ASTM F1739-96(2012)
(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.
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 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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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 2012)
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
1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scope
management, 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
rescues, and providing initial patient care at a water rescue suffocation in water or other fluid media.
incident.
3.1.4 near drowning, n—a resuscitated drowning victim
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
and responsibilities at water rescue operations vary according
3.1.5 cold water near drowning, n—a complex series of
to the water rescuer’s skills and knowledge. As the water
physiological reactions which occur as a result of being
rescuer level I progresses and becomes more proficient, the
immersed in cold water (21°C or 70°F and below) which may
individual will move from responder to in-water rescuer to
allow a person to survive up to an hour, possibly more, under
rescue boat operator.
water.
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
3.1.6 floating tether, tag line, n—a water rescue technique
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
which stretches a line across a body of water. This line has a
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
flotation device attached to it to keep the rope on the surface of
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
the water and to provide a buoyant object for the victim to grab
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
and hold.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.7 heat-related illnesses, n—conditions consisting of heat
cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which develop from
2. Referenced Documents
an overexposure to heat.
2.1 American Red Cross Standards:
3.1.8 hypothermia, n—reduction of the body core tempera-
Standards and Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscita-
ture to 35°C (95°F) and below.
tion (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care
3.1.9 h.e.l.p. position, n—heat escape lessening posture is a
Standards and Guidelines for Standard First Aid
single person water rescue technique for heat conservation
2.2 American Heart Association:
when immersed in cold water. This technique conserves heat
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
by using personal flotation devices, clothing, and body posture
to limit exposure of the body’s major heat loss areas to the cold
3. Terminology
water.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.10 huddle position, n—a multiple person water rescue
3.1.1 water rescuer I, WRI, n—an individual competent to
technique for heat conservation when immersed in cold water
perform on scene evaluations, water rescues only from land,
and the majority of the rescuers are wearing personal flotation
and provide initial care for victims.
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.
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, 2012. Published August 2012. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F1739 – 96 (2007). AvailablefromyourlocalAmericanRedCrossChapteroryourAmericanHeart
DOI: 10.1520/F1739-96R12. 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 (2012)
3.1.11 PFD, n—a buoyant device suitable for use by one rescue work, that is, flotation for individual self, fit, freedom of
person in water emergencies. These devices may be vests, ring movement, visibility, protection, and physical comfort. These
buoys, life preservers, cushions, and other special purpose devices should conform to standards set by the appropriate
buoyant devices. national regulatory, that is, the U.S. Coast Guard in the United
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
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.