ASI Water Safety

Stand Up Paddle Instructor

Water Safety Award

ASI STAND UP PADDLEBOARD WATER RESCUE AWARD

As required for L1 – L3 ASI Instructors in absence of other approved certification

Duration One day – Classroom, Practical Assessment, Workshop Written Material

Pre-Requisite be a minimum of 16 years of age on date of assessment be medically and physically fit able to swim a minimum of 200m in open water able to complete a 100m run

VHF Radio Short Range Certificate (Recommended)

Validity Duration

24 months from date of assessment / validity of CPR / First Aid ticket some elements based upon Surf Lifesaving GB rescue principals and sport specifics

Fitness Test

We need to know you are a competent swimmer and if the need arose, that you can run given an emergency situation as required as a minimum of any water sports professional. These are un-timed requirements but require competency and ‘adequate’ performance as it relates to your position as an instructor;

Complete a swim of 200m in open water / Complete a 200m run / jog test

Open Water Rescue

In this section, we will be training and assessing you in a variety of on water rescue techniques, with and without the use of the stand up paddleboard as a lifesaving aid which will lead to your demonstrating the ability to carry out the following;

recognition of an emergency recognition of signs of drowning (the drowning process), rescue of a conscious / unconscious casualty; using instructor / casualty board free swim rescue towing casualty over 50m swimming distance assist casualty to shore provide aftercare for conscious / unconscious casualty use of bystanders and / or other students safe water practice survival in water accepting responsibility communicating with emergency services available.

Signals

In this section we establish signals that you the instructor can use in order to communicate with your students as well as the student with you. In addition, we identify common signals used by Lifeguards from patrolled beaches and how you would alert the assistance of the Lifeguards if required.

Spinal Injury

Falling from a stand up paddleboard into shallow water or perhaps onto the board, collision with low bridges or

falling rocks from cliff and others circumstance may result in head or spinal injury. Consequently you will need to respond accordingly via early identification of such injury and proceed to treat accordingly. The following areas will be presented and performed;

rescuer and team safety airway management manual in-line stabilization (MILS) of the neck recruitment of assistance where possible spinal lift and carry removal from the water higher medical assistance jaw thrust (and resuscitation)

First Aid / CPR

First aid and CPR via separate approved provider / certification

Incident Report Forms

The value of incident report forms, how to complete, whom to send to and how long to retain for. ASI Incident Report Forms as issued to ASI Accredited SUP Schools.

Course Creators

This ASI SUP Instructor Water Safety Course, has been researched and created by ASI Trainers, Chris REA and Steve WEST. Chris runs of Britain's largest Surf Schools, Harlyn Surf School in Cornwall and a leading figure in the training of beach lifeguards and overseeing the ASI ng Instructor programs. Steve is the ASI's European SUP CEO and Trainer and brings with him over 40 years

Chris REA

Steve WEST

Assessment Conditions

Equal to or less than 1.5ft of shore break either flat, open or exposed water, within the limits of the ASI’s recommendations for L1 – L2 tuition of students. Skills are transferable up to and strictly limited to L3 Beginner Surf, where a to 1:1 ratio and a maximum of a 1.5ft wave exists. Beyond these parameters, additional surf rescue training is required.

Required Knowledge !

Open Water Rescue:

1) Demonstrate knowledge of emergency rescues:

• Identify an emergency situation

• Identify of signs of drowning (the drowning process),

• Identify how to use bystanders and / or other students,

• Identify safe water practice

• Identify survival in water techniques

• Identify the principles of accepting responsibility

• Identify communication protocols with emergency services.

2) Demonstrate knowledge on how to rescue conscious and unconscious patient

• Identify techniques to rescue conscious and unconscious patient using instructor / casualty board

• Identify how to assist casualty to shore

• Identify how to provide aftercare for conscious / unconscious casualty

Signals:

1) Identify instructor - students signals and vice-versa

2) Identify common signals used by Lifeguards and how to alert the assistance of the Lifeguards if required.

Spinal Injuries:

1) Identify the signs of potential spinal injuries and respond and treat accordingly rescuer and team safety airway management manual in-line stabilization (MILS) of the neck recruitment of assistance where possible spinal lift and carry removal from the water higher medical assistance

jaw thrust (and resuscitation as per first aid / CPR qualification)

Incident Reporting:

Identify the value of incident report forms, how to complete, whom to send to and how long to retain for.

Skills and Competency !

Fitness:

Demonstrate ability to run 100 metres (untimed)

Demonstrate ability complete a 200 metre swim in open water (untimed)

Open Water Rescue:

Rescue of a conscious casualty; using instructor / casualty board

Rescue of a unconscious casualty; using instructor / casualty board

Demonstrate free swim rescue towing casualty over 50m swimming distance

Signals:

Demonstrate on water signals

Demonstrate on land signals

Demonstrate student assistance signals

Demonstrate lifeguard to instructor signals

Demonstrate how to use whistle to attract attention

Spinal Injuries:

Demonstrate procedure for suspected spinal injury patient

• airway management

• manual in-line stabilization (MILS) of the neck

• spinal lift and carry

• jaw thrust (and resuscitation as per first aid / CPR qualification)

Incident Reporting:

Complete an incident report form

Water Safety General

An involvement with water sports presupposes the need to be prepared to take responsibility and act (respond) to any apparent distress your student/s may show as they are to all intents and purpose, in your care. Self reliance and the ability to call upon the assistance of others when required to do are all effective group management skills aligned with the carrying out of an effective rescue. On occasion there may well be professional Lifeguards or volunteer Surf Lifesavers on hand to assist, in which case being able to liaise and communicate with these individuals can make the difference in bringing about the best outcome. Two primary functions associated with lifeguarding are:

• Prevention of incidents

• Provide rescue and emergency care in response to an incident.

As with the lifeguarding professional, the best indication that you are doing your job effectively is to ensure there are never any significant incidents.

Recognition of Potential for Incident

The SUP Coach needs to consider that certain individuals may present higher risk than others along with circumstances during the course of running a lesson and these may include;

Age Extremities

Young and older students should be observed perhaps with greater caution as they may require greater attention.

Un-coordination

Those who appear quite uncoordinated may fall more frequently and require greater attention and assistance.

Overweight / Oversized

Those who appear overweight, may struggle especially when re boarding.

Poor Swimmers

Must wear buoyancy aids and also be carefully monitored. Non swimmers, 1:1 ratio but preferably should be advised to learn to swim prior to undertaking water sport activities as a BA is not a substitute.

Disruptive / Boisterous Behaviour

Not only is this distracting, but this can lead to inattentiveness and displays of showing-off which be the catalyst for an accident.

Lack of Group Control

On the part of the instructor, where an assistant could and should be used or where correct ratios relative to conditions have been miscalculated.

Busy Areas

Where the activity is being conducted in an area where there is significant activity.

Shallow Water / Submerged Objects

Where the activity is conducted in areas where the water depth is insufficient (3' plus).

Notes

The Drowning Process

Definition of Drowning

Respiratory impairment via submersion (whole body) or immersion (airway / face) in liquid leading to aspiration (fluids entering lungs) preventing breathing.

Three stages associated with drowning

• Distress

• Panic

• Submersion

Distress

Where a person has enough natural buoyancy and or skill to remain afloat but not sufficient enough to make way to safety. Still capable of waving or calling for assistance. Some may be unaware they are in danger in relation to their limits, ie when swimming against tidal flow or a rip and this may manifest as 'distress' for a brief period or escalate. Unaware they require assistance, they may resist, however early intervention is necessary.

Notes

Panic

Distress can escalate to panic as the individuals physical ability to maintain floatation and leads to what is termed as 'climbing the ladder' phase, as they struggle to take in air and can no longer call for assistance.

Submersion

Drownings predominantly occur due the individual sinking. This makes recovery and visual contact with the victim difficult when combined with poor water clarity, breaking waves and currents. Success in rescuing the individual is time related and usually within less than 2 minutes. Rescue must ideally occur at the distress or panic stages.

Sudden Drowning Syndrome

Associated with existing injuries or illness, which may lead to drowning in the absence of distress or panic behaviour such as associated with a cardiac arrest, spinal injury, epilepsy, intoxication, drug use and other illnesses.

A Drowning Event

A person can be said to have experienced a 'drowning event' if any of the three phases have been reached. Recovery from such an event can lead to symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting and delayed respiratory infections or psychological responses. A feeling of 'wellness' may not be implicit that the person has fully recovered and side affects may manifest up to 72 hours and therefore the individual should seek medical / hospital review.

If a student appears to weak a swimmer or lacks sufficient water confidence by any of these behaviours / signs, remove them from the lesson immediately.

Signals Instructor to Student (on water or on land)

Return to me. (Also when on shoreline)

Return to shore. Both arms together towards direction of entry (On water only)

Stop, remain stationary Go right, underwater obstruction on left side.

Student to Instructor

Instructor

Go left, regardless if you are facing toward or away from students.

Go right, regardless if you are facing toward or away from students.

Require assistance while standing / kneeling

Assistance required. Use on water or on beach.

Go right, underwater obstruction on right side

Use a whistle to attract attention in noisy environments or if you can whistle yourself. Refrain from shouting where possible.

Go to knees

Signals

Establishing a line of communication between yourself the instructor and your students is essential. In addition being able to signal for assistance in communicating with lifeguards when present, your recognition of some of their commonly used signals and providing your student with a signal to provide if requiring assistance are all essential for the safe practice of instruction.

Whilst is tempting to use the paddle to provide a variety of signals, waving of the paddle can be misread, not entirely clear against dark backgrounds, can create instability when waving or holding outstretched, can be wind affected, can be dropped, make contact with near by side or over head obstructions. It is recommended that for the most part you use hand signals only and avoid the out-stretching of the paddle. In addition this practice is not recognised by lifeguards or surf lifesavers and the intent here is to create continuity between all parties. Currently there are many conflicting uses of the paddle in combination with arm signals.

The paddle be can held against the sided of the body with the redundant arm, or lain on the board, or placed between the legs depending which signal is being applied.

VHF Radios

Effective, reliable means of communication are are a requirement of the teaching environment and while the mobile phone may seem a good means of communication, in a water / beach based environment, they have considerable limitations in neither being water proof, a tendency of loosing signal, no direct and immediate person to person communication, or emergency based frequency, or positioning frequency. It is therefore highlyrecommended you obtain a VHF radio and short range certificate - mandatory for Level 3 Downwind Instructor Certification. 1 day courses are available via the RYA and also on-line.

Notes

Swim Rescue

The stand up paddleboard instructor, given any rescue situation must rely upon individual resourcefulness, assertiveness deployed with calm. Throughout any rescue, the safety of the rescuer must remain a priority. Your own physical fitness , swimming ability, board handling and paddling skills will play an important role in ensuring your own safety and the success of the rescue. Rescues should be performed with the use of rescue aid equipment (board) wherever possible.

Evasion

The greatest concern in performing a swim

Free Rescue Swim Tow

Rescuing without the aid of a board or rescue tube presents one of the hardest circumstances.

Extended arm tow

Approach from behind. Cupped hand is placed under casualties chin, other hand position on their back and rotate them on to their back (backwards) kick the legs and with an extended arm and using a sidestroke or backstroke make way to safety.

Chin tows

Approach from behind. Cupped hand is placed under casualties chin and other arm under casualties armpit and kick to rotate them backwards for towing. Place their head onto your shoulder on same side as your chin grip, release hand from under armpit and use a backstroke kick.

Cross chest tow

Approach from behind. Reach over and across casualty, hand positioned under their armpit or side of body, other hand supporting their back. Kick to rotate them backwards for towing, securing their body between the arm across the chest and your hip and swim sidestroke.

Notes

SUP Board Rescue

A stand up paddleboard of adequate volume and dimension, provides a platform from which a person in distress on the water or in small surf (1.5') can be rescued in the same way as a variety of surf craft are used by lifeguards from patrolled beaches, more specifically rescue-boards. The advantages of the paddle board used in the process of rescue runs parallel to that of the lifeguard's rescue board;

1. A fast and reliable means of reaching the casualty or casualties.

2. An efficient floatation platform from which EAV can be performed.

3. Adequate support for a number of persons in the water.

4. Restores confidence in the casualty once they are 'on-board'

5. A reliable means of transportation back to shore and safety.

Instructor board

It is important to make a distinction between an adequate board for use by the instructor and one that is inadequate. An instructors board must be of suitable volume, length and width so as it may be paddled prone with at least one other adult lying prone on the board as in the case of carrying out a 'board-rescue'. This highlights the need to have a board that meets this performance requirement and as such this will mean a board generally of 11' x 30" dimension as a minimum. If in any doubt it is a requirement that you test the boards performance to carry out such a rescue in a controlled situation. You must allow for the tallest and heaviest average as a minimum for rescue, not the smallest.

Additional board requirements

The addition of retro-fitted side handles fitted to the board would add functionality and grasp points. A board of distinctive bright and vivid colour would add to the recognition of the board when rescuing a person in distress and or panic. A single fin board would limit extraneous underwater collision with the casualty. Round, blunt nose, tail and rails

would limit and collision injuries as would a soft decked board. Inflatable boards generally provide only limited rigidity in the case of effecting a board-rescue.

Water rescue

Most rescue situations of a student from the water would occur when you are also on your board, therefore your initial response in seeing a student in the water floating face down would be to paddle to them using the paddle as the fastest means of propulsion. However there may well be a number of scenarios which could slow this process and speed is the absolute essence whilst safeguarding yourself.

Expired Air Ventilation (EAV)

Given a water environment, the Mouth to Nose EAV technique is to be used when on the water (performed on the board as a platform) using a pistol grip on the chin to keep the mouth sealed which will also prevent water entering the casualty. The head must be tilted back in order to open the airway.

Clearing a blocked airway

If after attempting EAV, you encounter a blocked airway, turn casualty face towards the board gripping the free upper arm turning casualty at the same time. Use the roll-over technique to position casualty over the board, face down to clear airway.

Assistance required signal

If within site / range of patrolled beach, perform 'ASSISTANCE REQUIRED' signal at appropriate moment. Use help of other students to raise alarm using this signal, or by returning to shore to alert emergency services, staff. Preparatory discussions regarding emergency response should be given prior to on water activity with all students to account for such a situation.

SCENARIO 1

1. Paddle quickly towards casualties board.

2. Within 5m, remove leash, discard paddle.

Your immediate concern is to turn casualty over to break their face free of the water. Your board, leash and paddle can act as a hinderance to this process - avoid entanglement with their leash.

3. Enter water (do not dive) swim and mount board and prone paddle positioning yourself ideally parallel with casualty.

4. Reach over and under casualties far side arm, roll them while establishing a pistol grip on their chin - sliding yourself off the board on opposite side from casualty will position yourself better.

5. "Look, listen, feel" for breathing. If none, administer 5 EAV breaths.

6. Roll casualty while maintaining a grip on their arms.

7. Ensure they are positioned 1/3 back from nose of board.

8. Position their hands over board on opposite rail - holding their arm or shoulder, roll the board away from casualty (use your knees on nearside rail to achieve this).

5. Push down with knees, pull upwards with one arm pulling on far side rail - your aim is to roll board and the casualty onto the board.

6. Repeat, so as casualty is positioned on deck of board.

7. Mount board behind casualty assuming a kneeling or straddled position.

8. Reach over, grab their nearside leg and pull / slide casualty onto board, positioning their legs so as you may lie between and adopt a prone-paddling position.

Unconscious face down on opposite side to you or close to obstruction so as approach compromised.

SCENARIO 2

Unconscious face down on same side as you.

1. Paddle towards casualties board.

2. When near, remove your leash, discard paddle.

Your immediate concern is to turn casualty over to break their face free of the water. Your board, leash and paddle can act as a hinderance to this process - avoid entanglement with their leash.

3. Remain with your board.

4. Reach over and under casualties far side arm, roll them while establishing a pistol grip on their chin - sliding yourself off the board on opposite side from casualty will position yourself better.

5. "Look, listen, feel" breathing. If none, administer 5 EVA breaths.

6. Roll casualty while maintaining a grip on their arms.

7. Ensure they are positioned 1/4 way up from nose of board.

8. Position their hands over board on opposite rail - holding their arm or shoulder, roll the board away from casualty (use your knees on nearside rail to achieve this).

5. Push down with knees, pull upwards with one arm pulling on far side rail - your aim is to roll board and the casualty onto the board.

6. Repeat, so as casualty is positioned on deck of board.

7. Mount board behind casualty assuming a kneeling or straddled position.

8. Reach over, grab their nearside leg and pull / slide casualty onto board, positioning their legs so as you may lie between and adopt a prone-paddling position.

9. Remove their leg leash if you have not yet opportunity to do so.

SCENARIO 3

Unconscious Face Upwards

This scenario is highly unlikely, accept if the casualty is wearing a lifejacket (not a buoyancy aid / PFD). In this scenario the objective remains the same in quickly establishing if the casualty is breathing and carrying out the rescue.

SCENARIO 4 Conscious in the Water

Where the student is conscious but is incapacitated in some way (winded, impact injury, fatigued or experienced sudden drowning syndrome as a result of a medical condition) you can resort to assisting in several ways.

1. Paddle towards casualty

2. When nearing, talk to them about their situation.

3. If struggling to remain afloat, remove leash, discard paddle, enter the water and carry out a swim rescue back to either your board, theirs or shoreline, which ever is closest and best perceived option - consider they will be attached to their leg leash which will need to be removed if using your board or shoreline.

4. If needing to use board and casualty incapable of mounting board, consider flipping board over without compromising casualty, then position for roll over mounting of board, in

5 If casualty can re mount their board, but cannot paddle, you can carry out a tow rescue. Have them assume a prone position, place paddle under chest. Remove your leash and attach to the grip of their paddle and in a paddle-kneeling position paddle back to shore.

one flip, not two (If not possible use a double roll technique)

SCENARIO 5

Swim Tow an Unconscious Casualty Back to Board

It may become necessary to swim the casualty back to their or your board, in which case you will need to secure them on the board, by applying weight to their hands pressed onto the board to ensure their security while you mount the board, turn and cross to the other side, then prepare to roll the board twice to end up with their being on the board as per scenario 1.

Securing the Casualty in Waves

Maintain position with the board on the shoreward side of the casualty, positioning yourself behind the casualty (back to the sea). If conscious, casualty is instructed to hold either side of the board rails (or straps if fitted). In turbulent water you will need to secure the casualties legs under your arms and if catching a wave toward the beach, avoid nose diving by keeping aft or slowing the board by dragging your arms / legs.

Notes

control of the board if any shore break. Move to the head and kneel on the right or left knee and

If lifeguards are present, use the 'ASSISTANCE REQUIRED' signal. You can use other students

1. Positioned behind the casualty, pass both arms under the casualties armpit. One grabs the casualties corresponding wrist, the other cross the torso and maintains a pistol grip on the chin.

2. Stand as upright as possible, lean backwards, look out behind you, walk and drag to safety.

3. Lower casualty, initially on their side seaward, ensuring head is lower than the feet for drainage and vomiting. Check airway and breathing. If breathing check for further injuries and otherwise proceed to CPR.

Two Person Drag

1. Signalling for assistance a student or member of the public can assist.

2. You support the airway, while the assistant moves into position, facing the casualty, using near side shoulder to prop up under their armpit, arm around their waist.

3. You now assume the same position and on the command 'READY, BRACE, LIFT' stand together and place your far side hand, under

Spinal Extraction in Shallow Water Situation

There are a number of reasons for spinal / neck injury when SUP'boarding and these might include falling directly backwards / forwards / sideways onto the board (own or someone elses) resulting in the head impacting the board or possibly falling in shallow water head first.

Spinal injury should be suspected in any person who has;

Suffered a heavy blow to head

Significant signs of facial / head injuries

Fallen from height

Discovered unconscious in the water

Fallen and landed awkwardly and complaining of back or neck pain.

Instructor needs to carefully assess the situation and respond accordingly.

Consider

Your safety, those assisting, your students and other water users.

Your size in relation to the casualty.

Casualty condition (breathing, not breathing)

Location of the incident

Priorities for management of spinal injury

Your safety and others

Airway management

Manual in Line Stabilisation (MILS) of the neck

Recruit assistance

Removal from water

Higher medical assistance

One on One Rescue

It is not feasible for a single person to remove a spinal injury casualty from the water without increasing the risk of further injury. Ideally you need a team of 5 - usually 2 professional lifeguards or similarly trained persons including yourself and 3 assistants.

Where the Casualty is not breathing.

They should be removed from the water to commence resuscitation via the safest most appropriate method. Preservation of life is the priority, spinal injury secondary to life.

Use of members of the public / students

If 3 or even 4 of the assistants have no

understanding of the management of the injury, clear instruction must be given at all times by you the instructor, continually maintaining charge of the casualties head at this point. Ask, 'Are you happy to help?'

Notes

5 Person Spinal Lift and Carry Technique

The person with the hands on the casualties head is always in charge. All commands for movement must begin 'READY, BRACE...' followed by required command ie 'Lift' 'Walk'

Approach

Assess the situation ensure it is safe to enter the water for all rescuers. Signal for assistance if on a patrolled beach, or use VHF radio Initial approach is fast, then 3m from casualty a brisk walk to prevent anyone falling or excessive wake.

Face down

You will need to break casualties face free from the water, while immobolising the head and neck. You will also need to talk to the casualty regardless if conscious or not.

Immobolisation

Immobolise the head and cervical spine using a BEAR HUG, reaching under the casualties armpit and clamp the head; try to avoid blocking the ears. Maintain the neck in a neutral position and lift the casualties head and torso 'as one' so as airway is clear of water.

Get assistance check the airway

Instruct an assistant to look for signs of breathing - look, listen, feel. Once airway is clear and breathing present, the speed of removal from the water, is no longer a high priority. If breathing not present, removal from water, with minimal neck and spinal movement is paramount. Whether conscious or unconscious continual reassurance should be given. Ask questions if responsive such as 'Have you swallowed water?' - 'Have you banged your head?'

Begin process of positioning for removal

Instruct assistant to place their hands over yours to prepare to take control of the head, which they will need to do facing the casualty directly.

Taking up the torso weight

Before you release your hands, a third assistant will need to be positioned in order to help support the casualties TORSO WEIGHT,

achieved by standing to ones side of the casualty facing them, kneeling on the closest knee, placing the shoulder under the casualties armpit, passing the arm under the arm of the casualty and around their waste. The casualties upper TORSO WEIGHT is largely supported by the shoulder braced under their armpit. Again you will need to give firm, clear instructions in the absence of trained assistance.

Head transfer

With the casualty supported, and when assistant is ready to take the head from you, their hands firmly over yours, ask them 'Do you have the head?' On hearing a positive response, tell them you are removing your hands, one at a time and for them to maintain the head firmly. As each hand is removed, use each to support the casualties weight. Move into same TORSO WEIGHT baring position as assistant number 3, so as you are supporting the weight of the casualty on your shoulder.

Taking up the leg weight

Assistants 4 and 5 are instructed to assist by taking the casualties LEG WEIGHT, standing either side of the casualties legs and positioning one arm above, one below the knees in opposing directions. (These assistants can be the least able / trained as the upper torso. head alignment are more key)

Ready, Brace, LIft

Once everyone is positioned, you will need to instruct the HEAD SUPPORTER, that they are now IN CHARGE and when ready to give the command, 'READY, BRACE, LIFT'. The casualties head, neck and spine must remain neutral.

The lift and preparation to walk

As the casualty is raised, the upper TORSO SUPPORTERS will turn to be facing each other, transferring their arms nearest the casualties head, under their armpit, taking hold of the trapezium muscle (between neck and shoulder), the other crossing horizontally under the torso. The LEG WEIGHT SUPPORTERS cradle the casualties legs, using the full width of their arms and as close in towards each other to reduce lateral movement. Once lift has been carried out and everyone is in position, take charge once again. You are not ready to walk yet!

Ask HEAD SUPPORTER to look seaward for any on-coming waves, all other to look for any pot-holes or trip hazards (Exit from water will be in the direction casualty presents)

Ready, Brace, Walk

On your command 'READY, BRACE, WALK.' Casualty is carried from water and wet surface to suitable placement area.

Additional commands

'READY, BRACE, STOP'

'READY, BRACE, TURN LEFT' 'READY, BRACE, TURN RIGHT'

Preparing to lower

Before lowering, instruct your opposite TORSO WEIGHT lifter, to grab the casualties arm on

which is under the torso, so as when casualty is lowered, the arm is not buckled. The lowering process involves a log roll of the casualty so as the are placed on their side.

Once stopped and positioned, instruct preparation for lowering casualty down, 'READY, BRACE, LOWER' which must be in one smooth synchronised movement, rolling the casualty onto their side in the recovery position, using beach slope to assist (Instruct which side they will be placed to avoid confusion). A downward sloping angle is the preferred angle for drainage of fluids including vomit.

Jaw Thrust

Unconscious and not breathing

Roll onto back - CPR to be performed using Jaw Thrust to open airway. Oxygen given if available. Jaw Thrust is applied by whomever has charge of head, thumb placed on check bone, index finger behind angle of jaw below ear and lifted towards the thumb, while continuing MILS. Rescue breaths then given (pocket mask used if available). An open airway and establish breathing remains the priority. A controlled lift of the chin can be performed if casualty is failing to respond to CPR. 'READY, BRACE, NUDGE' is the lead up command to performing the chin tilt, after which rescue breaths are recommenced.

Towing

In the event you may need to tow a student due to fatigue or injury, a simple towing method involves having them lie on their board, blade face down and under the chest, remove your leash and attach to the grip. Proceed to paddle-kneeling.

Jaw Thrust - Towing

Incident Forms

Incident forms are essential tools for documenting incidents which can then be collated and form the basis of analysis to address issues of any pattern of incident in particular. In addition this forms part of a valuable due process of record keeping which could well be invaluable for the instructor in the event of any insurance or legal claims made.

Accredited ASI SUP Schools receive as part of their package and variety of incident forms.

As with all incident forms a copy should be sent to the issuer to keep on record in order to use the information for improvement in any possible procedures.