Gerald M. Dworkin - Lifesaving Resources LLC

This article discusses the need for Fire, Rescue, EMS, and Law Enforcement agencies to PLAN for, TRAIN for, and acquire the RESOURCES required to safely and effectively MANAGE incidents in, on and around the water. In February 2004, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) published NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue (SAR) Incidents.

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.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart stops suddenly and is caused by life threatening arrhythmias in the heart’s electrical system. The only effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation is defibrillation—the delivery of a shock to the heart that stops VF and allows a normal heart rhythm to resume.

Each year, there are approximately 1,500 incidents and 600 deaths involving vehicles that have gone off the road and plummeted into water. The public needs to plan for these types of emergencies, and the government needs to implement appropriate safety protocols and equipment to assist occupants in escaping from submerged vehicle incidents.