Equipment needed:

Rescue manikins, station sign, 2-3 volunteers.

Lecture:

Prevention is the key! Sport related injuries of the spine comprise 14.2% of all spinal injuries. Sixty-six percent of these are a result of improper diving and 95% of these are a result of diving into water of five feet or less. In Virginia from 1995-1997, 3% of spinal injuries resulted from water-related incidents. On average, treatment of a spinal injury costs $200,000 the first year and $25,000 each subsequent year.

How deep is deep? It is suggested that diving should be restricted in water depths of nine feet or less. Good diving habits must be learned early so children can make safe decisions as to their aquatic activities. A child does not remain small, long. A child that could dive into five feet of water one year might have a growth spurt during the winter of as much as six inches and thirty pounds, making it unsafe for him/her to dive into that same five feet of water the next year.

Remember: Feet First, First Time.

When entering a body of water for the first time, you need to enter feet first:

1. Water with an unknown depth.

2. Water with possible unknown hidden hazards.

3. Be aware of constantly changing underwater conditions.

When is it a head, neck, or back injury?

1. A fall from a height greater than the victim’s.

2. Any unwitnessed incident, or if a person is found unconscious for unknown reasons.

3. Any significant head trauma.

• This is a judgment call you will have to make

4. All head first entry injuries.

5. Anytime a person is struck by lightening.

What to do?

1. Call for help — 911, put the phone down if you are on an enhanced system and go back to the victim.

2. Enter water slowly.

3. Provide in-line stabilization until help arrives.

Demonstration:

In-line stabilization technique.