ASTM F1739-96(2007)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Performance of a Water Rescuer-Level I
Standard Guide for Performance of a Water Rescuer-Level I
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
All persons who are identified as water rescuers and water rescue responders shall meet the requirements of this guide.
This guide does not preclude the scope of performances for water rescuers needing more advanced or more specialized water rescue training.
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.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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 2007)
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 3.1.2 basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation,
BLS/CPR, n—a set of skills which includes airway manage-
1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scope
ment, artificial respiration, and chest compressions.
ofperformanceofawaterrescuerIwhomayberesponsiblefor
3.1.3 drowning, n—death due to submersion and usually
the initial on scene evaluation, performing land based water
suffocation in water or other fluid media.
rescues, and providing initial patient care at a water rescue
3.1.4 near drowning, n—a resuscitated drowning victim
incident.
who survives, at least temporarily, following a submersion
1.2 This guide is one in a series; water rescuer I is only a
injury.
beginning level designed for a water rescue responder. Duties
3.1.5 cold water near drowning, n—a complex series of
and responsibilities at water rescue operations vary according
physiological reactions which occur as a result of being
to the water rescuer’s skills and knowledge. As the water
immersed in cold water (21°C or 70°F and below) which may
rescuer level I progresses and becomes more proficient, the
allow a person to survive up to an hour, possibly more, under
individual will move from responder to in-water rescuer to
water.
rescue boat operator.
3.1.6 floating tether, tag line, n—a water rescue technique
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, opera-
which stretches a line across a body of water. This line has a
tions, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
flotation device attached to it to keep the rope on the surface of
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
the water and to provide a buoyant object for the victim to grab
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
and hold.
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
3.1.7 heat-related illnesses, n—conditions consisting of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which develop
2. Referenced Documents
from an overexposure to heat.
3.1.8 hypothermia, n—reduction of the body core tempera-
2.1 American Red Cross Standards:
ture to 35°C (95°F) and below.
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
3. Terminology
water.
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
3.1.1 water rescuer I, WRI, n—an individual competent to
and the majority of the rescuers are wearing personal flotation
perform on scene evaluations, water rescues only from land,
devices. This technique conserves heat by using personal
and provide initial care for victims.
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.
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. AvailablefromyourlocalAmericanRedCrossChapteroryourAmericanHeart
Current edition approved June 1, 2007. Published October 2007. Originally Association Chapter. Reprinted from the Journal of theAmerican MedicalAssocia-
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as F1739 – 96(2002). tion (JAMA). Copies are available from the American Heart Association, 7272
DOI: 10.1520/F1739-96R07. Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F1739–96 (2007)
3.1.11 PFD, n—a buoyant device suitable for use by one movement, visibility, protection, and physical comfort. These
person in water emergencies. These devices may be vests, ring devices should conform to standards set by the appropriate
buoys, life preservers, cushions, and other special purpose national regulatory, that is, the U.S. Coast Guard in the United
buoyant devices. States, and be in good and serviceable condition,
3.1.12 self rescue swim in moving water, n—a defensive
5.1.8 Identify other appropriate key pieces of personal
water survival/rescue technique for swimming swift rivers and safety equipment, that is, thermal protection, helmet, whistle,
rapids consisting of lying on the back (as horizontal and near knife, lights, footwear,
to the surface as possible),
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.