1st Guard recognizes potential c-spine, blows whistle, signals “C-Spine,” runs to nearest entrance point to victim and slips in water

1st guard slowly approaches victim trying to minimize waves.  1st guard firmly clamps victim in vice clamp and rolls victim over. (Vice clamp should be done with elbows first, then hands).  Do not contact neck with your clamp.

2nd guard backs up 1st guard by immediately entering the water and approaching 1st guard holding victim. 

1st guard continues transporting victim to focal point. 2nd guard uses a modified jaw thrust and assesses for ABC’s at nearest point of safety.  See Complications below for obstructions, no breathing, no pulse, and vomiting.  

At wall, 2nd guard leaves to get spine board.  Spine board is brought to focal point and lined up in front of victim.  V-blocks are taken off and placed beside board.

2nd guard knifes board in straight down and slants it until it is 45°.  1st guard catches board with foot and holds it down. 1st guard brings victim onto board until head is at the Velcro strips.

2nd guard takes over immobilization by performing a secure “Trap Clamp” or “Long-Short Clamp.”  While double clamped, the board is raised to the surface.  1st guard releases vice clamp and tightly fastens chest strap.

1st guard re-clamps using vice clamp.  2nd guard applies head blocks.  Head blocks should go on at the same time squeezing head together.  Head strap goes over eyebrows.

1st guard cross-straps hips to board and lowers board enough so runners are on deck.  On mutual signal, guards remove victim gently without any jarring movements.

2nd guard stays with victim, reassesses ABC’s.  1st guard clears pool, calls EMS, and brings equipment (if not already done by cashier)

2nd guard begins treating for shock with blankets, oxygen, and R&R. Note: An oral airway will help prevent the tongue from blocking the ariway in the supine unrepsonsive patient

2nd guard begins vitals check.  1st guard begins head-to-toe.  History should be obtained by family/friends nearby.

Upon realizing victim is not breathing, 2nd guard should immediately take out pocket mask.  Mask should be gently maneuvered under vice clamp and 2 immediate breaths be given.

Breaths must be consistently given at a rate of 1 every 5 seconds for an adult and 1 every 3 seconds for a child.  Double-stacking a breath will allow a delay of 10 seconds for an adult and 6-8 seconds for a child.

Upon finding no signs of circulation, 2nd guard jumps out of pool and grabs spine board.  1st guard continues transporting to focal point. No breaths should be given during removal.

2nd guard quickly knifes in board and slants it 45º until 1st guard catches it with foot.   Victim is removed as usual, however only chest strap and hand blocks are used.  This procedure must be done quickly however must not compromise immobilization of the victim.

Once removed, 2nd guard immediately initaites CPR..
1st guard clears pool and ensures EMS has been contacted if not done so already. If an AED is present it should be brought out and used as soon as possible.

 

If initial breaths into a non-breathing patient do not go in, 2nd guard should ensure a proper airway is present by readjusting the jaw thrust.  A 2nd breath is given.

If 2nd breath does not go it, guards should remove the victim as if pulseless (only chest strap and head block).  Once on deck, follow standard unconscious obstruction procedure.