Ensuring thee safety of our fellow paddlers is obviously paramount to everyone while out on the river.There are, however, some safety/medical issues that may arisen thus it is crucial we know how to deal with them (or preferably avoid them.)

Safety Talk: Minimum Content

1.  Explain risk involved in rescue training (it is only training)

2.  Move purposefully

3.  Challenge by Choice

4.  Don't stand up (until it is "shallow and slow")

5.  Signals (Audible and visual)

6.   What to do in a REAL emergency

7.  Egress Plan

8.  Communication device

9. First aid kit and medical training

10. Ability to get warm (or cool) and stay warm (or cool)

Medical Issues

Types of injuries:  Stubbed toe, twisted ankle knee problems, shoulder problems (dislocation), head injury, spinal injury, hypothermia, hyperthermia

Drowning

Respiratory impairment caused by immersion/submursion in a liquid.

Primarily a brain issue rather than a lung issue.

Need rescue breaths as soon as possible (blow through the foam)

5 breaths prior to starting CPR (30:2) Remove PFD.

Communicate with outside help and authorities (Communicate, Cancel, Continue)

Seel post traumatic counselling (3X3)

If you are in anyway uncertain in how to deal with these medical issues please review/take appropriate wilderness medical training.

Common Incidents:

Strainer drill, Swiftwater entry, scenarios (running on the bank), immersion (cold), Dehydration

All elements of your course are "Challenge by Choice"

Teaching Tips

Teaching in remote areas requires an advanced degree of medical trading by the instructor.  Please ensure you are current, well practiced and well qualified.