Re: [Paddlewise] Landing a victim through surf

In a message dated 98-11-06 08:52:44 EST, gstamer_at_magicnet.net writes:

<< 
 Ralph's idea of putting the victim in a stable boat and having a strong
 swimmer guide them to shore has merit. As an enhancement, I would place a
 paddlefloat over each end of the victim's paddle blades outside of the surf
 zone. If the victim has enough strength and dexterity to hold the paddle,
 this might add to the chance of success. >>

Greg's idea is one of the most interesting additions yet.  Dual flotation on
the paddle!

But it also shows that we all have been refining Julio's original scenario a
bit.  Since it was his idea --- and an excellent one --- maybe he could define
some ranges for us to think about.  Like, what's "dumping surf" --- to my
mind, the stuff I have to deal with on our mid-Atlantic beaches, three to four
foot, very short periodic waves that break very close to the beach.  In our
scenario, is that what we're thinking?  Bigger? 

What's the water and air temperature --- not to set off a sub-thread on what
gear is needed and when, <please>, but just to set the scene?  How is the
victim dressed, and how does his personal gear compare to the others in the
group?  

And, most importantly, <how> hypothermic is the victim right now?  Is he in
mild hypothermia, where he's reasonably coherent and rational, but is shaking
and not as coordinated as he probably should be to make his own landing in
surf, stabilized or not?  Is his body temperature dropping --- I know we can't
tell, but is he moderately hypothermic, with a definite loss of coordination,
orientation and mental stability?  Or is he approaching severe hypothermia,
where he may be only semi-conscious or even unconscious?  How bad is he now
--- 'cause he's not going to get better but will definitely get worse until we
can get him out of his cold, wet environment and into a rewarming situation of
some sort.  

Which begs another issue which I tried to introduce yesterday, hoping someone
with more competence in hypothermia would jump on --- but what are we going to
do with this guy when we do get him on the beach?  This could be any or all of
us, and at least one of "us" in this paddling group ought to know and to have
equipment <with him or her> --- not in the boat that we left 50 meters
offshore when we swam him ashore --- to help our friend survive.  Do we carry
a survival "body bag" in a bailout kit?  Is at least one of "us" in this
paddling group competent to help our buddy once we get him out of the water?
Does somebody have CPR training?  And if the answer is no, what does that say
about the trip?  And the leader?

Just other things to think about as we try to get this guy out of whatever
"worst case" scenario we've defined for him.

Jack Martin
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