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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Someone is in water and needs help. You are on shore or a safe platform and need to get them out without entering the water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Person is in water beyond standing depth and cannot reach shore.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Person is panicking and may grab anyone who comes near.
Scene hazards: Victim grabbing rescuer, Unstable bank, Deep water, Current
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Yell: "Grab this!" while extending the longest object you can find.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lie flat on the bank for stability — do not lean over too far.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — REACH: Hold one end of a pole, branch, oar, or towel. Extend to the person. Pull slowly when they grab.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — THROW: Toss a life ring, rope, empty plastic container, or football. Aim past them so the current brings it close.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — GO: Only if reach and throw fail — put on a life jacket or hold a large float, enter from the safest point, approach from behind.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Once out: Check breathing. Start CPR if needed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Assign one person to call 112 immediately while you rescue.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All water rescue victims need ambulance transport — even if they appear fine.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT jump in without flotation — this is the most common way rescuers die.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT let the person grab you around the neck — approach from behind if you must enter water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT tie a rope around your waist and enter water — if they pull you in, you are trapped.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A good swimmer should always jump in to save someone
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Even strong swimmers drown trying to rescue panicking victims. Reach and throw first, always.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Double drowning — rescuer and victim both die.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — The safest rescue is one where you stay on dry land. Most bystander drowning deaths happen when untrained people jump in.