Pool Tip #44: Calling for Help in an Emergency

Download Pool Tip #44: Calling for Help in an Emergency (PDF format, 30KB)

Examine the accident scene and make sure it is safe to proceed with the rescue

Primary rescuer:

  • Signal the emergency to notify staff that you are leaving your designated post to provide rescue assistance
  • Enter the water (if necessary), and approach the injured victim
  • Perform the rescue and manage the situation within 20 seconds
  • Bring the injured patron to the pre arranged point on the deck, or if the patron is not in physical danger and cannot be moved, bring the first aid equipment to the victim
  • Provide emergency first aid treatment until relieved by paramedical authorities

Additional rescuers:

  • Notify emergency EMS and supervisory personnel that an accident has occurred and that assistance is needed
  • Send someone to meet the emergency vehicle and direct EMTs to the accident scene
  • Clear the pool and move all patrons away from the impact zone
  • Provide crowd control
  • Direct relatives or friends of the victim away from the accident site; provide comfort and assurance that the victim is being properly cared for
  • Bring first aid kits or other needed rescue equipment to the pre–arranged point on the pool deck
  • Remove all hazards that might hinder the rescue attempt
  • Identify the victim and notify parents if the injured patron is a minor
  • Gather as much information as possible about what happened so that emergency personnel can pass the information on to the hospital emergency room staff after transporting the victim for medical care
  • Find out what hospital the victim is being taken to
  • Immediately after the incident, conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, gather additional information about the accident, staff involvement, and condition of the facility at the time of the accident
  • Ask witnesses to hand write (in their own words), sign and date an account of what happened and what they observed
  • Complete an accident report
  • Contact the facility’s insurance carrier or attorney
  • Designate one individual to provide information to patrons and the media.

REMEMBER:

Always check for possible spinal injury before making a water rescue.
Treat life threatening emergencies first:
Non breathing and cardiac emergencies
Severe bleeding
Poisoning

Before responding, always look around and make sure it is safe for you to perform the rescue. Do not endanger your life, or the lives of others by responding to a situation which is dangerous or beyond your training or ability to handle alone.

When you reach the victim, bring his head above the surface of the water. Assess the victim’s condition by conducting a “primary survey”. Check to see whether the victim is conscious and breathing, and has a pulse. Call for help or direct someone else to activate the Emergency Medical System by calling 911. If needed, start resuscitation efforts in the pool, or remove the victim from the water. Do whatever is necessary to prevent further injury to the victim. Treat for shock.

Try to determine what happened. If the victim is conscious and coherent, ask him to describe the events that led to his injuries. If there are witnesses to the incident, ask them to describe what they observed. Examine the accident scene for clues as to what transpired.

Monitor the victim’s vital signs, and perform a “secondary survey” to look for other injuries the victim may have sustained. Provide appropriate first aid, remembering to take universal precautions, and use appropriate personal protective gear.