1st guard recognizes potential lumbar injury, blows whistle, signals “L-spine,” runs to nearest entrance to victim and slips in water.

1st guard slowly approaches victim trying to minimize waves.  1st guard gently cradles victim in the water supporting legs as much as possible.

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

2nd guard assists 1st guard by holding victim’s legs securely during transport. 1st and 2nd guard transport victim to focal point.

At focal point, 2nd guard jumps out and grabs spine board. Spine board is knifed straight down and slanted 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 straps.

Victim is asked to lean back so head is on board.  2nd guard holds victim on board by using an over-shoulder clamp. 

1st guard, still holding legs, raises board just below the water surface.  1st guard can use his/her knee to hold the board at the surface. 1st guard, still holding legs, reaches over and securely fastens chest strap. NOTE:  A 3rd guard can hold the legs if available.

A 3rd guard or bystander is asked to immobilize the legs by holding them together.  1st guard secures legs in place using remaining straps.  Towels and blankets can be used to secure the legs in place.

DO NOT STRAP OVER SITE OF INJURY.

1st guard uses a “figure-8” strapping pattern to secure the feet in place.  (Straps go behind the ankles and through to the opposite side.  Velcro is attached on front side of the ankles)

While still holding legs, 1st guard lowers the board enough so 2nd guard can place runners on edge. During removal, a guard must always be holding the legs in place to avoid movement. 

Once board is balanced on deck, 2nd guard moves to take over holding the legs from the 1st guard.  1st guard then hops out of the pool and finishes removing the patient with 2nd guard holding legs.  Once patient is completely removed, guards do not need to hold legs in place.

2nd guard clears pool, contacts EMS, and brings equipment back to victim.  1st guard treats for shock.  2nd guard begins secondary survey.