Single rescuer basic life support by lifeboat crewmembers

Lifeboat crews play an important role in the chain of survival for both drowning victims as well as non-drowning victims in cardiac arrest rescued from water.1-3 As for all cardiac arrests, early initiation of high quality basic life support (BLS) is a major part of the chain of survival for these victims.4-6 The resuscitation protocol for drowning victims only deviates from the standard cardiac arrest protocol by advising the rescuer to start with ventilations instead of manual compressions.7 Several factors impact on the quality of BLS. In addition to factors such as fatigue and inadequate or decayed knowledge and skills,8-12 the challenging and austere environment on board a rescue boat, can influence performance of lifeboat crews performing BLS.



The effects of wearing protective gear have been investigated for fire-fighters and show that work whilst wearing fire-fighter’s protective gear consumes considerable extra energy.21 It has also been demonstrated that chest compressions are less effective when the person performing the compressions is wearing personal protection equipment such as that used during chemical, biological, radiation or nuclear incidents.22 These circumstances differ from the working environment lifeboat crews encounter. However, it does suggest that studying the effects of protective gear on the performance of resuscitation is necessary and valuable.

What is the influence of protective gear on the performance of basic life support (BLS) by KNRM lifeboat crewmembers during a manikin simulation training

not applicable

Performing basic life support while wearing protective gear vs performing basic life support not wearing protective gear.