Authorities say five people have died on a river in Ohio after several of them went into the water to assist another person who was struggling to swim.
As a former lifeguard, and an EMT, “do not go unless safe” is not only good advice, it’s basically drilled into you constantly.
It’s far too easy to get into the “I can save anyone” mindset and hurt yourself.
Sometimes you are off shift and don’t have the proper personal safety equipment. Sometimes the patient is actively violent. Sometimes the situation is such that going out yourself just creates two patients.
You ALWAYS, stop and look at the situation and think “scene safe?” Before doing ANYTHING for a rescue.
Sure, most city pool lifeguards are in a super controlled situation, and they have floatation devices and everything needed to help, but you should still take that two seconds to think before you go.
As a former lifeguard, and an EMT, “do not go unless safe” is not only good advice, it’s basically drilled into you constantly.
It’s far too easy to get into the “I can save anyone” mindset and hurt yourself.
Sometimes you are off shift and don’t have the proper personal safety equipment. Sometimes the patient is actively violent. Sometimes the situation is such that going out yourself just creates two patients.
You ALWAYS, stop and look at the situation and think “scene safe?” Before doing ANYTHING for a rescue.
Sure, most city pool lifeguards are in a super controlled situation, and they have floatation devices and everything needed to help, but you should still take that two seconds to think before you go.