ASTM_F_1739_-_96_2012.pdf

Designation:F173996(Reapproved 2012)Standard Guide forPerformance of a Water RescuerLevel I1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1739;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scopeof performance of a water rescuer I who may be responsible forthe initial on scene evaluation,performing land based waterrescues,and providing initial patient care at a water rescueincident.1.2 This guide is one in a series;water rescuer I is only abeginning level designed for a water rescue responder.Dutiesand responsibilities at water rescue operations vary accordingto the water rescuers skills and knowledge.As the waterrescuer level I progresses and becomes more proficient,theindividual will move from responder to in-water rescuer torescue boat operator.1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials,operations,and equipment.This standard does not purport toaddress all of the safety concerns,if any,associated with itsuse.It is the responsibility of the user of this standard toestablish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 American Red Cross Standards:2Standards and Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscita-tion(CPR)and Emergency Cardiac CareStandards and Guidelines for Standard First Aid2.2 American Heart Association:Basic Cardiac Life Support(BCLS)3.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 water rescuer I,WRI,nan individual competent toperform on scene evaluations,water rescues only from land,and provide initial care for victims.3.1.2 basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation,BLS/CPR,nasetofskillswhichincludesairwaymanagement,artificial respiration,and chest compressions.33.1.3 drowning,ndeath due to submersion and usuallysuffocation in water or other fluid media.3.1.4 near drowning,na resuscitated drowning victimwho survives,at least temporarily,following a submersioninjury.3.1.5 cold water near drowning,na complex series ofphysiological reactions which occur as a result of beingimmersed in cold water(21C or 70F and below)which mayallow a person to survive up to an hour,possibly more,underwater.3.1.6 floating tether,tag line,na water rescue techniquewhich stretches a line across a body of water.This line has aflotation device attached to it to keep the rope on the surface ofthe water and to provide a buoyant object for the victim to graband hold.3.1.7 heat-related illnesses,nconditions consisting of heatcramps,heat exhaustion,and heat stroke which develop froman overexposure to heat.3.1.8 hypothermia,nreduction of the body core tempera-ture to 35C(95F)and below.3.1.9 h.e.l.p.position,nheat escape lessening posture is asingle person water rescue technique for heat conservationwhen immersed in cold water.This technique conserves heatby using personal flotation devices,clothing,and body postureto limit exposure of the bodys major heat loss areas to the coldwater.3.1.10 huddle position,na multiple person water rescuetechnique for heat conservation when immersed in cold waterand the majority of the rescuers are wearing personal flotationdevices.This technique conserves heat by using personalflotation devices and clothing,group body contact,and bodyposture to limit exposure of the bodys major heat loss areas tothe cold water.1This document is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Searchand Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel,Training and Education.Current edition approved July 1,2012.Published August 2012.Originallyapproved in 1996.Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F1739 96(2007).DOI:10.1520/F1739-96R12.2Available fromAmerican Red Cross,2025 E.St.,NW,Washington,DC 20006,http:/www.redcross.org.3Available from your localAmerican Red Cross Chapter or yourAmerican HeartAssociation Chapter.Reprinted from the Journal of the American Medical Associa-tion(JAMA).Copies are available from the American Heart Association,7272Greenville Ave.,Dallas,Texas 75231.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 3.1.11 PFD,na buoyant device suitable for use by oneperson in water emergencies.These devices may be vests,ringbuoys,life preservers,cushions,and other special purposebuoyant devices.3.1.12 self rescue swim in moving water,na defensivewater survival/rescue technique for swimming swift rivers andrapids consisting of lying on the back(as horizontal and nearto the surface as possible),feet first going downstream to fendoff all obstacles including rocks,backstroking with arms,flutter kicking with feet,and angling body towards shore.3.1.13 sinking tether,snag line,na water re