  6. If the person is not breathing:
    1. Cover the person's mouth tightly with your mouth
    2. Pinch the nose closed
    3. Keep the chin lifted and head tilted
    4. Give 2 slow, full breaths
  • If the chest does NOT rise, try the chin lift-head tilt again, and give 2 more breaths. If the chest still doesn't rise, check to see if something is blocking the airway and try to remove it.
  1. Look for signs of circulation.
    1. Check the carotid artery for a pulse
    2. If the victim has a pulse continue on to step #8 rescue breathing
    3. If the victim does not have a pulse begin continue on to step #9 chest compressions (DO NOT DO CHEST COMPRESSIONS ON A VICTIM THAT HAS A PULSE)

  2. Rescue Breathing
    1. Give one slow breath every five seconds for 12 breaths, check for a pulse. If the person is still not breathing but has a pulse continue rescue breathing.  If no pulse continue on to step #9.
    2. Repeat the step above until help arrives, until the injured person begins breathing again, or until you are too exhausted to continue.

  3. Perform chest compressions:
    1. Place the heel of one hand on the breastbone -- right between the nipples.
    2. Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand.
    3. Position your body directly over your hands. Your shoulders should be in line with your hands. DO NOT lean back or forward.
    4. Give 15 chest compressions. Each time, press down about 2 inches into the chest. These compressions should be FAST with no pausing.

  4. Give the person 2 slow, full breaths.
    1. The chest should rise.
    2. Continue cycles of 15 chest compressions followed by 2 slow, full breaths.
    3. After about 1 minute (four cycles of 15 compressions and 2 breaths), re-check for signs of circulation.
    4. Repeat steps 11 and 12 until the person recovers or help arrives.
    5. If the person starts breathing again, place him or her in the recovery position. Periodically re-check for breathing and signs of circulation until help arrives.
Do Not
  • If a spinal injury is suspected, DO NOT tilt the head back when attempting to open the airway. Instead, place your fingers on the jaw on each side of the head. Lift the jaw forward. This keeps the head and neck from moving.

  • If the person has signs of circulation, normal breathing, coughing, or movement; DO NOT begin chest compressions. Doing so may cause the heart to stop beating.
 

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