Re: [Paddlewise] Incapacitated partner

Wow! You had to get there! That is a biiiiiig subject, worth hundreds of
juicy e-mail discussions.

Every case is different, there is not such thing as a one solution that
is good for all. For instance,

If the victim's heart stops, then you do not want to waste time to 
start CPR. You need to get side to side with the victim's boat, get
his/her neck on you deck, and start doing CPR immediately. Someone else
should be towing you and the victim together.

The following is a copy of a table that appears on a National Safety Council
first aid handbook.
           Chances of Survival rate
   ------------------------------------------------
                  Time Until Advanced Cardiac Life Support Begins
           		<8min	8-16min		>16min
Time Until	<4min	43%	19%		10%
Basic Life	4-8min	27%	19%		6%
Support		>8min	N/A	7%		0%

That should give you an idea of how important is to start CPR ASAP.


For other less life threatening cases, every rescue depends on how
many people are available to assist, and the availability of rescue
aid equipment such as tow ropes, floats, etc.

Your best bet is to have on paddler put his/her kayak side to side
with the victim's boat, and have that person hold and assist the victim
while other strong paddlers tow both boats together.

If the victim's soul is no longer in this mortal world, then towing the
victim or carrying the body on the deck depends on the weather conditions,
the victim's weight, and the stability of your boat.

I wish you never to be involved in a situation like that, it is
very traumatic.

- Julio

> 
> Any thoughts on rescuing a paddling partner that has become
> incapacitated, maybe through a badly disclocated/broken shoulder/neck,
> maybe unconscious from stroke, heart attack or some other problem.
> Maybe in calm waters, maybe rough.
> 
> If I can't get them back in their boat, I think I'd try to rig a harness
> around my waist and through each shoulder strap of their PFD and tow
> them to shore or an island where normal first aid, etc. could be done.
> I think my rudder, up or down, would be a problem in trying to get them
> partway up on my after deck to get them partially out of the water.  I
> think I'd try to keep them as close to my stern as possible to help keep
> water out of their face.

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