ARTICLES

1/15/2015· Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

The Need for First Responders to be Trained and Equipped to Perform Domestic Animal Rescues

By: Gerald Dworkin

Based on our research of ice rescue incidents and fatalities during the years 2006 & 2007, approximately 85% of the incidents were initiated as a result of humans venturing out onto the ice to rescue a domestic animal. The purpose of this article is three-fold. First, we need to educate the public about the need to control their pets and to prevent them from going out onto the ice because no ice should ever be considered as being "safe ice". Second, we need to also educate the public to call 911, rather than to make an attempt to rescue their pets that have fallen through the ice. And, third, First Responder agencies and their personnel need to be trained and equipped to properly, effectively, and safely respond to domestic animal rescues on and through the ice.

8/22/2013· Aquatics Safety

Emergency Procedures During Thunder & Lightning Storms

By: Gerald Dworkin

In 1996, a tragic accident occurred on a soccer field at Northeast Park in the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District in Illinois. After a short rain delay in the game, the skies started clearing and a referee decided to resume play.

12/20/2011· Aquatics Safety

Working With EMS Can Enhance Your Rescuer Services

By: Gerald Dworkin

For aquatics facilities to effectively integrate rescue and safety services with those of the local fire and rescue agencies and emergency medical services (EMS), it's imperative that all agencies establish collaborative agreements and cooperative training programs.

6/21/2013· Aquatics Safety

Public Access Defibrillation

By: Gerald Dworkin

A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association Task Force on Automatic External Defibrillation

10/1/2012· Aquatics Safety

Prevention and Management of Torso Reflex

By: Gerald Dworkin

Torso Reflex, also known as Gasp Reflex , Inhalation Response, or Cold Water Shock, is caused by sudden immersion into water colder than 70 degrees F. Sudden immersion into cold water triggers an involuntary reflexive torso gasp that can cause the person to aspirate water into his/her airway and lungs, which can lead to laryngospasm, disorientation, panic, and the loss of any physical ability to swim or remain afloat.

11/29/2012· Aquatics Safety

Lifeguards Need to Train and Pre-Plan For Incidents

By: Gerald Dworkin

During an emergency is not when you want to discover that your equipment is incompatible with your EMS service. Avoiding that fate can save a lot, including a life.

4/9/2014· Accident Prevention & Safety

No Ice Is Safe Ice!

By: Gerald Dworkin

TWO BOYS, age 11, are ice skating at a local pond. Suddenly, the ice cracks and one boy falls through into 34 degree Fahrenheit water. His friend runs to his aid, and potential tragedy grows as the second boy is pulled into the ice cold water by the panic stricken child already in the water. Unless help is immediately available, both boys will perish within a few minutes, either from drowning or hypothermia (decreased body temperature).

2/27/2014· Accident Prevention & Safety

Rescue From Submerged Vehicles

By: Gerald Dworkin

Based on a 1961 study at Williamston, MI, conducted by the Michigan State Police, the Indiana University Health and Safety Department, the Michigan Highway Department, and the American Red Cross, it was estimated that approximately 400 persons lose their lives as a result of being trapped in automobiles that have plunged into the water.

9/16/2014· Aquatics Safety

Cold Calls: Ice Rescues Pose Unique Challenges For Responders

By: Gerald Dworkin

The following incidents and places, as well as the circumstances surrounding them, are fictional. On the Scene Dispatch at 16:04 hrs: KGT-597 to Rescue 15, respond to Bakersville Pond off Cemetery Island for a report of a dog through the ice, approximately 100 yards from shore.

3/19/2012· Aquatics Safety

Risk Management: Compatibility Issues

By: Gerald Dworkin

I’ve always advocated the need for aquatics facilities to collaborate and coordinate lifeguard and water rescue training and emergency operations with community fire, rescue, emergency medical services (EMS) and law enforcement agencies.