> If you are with someone, or you come across someone while paddling, who is > in their kayak, upside down, and unconscious, dead, or drowning and unable > to assist in their own recovery, is there a technique for righting the > person and getting their face out of the water, if not their kayak right > side up. I have not had this situation occur, BTW, but would like to be > able to deal with it if it were to occur. This rescue has several names. One of the repliers called it a "Hand of God" rescue. I've learned it as a "trapped paddler rescue." The previous descriptions have it right, except for one important detail, which I will point out as I reach it. Come abreast of the inverted boat and reach across to the opposite side, grabbing the coaming, or the paddler's PFD, anything that affords a good grip. Eventually, you'll want to have a good grip on the paddler's PFD. (Now here comes the important detail) AS YOU PULL THE TRAPPED PADDLER UP WITH ONE HAND, PUSH HIS HULL DOWN AND AWAY FROM YOURS WITH THE OTHER. This rotates his boat under him and greatly facilitates the maneuver. With this technique, you will probably be able to bring the trapped paddler upright -- if not, you will definitely be able to bring his head above the surface. If the individual is unconscious and you can't bring him completely upright, push his body back into a layback position while continuing to lift with one hand and rotating the hull away with the other. That ought to do the trick. Having a third paddler to assist from the victim's other side can be handy. Pray you never need it, and practice it so that it'll be there if you do. Happy and safe new year to all. Bob V *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Original question; > If you are with someone, or you come across someone while paddling, who is > in their kayak, upside down, and unconscious, dead, or drowning and unable > to assist in their own recovery, is there a technique for righting the > person and getting their face out of the water, if not their kayak right > side up. I have not had this situation occur, BTW, but would like to be > able to deal with it if it were to occur. Several good replies describing "Hands of God" type rescues. Important factor that has been overlooked is "MOI" - Mechanism Of Injury. What caused this person to be upside down and is there a potential for spinal injury? Was it a violent surf situation, whitewater with rocks/ledges, collision with a powerboat/jet ski? There are many variables in situations such as this. The rescuer's training and tools are among them. Several very good outfits offer wilderness medical courses that help prepare people for scenarios like the one mentioned above. Bruce McC WEO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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