Final answer:
To use the reach technique safely, the rescuer should extend an object or limb to a person in distress while maintaining their balance and not entering the water or dangerous situation themselves. They should ensure the person's weight is effectively supported during a fire rescue and understand the need to remove a drowning victim from water before administering CPR. Knowledge of forces and physics is essential in scenarios involving fire rescues or helicopter interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To safely help someone using the reach technique, the rescuer should follow specific protocols designed for rescue operations without putting themselves in danger. This technique is often utilized when a person is at risk of drowning or needs assistance in water-based scenarios. When observing someone in distress, the rescuer must assess the situation, ensuring they do not become a victim themselves. The goal is to extend an object or a limb to the victim without entering the water, allowing the person to grab onto the rescuer from a safe distance. It is imperative that the rescuer maintains a stable position on land or in a safe area to prevent being pulled into the water. Once the person is reached and secured, pulling them to safety should be done swiftly but carefully to prevent injury.
If the scenario involves a rescue from a fire, as depicted in Figure 4.40, forces and the appropriate use of ropes or ladders must be considered to ensure the person's weight is supported effectively, leading to a safe rescue operation.
It is crucial to dispel myths such as immediate CPR for drowning victims; the reality is that the victim must first be removed from the water, as CPR is ineffective and impossible to perform while the person is submerged. Once on stable ground, proper CPR techniques, as illustrated in Figure 19.3, should be applied if necessary.
Additionally, in cases such as a sunken boat, where a rescue helicopter is involved, understanding the physics of the rescue tools, like a life preserver throw, illustrates the importance of quick and effective measurement of height above water to ascertain the best timing for delivering rescue aids to keep the person afloat until further help can arrive.