What Skills Should A Rescuer Have When Using A Marine Rescue Scoop?

When using a Marine Rescue Scoop (marine rescue scoop stretcher), rescuers must possess the following core skills, taking into account the characteristics of the equipment, the complexity of the offshore environment, and the requirements of the rescue process, to ensure efficient and safe rescue operations:

1. Equipment Operation and Control Skills

Quick Assembly and Deployment Skills

• Familiarity with the equipment structure (such as the scoop net, rigid frame, connecting rods, floats, and securing straps) is essential. Rescuers must be able to quickly assemble the equipment according to standard procedures in an emergency (typically within 2 minutes, based on deployment standards

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• for mainstream models). They must also carefully inspect the secure connections of each component (e.g., ensuring the clips are securely locked and the net is free of damage).

• Master equipment storage techniques to ensure that it can be folded and stored properly after rescue to avoid damage to components or delays in next use.

Precision Control and Capture Skills

• Adjust the angle (e.g., 45° angled insertion) and position of the rescue shovel based on the victim's state (conscious/unconscious, injured) and sea conditions (wind, waves, currents), steadily "catching" the victim from the side or diagonally in front, avoiding direct impact that could startle or injure them.

• If operating on a moving vessel, coordinate the vessel's speed (idling or slow) with the rescue shovel, utilizing the device's rigid frame and net to prevent the victim from slipping or being impacted by the current during the capture process.

Safe Lifting and Transfer Skills

• Master multi-person collaboration (usually 2-4 people) to utilize the shovel's mechanical structure (such as handles and load-bearing frame) to smoothly transfer the person onto the boat through rolling and lifting movements. This prevents uneven force from tilting the equipment or causing secondary injury to the person (especially paying attention to vulnerable areas such as the spine and neck).

• Be able to quickly adjust the restraint strap (if equipped) based on the person's size and condition to ensure stability during transfer and prevent injury from shaking.

2. Ability to Adapt to and Assess Marine Environments

Sea Condition Assessment and Response Skills

• Ability to quickly assess environmental factors such as wind speed, wave height, and current direction, and select relatively calm waters for operations. In the event of strong winds and waves, the vessel's position must be adjusted or a more opportune moment must be reached to avoid significant vibrations affecting the net's accuracy.

• Identify potential hazards (such as reefs, floating debris, and oil spills) to ensure a safe rescue route and prevent equipment from becoming entangled or individuals from being exposed to contaminants.

Skills in Assessing the Submerged Person's Condition

• By observing the submerged person's movements (e.g., whether they struggle, whether they can grasp the net), their state of consciousness (conscious/unconscious), and their physical condition (whether they are injured or hypothermic), develop a targeted rescue strategy:

• For conscious individuals, use gestures or voice commands to guide them to cooperate in grasping the net.

• For unconscious or injured individuals, prioritize ensuring the net fully supports their torso and head to avoid stress on the neck.

3. Safety Regulations and Professional Knowledge

Mastering Equipment Safety Regulations

• Be familiar with the equipment's rated load (usually ≥ 200kg), applicable environment (such as temperature range and corrosion limits), and operating precautions (such as overloading and avoiding sharp objects from scratching the mesh). Strictly follow the instructions to prevent equipment damage or accidents.

• Understand the equipment's certification standards (such as DNV and SOLAS) to ensure that operations comply with rescue regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or local maritime authorities.

Basic first aid and protective skills

• Master basic first aid for drowning victims, such as treating hypothermia, immobilizing spinal injuries, and first aid for asphyxiation. Be able to quickly assist medical personnel in providing initial treatment after transferring the victim to a safe area.

• Master personal safety skills, such as correctly donning a life jacket, securing a safety line, and maintaining a stable center of gravity when maneuvering on slippery boat sides to prevent falling overboard.