Water rescues are challenging. You’ll have to rescue an injured person while dealing with the risks of hypothermia and moving water. Having the proper equipment reduces the impact of these risks. Today we discuss the best stretchers to have during a water rescue.
Water rescues need stretchers that can float even under bad weather conditions.
Inflatable and basket stretchers are ideal for water rescues. Inflatable stretchers are portable and easily deployed, ensuring fast water rescue. The basket stretcher has a robust design that can absorb significant impact.
But the basket stretcher needs flotation devices for extra safety during water rescues.
1 – The Inflatable Stretcher
The inflatable stretcher saves time during water rescues. It’s lightweight and easily deployable. It weighs about 7 lbs and can support a patient weighing up to 450 lbs once inflated.
Some inflatable stretchers have airbag technology that allows you to inflate them super-fast. Others have electric pumps that will fill up in less than three minutes.
Features Of An Inflatable Stretcher
The inflatable stretches have many notable features that make them best for water rescues. These include:
- Compact design. Its compact design allows you to reach narrow spaces during a rescue. This design also allows you to tow the stretcher by boat or lift it to an aircraft.
- Easy to use. It’s easy to use, even for an untrained person.
- Minimal maintenance. It has minimal maintenance and servicing costs. Maintaining the inflatable mainly involves cleaning and disinfecting it. Occasionally, it may need a puncture repair.
- Portable. It’s portable and can fit into your backpack when deflated, allowing you to move to the rescue scene effortlessly.
- Soft surface. Its soft surface cushions the casualty from bumps and impact during movement.
- Firm support. It offers stable and firm support for the patient’s head, spine, neck, and back areas, enhancing safety.
Rescuing Using An Inflatable Stretcher
These steps will help you rescue the casualty in the safest way possible.
- Step 1: Throw the floating device. Once you’re at the site, throw a floating device. As shown below, the floater will help the casualty stay afloat as you organize their rescue. If the casualty is not talking, you may have to jump into the water to assess their condition and injuries. Go with a floater as an extra measure against drowning.
Alt: rescuer throwing a floating device at a drowning man during a rescue
- Step 2: Assess the site. The personnel on the rescue boat should assess the site and identify where to deploy the inflatable stretcher. Don’t deploy your inflatable stretcher in areas where it can get pricked by debris. Sometimes you may have to deploy the stretcher some distance from the casualty and drag it to the site.
- Step 3: Fix the pump. Once you’ve identified where to deploy the inflatable stretcher, unpack, unroll and fix the pump. Place it on the water and begin pumping until it is firm enough. Place back its valve cover to prevent dirt and water from entering and compromising its integrity.
- Step 4: Secure the patient. Help the patient get onto the inflatable stretcher. Secure them with the stretcher’s harnesses.
- Step 5: Relocate the patient. If the water is calm, pull the stretcher using the rescue boat to the waiting ambulance at the shore. Alternatively, lift them to a rescue helicopter, as shown below.
Alt: a rescuer lifting a patient to a helicopter
The helicopter is convenient if the rescue site is far from the land.
2 – The Basket Stretcher
The basket stretcher is versatile because you can use it in many rescue situations.
Its compact design makes it excellent for water rescues because it floats and can prevent water from getting to the patient.
Install floatation devices to the basket stretcher as an extra precaution. They prevent the stretcher from capsizing under rough water conditions.
Basket Stretcher Features
The basket stretcher has several features that make it best for water rescues:
- It’s made from rigid materials. Many designs have a heavy-duty aluminum frame, a high-density polyethylene covering, and nylon straps. These materials are rust-resistance and can absorb significant impact, making the stretcher durable. They also enable you to deploy the stretcher into water with a lot of debris because it won’t be easily punctured.
- It’s lightweight. The basket stretcher weighs between 40 lbs and 155 lbs, depending on the model. Many models support a patient weighing up to 350 lbs, but a few models can carry up to 595 lbs.
- It has a replaceable cell foam pad to keep the casualty comfortable throughout the rescue process.
- It has many handholds that make it easy to handle. The strong handles can support an air rescue.
Precautions When Using The Basket Stretcher
Since you can’t predict the water conditions and change of weather during a rescue, caution is crucial for safety. Here are a few precautions to take when using a basket stretcher.
- Ensure every crew member wears a life jacket. Carry an extra life jacket for the patient since they may not have one. Also, go with a floatation device, like the one shown below, for extra safety.
Alt: rescuer pulling a patient out of water
- Install a floatation device. Improve the stretcher’s buoyancy by installing a floatation device. Flotation devices usually fit along the basket stretcher to give it extra buoyancy even in bad weather. Use a Velcro fastener to secure the floatation devices to the basket stretcher.
- Analyze the environment. Once you spot the victim, analyze the surroundings to develop the appropriate rescue plan. Exploring the physical environment will also inform you whether you need extra gear to perform the rescue.
- Have adequate rescue personnel. Preparation also means ensuring you have the correct number of rescue personnel. Don’t go to the rescue site alone. Have at least one assistant. But if the patient is injured, you will need more personnel to help them onto your basket stretcher and to safety.
Conclusion
Weather conditions and the risk of drowning make water rescue challenging. Having an inflatable or basket stretcher reduces these risks because they float. These stretchers also keep the patient safe from impact during the rescue process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many paramedics are needed for a water rescue?
At least two people. One person swims to the victim while the other controls the boat. You may need extra personnel if the patient is severely injured or bariatric.
What are the greatest risks during a water rescue?
Hypothermia and drowning. Sea water can be cold and cause hypothermia if the rescue process is delayed. Lack of proper equipment increases the risk of drowning from fatigue.
Can I use the inflatable stretcher for other rescues besides the water rescue?
Yes. Its compact design enables you to use it in any rescue process. It is instrumental in rescues involving confined spaces.
