ASTM F1739-96(2018)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Performance of a Water Rescuer—Level I
Standard Guide for Performance of a Water Rescuer—Level I
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this guide is to establish a minimum level of knowledge and skills for the water rescue responder. The application will improve the quality of initial emergency response, the rescue of the water victims, and the safety of the rescuers.
4.2 All persons who are identified as water rescuers and water rescue responders shall meet the requirements of this guide.
4.3 This guide does not preclude the scope of performances for water rescuers needing more advanced or more specialized water rescue training.
4.4 This guide will assist government agencies, state, local, or regional organizations; fire departments; rescue teams, and others who are responsible for establishing a minimum performance for personnel who respond to water emergencies.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scope of performance of a water rescuer I who may be responsible for the initial on scene evaluation, performing land based water rescues, and providing initial patient care at a water rescue incident.
1.2 This guide is one in a series; water rescuer I is only a beginning level designed for a water rescue responder. Duties and responsibilities at water rescue operations vary according to the water rescuer's skills and knowledge. As the water rescuer level I progresses and becomes more proficient, the individual will move from responder to in-water rescuer to rescue boat operator.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1739 − 96 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Guide for
Performance of a Water Rescuer—Level I
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1739; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 water rescuer I, WRI, n—an individual competent to
perform on scene evaluations, water rescues only from land,
1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scope
and provide initial care for victims.
ofperformanceofawaterrescuerIwhomayberesponsiblefor
the initial on scene evaluation, performing land based water 3.1.2 basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation,
BLS/CPR, n—a set of skills which includes airway
rescues, and providing initial patient care at a water rescue
incident. management, artificial respiration, and chest compressions.
3.1.3 drowning, n—death due to submersion and usually
1.2 This guide is one in a series; water rescuer I is only a
suffocation in water or other fluid media.
beginning level designed for a water rescue responder. Duties
and responsibilities at water rescue operations vary according
3.1.4 near drowning, n—a resuscitated drowning victim
to the water rescuer’s skills and knowledge. As the water
who survives, at least temporarily, following a submersion
rescuer level I progresses and becomes more proficient, the
injury.
individual will move from responder to in-water rescuer to
3.1.5 cold water near drowning, n—a complex series of
rescue boat operator.
physiological reactions which occur as a result of being
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
immersed in cold water (21°C or 70°F and below) which may
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
allow a person to survive up to an hour, possibly more, under
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
water.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.6 floating tether, tag line, n—a water rescue technique
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
which stretches a line across a body of water. This line has a
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
flotation device attached to it to keep the rope on the surface of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the water and to provide a buoyant object for the victim to grab
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and hold.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.7 heat-related illnesses, n—conditions consisting of heat
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which develop from
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
an overexposure to heat.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.8 hypothermia, n—reduction of the body core tempera-
ture to 35°C (95°F) and below.
2.1 American Red Cross Standards:
Standards and Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscita-
3.1.9 h.e.l.p. position, n—heat escape lessening posture is a
tion (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care
single person water rescue technique for heat conservation
Standards and Guidelines for Standard First Aid
when immersed in cold water. This technique conserves heat
2.2 American Heart Association:
by using personal flotation devices, clothing, and body posture
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
to limit exposure of the body’s major heat loss areas to the cold
water.
3. Terminology
3.1.10 huddle position, n—a multiple person water rescue
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
technique for heat conservation when immersed in cold water
and the majority of the rescuers are wearing personal flotation
devices. This technique conserves heat by using personal
This document is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search
and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel,
Training and Education.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F1739 – 96(2012). AvailablefromyourlocalAmericanRedCrossChapteroryourAmericanHeart
DOI: 10.1520/F1739-96R18. Association Chapter. Reprinted from the Journal of theAmerican MedicalAssocia-
Available fromAmerican Red Cross, 2025 E. St., NW, Washington, DC 20006, tion (JAMA). Copies are available from the American Heart Association, 7272
http://www.redcross.org. Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1739 − 96 (2018)
flotation devices and clothing, group body contact, and body 5.1.7 Identify the purpose and the important factors in
posture to limit exposure of the body’s major heat loss areas to selecting a personal flotation device (PFD) for basic water
the cold water. rescue work, that is, flotation for individual self, fit, freedom of
movement, visibility, protection, and physical comfort. These
3.1.11 PFD, n—a buoyant device suitable for use by one
devices should conform to standards set by the appropriate
person in water emergencies. These devices may be vests, ring
national regulatory, that is, the U.S. Coast Guard in the United
buoys, life preservers, cushions, and other special purpose
States, and be in good and serviceable condition,
buoyant devices.
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F1739 − 96 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Guide for
Performance of a Water Rescuer—Level I
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1739; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 water rescuer I, WRI, n—an individual competent to
perform on scene evaluations, water rescues only from land,
1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scope
and provide initial care for victims.
of performance of a water rescuer I who may be responsible for
3.1.2 basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation,
the initial on scene evaluation, performing land based water
rescues, and providing initial patient care at a water rescue BLS/CPR, n—a set of skills which includes airway
management, artificial respiration, and chest compressions.
incident.
3.1.3 drowning, n—death due to submersion and usually
1.2 This guide is one in a series; water rescuer I is only a
suffocation in water or other fluid media.
beginning level designed for a water rescue responder. Duties
and responsibilities at water rescue operations vary according
3.1.4 near drowning, n—a resuscitated drowning victim
to the water rescuer’s skills and knowledge. As the water
who survives, at least temporarily, following a submersion
rescuer level I progresses and becomes more proficient, the
injury.
individual will move from responder to in-water rescuer to
3.1.5 cold water near drowning, n—a complex series of
rescue boat operator.
physiological reactions which occur as a result of being
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
immersed in cold water (21°C or 70°F and below) which may
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
allow a person to survive up to an hour, possibly more, under
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
water.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.6 floating tether, tag line, n—a water rescue technique
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
which stretches a line across a body of water. This line has a
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
flotation device attached to it to keep the rope on the surface of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the water and to provide a buoyant object for the victim to grab
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and hold.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.7 heat-related illnesses, n—conditions consisting of heat
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which develop from
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
an overexposure to heat.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.8 hypothermia, n—reduction of the body core tempera-
ture to 35°C (95°F) and below.
2.1 American Red Cross Standards:
Standards and Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscita-
3.1.9 h.e.l.p. position, n—heat escape lessening posture is a
tion (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care
single person water rescue technique for heat conservation
Standards and Guidelines for Standard First Aid
when immersed in cold water. This technique conserves heat
2.2 American Heart Association:
by using personal flotation devices, clothing, and body posture
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
to limit exposure of the body’s major heat loss areas to the cold
water.
3. Terminology
3.1.10 huddle position, n—a multiple person water rescue
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
technique for heat conservation when immersed in cold water
and the majority of the rescuers are wearing personal flotation
1 devices. This technique conserves heat by using personal
This document is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search
and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel,
Training and Education.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F1739 – 96(2012). Available from your local American Red Cross Chapter or your American Heart
DOI: 10.1520/F1739-96R18. Association Chapter. Reprinted from the Journal of the American Medical Associa-
Available from American Red Cross, 2025 E. St., NW, Washington, DC 20006, tion (JAMA). Copies are available from the American Heart Association, 7272
http://www.redcross.org. Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1739 − 96 (2018)
flotation devices and clothing, group body contact, and body 5.1.7 Identify the purpose and the important factors in
posture to limit exposure of the body’s major heat loss areas to selecting a personal flotation device (PFD) for basic water
the cold water. rescue work, that is, flotation for individual self, fit, freedom of
movement, visibility, protection, and physical comfort. These
3.1.11 PFD, n—a buoyant device suitable for use by one
devices should conform to standards set by the appropriate
person in water emergencies. These devices may be vests, ring
national regulatory, that is, the U.S. Coast Guard in the United
buoys, life preservers, cushions, and other special purpose
States, and be in good and serviceable condition,
buoyant devices.
5.1.8 Identify other appropriate key pieces of personal
3.1.12 self rescue swim i
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1739 − 96 (Reapproved 2012) F1739 − 96 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Guide for
Performance of a Water Rescuer—Level I
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1739; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scope of performance of a water rescuer I who may be responsible for the
initial on scene evaluation, performing land based water rescues, and providing initial patient care at a water rescue incident.
1.2 This guide is one in a series; water rescuer I is only a beginning level designed for a water rescue responder. Duties and
responsibilities at water rescue operations vary according to the water rescuer’s skills and knowledge. As the water rescuer level
I progresses and becomes more proficient, the individual will move from responder to in-water rescuer to rescue boat operator.
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all
of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate
safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 American Red Cross Standards:
Standards and Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care
Standards and Guidelines for Standard First Aid
2.2 American Heart Association:
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 water rescuer I, WRI, n—an individual competent to perform on scene evaluations, water rescues only from land, and
provide initial care for victims.
3.1.2 basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation, BLS/CPR, n—a set of skills which includes airway management,
artificial respiration, and chest compressions.
3.1.3 drowning, n—death due to submersion and usually suffocation in water or other fluid media.
3.1.4 near drowning, n—a resuscitated drowning victim who survives, at least temporarily, following a submersion injury.
3.1.5 cold water near drowning, n—a complex series of physiological reactions which occur as a result of being immersed in
cold water (21°C or 70°F and below) which may allow a person to survive up to an hour, possibly more, under water.
3.1.6 floating tether, tag line, n—a water rescue technique which stretches a line across a body of water. This line has a flotation
device attached to it to keep the rope on the surface of the water and to provide a buoyant object for the victim to grab and hold.
3.1.7 heat-related illnesses, n—conditions consisting of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which develop from an
overexposure to heat.
3.1.8 hypothermia, n—reduction of the body core temperature to 35°C (95°F) and below.
This document is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel, Training
and Education.
Current edition approved July 1, 2012Nov. 1, 2018. Published August 2012November 2018. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20072012
as F1739 – 96 (2007).(2012). DOI: 10.1520/F1739-96R12.10.1520/F1739-96R18.
Available from American Red Cross, 2025 E. St., NW, Washington, DC 20006, http://www.redcross.org.
Available from your local American Red Cross Chapter or your American Heart Association Chapter. Reprinted from the Journal of the American Medical Association
(JAMA). Copies are available from the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1739 − 96 (2018)
3.1.9 h.e.l.p. position, n—heat escape lessening posture is a single person water rescue technique for heat conservation when
immersed in cold water. This technique conserves heat by using personal flotation devices, clothing, and body posture to limit
exposure of the body’s major heat loss areas to the cold water.
3.1.10 huddle position, n—a multiple person water rescue technique for heat conservation when immersed in cold water and the
majority of the rescuers are wearing personal flotation devices. This technique conserves heat by using personal flotation devices
and clothing, group body contact, and body posture to limit exposure of the body’s major heat loss areas to the cold water.
3.1.11 PFD, n—a buoyant device suitable for use by one person in water emergencies. These devices may be vests, ring buoys,
life preservers, cushions, and other special purpose buoyant devices.
3.1.12 self rescue swim in moving water, n—a defensive water survival/rescue technique for swimming swift rivers and rapids
consisting of lying on the back (as horizontal and near to the surface as possible), feet first going downstream to fend off all
obstacles including rocks, backstroking with arms, flutter kicking
...
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