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FIRST AID 8 Transportation. 2009. CANADIAN COAST GUARD AUXILIARY - PACIFIC. Transportation. The high speed of fast rescue craft makes them a good choice for transporting patients when time is the prime consideration. Transportation.
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FIRST AID 8Transportation 2009 CANADIAN COAST GUARD AUXILIARY - PACIFIC
Transportation • The high speed of fast rescue craft makes them a good choice for transporting patients when time is the prime consideration.
Transportation • However it should be borne in mind that most fast rescue craft have: 1. little or no shelter from the elements 2. limited space for first aid equipment 3. limited deck space for stretcher/ spine board and for first aiders to work.
Transportation • Violent acceleration/deceleration forces that may aggravate injuries, accelerate onset of shock and make some medical procedures (e.g. CPR) difficult or impossible to perform.
Methods of Immobilisation • Once again, the high speed and violent motion of an FRC should be a consideration when choosing methods of immobilisation of injuries. • It would be extremely uncomfortable for a patient to be strapped to a scoop stretcher for even a short time on a fast rescue craft in rough sea conditions.
Methods of Immobilisation • A padded basket stretcher might be a better alternative. Scoop stretcher Basket Stretcher
Methods of Immobilisation • Even minor fractures need to be secured thoroughly during transport in a fast rescue craft. • Lower limb fractures need to be tightly splinted (blanket splint would not be adequate on its own), as movement may cause severe shock due to blood loss.
Methods of Immobilisation • However keep in mind that an urgent transportation may take precedence over securing minor fractures.
Methods of Immobilisation • Full spinal immobilisation should be particularly well-padded, possibly including greater padding between the spine board and the basket stretcher to act as a shock absorber. • Great care should be taken in securing the stretcher into the FRC to prevent unchecked movement with the craft.
Methods of Immobilisation • Patients who are immobilised for transport will be very susceptible to cold, which could worsen shock. • Even in warm weather, high wind speed and the patient’s inability to move could cause lowering of body temperatures. • Every effort should be made to provide shelter.
Methods of Immobilisation • Space blankets and heat packs will help reduce heat loss.
Artificial Respiration and CPR in Fast Rescue Craft • The limited space and small crew size in a FRC may preclude two people performing CPR. • Although not recommended, it may be necessary for only one rescuer to perform CPR. • This is something that should be practiced regularly so that rescuers are familiar with the limitations within their vessel.
Artificial Respiration and CPR in Fast Rescue Craft • If artificial respiration is required, especially on a hypothermic patient, the preferred method is mouth to mask (with supplemental oxygen if available). • This provides warmth and moisture to the patient and is frankly much easier to perform than the Bag/Valve/Mask method, which is difficult to perform correctly, even under the most controlled conditions.
Artificial Respiration and CPR in Fast Rescue Craft • Limited space beside the patient may make giving CPR compressions difficult. • Rescuers may need to straddle the patient’s hips and give compressions from that position. • Care will be needed to landmark correctly. • Regular CPR exercises should be practiced in your FRC to help develop a strategy for overcoming the limitations of the craft.
