Surf Lifesavers Research Articles

Inflatable rescue boat-related injuries in Queensland surf lifesavers: the epidemiology – biomechanics interface

The objective was to describe the relationship between epidemiological and biomechanical factors in the causal pathway of inflatable rescue boat (IRB)-related injuries in Australian surf lifesavers; to develop epidemiological and biomechanical methodologies and measurement instruments that identify and measure the risk factors, for use in future epidemiological studies. Epidemiological and biomechanical models of injury causation were combined. Host, agent and environmental factors that influenced total available force for transfer to host were specified. Measurement instruments for each of the specified risk factors were developed. Instruments were piloted in a volunteer sample of surf lifesavers. Participant characteristics were recorded using demographic questionnaires; IRB operating techniques were recorded using a custom-made on-board camera (Grand RF-Guard) and images of operating techniques were coded by two independent observers. Ground reaction forces transmitted to the host through the lifesaver's feet at the time of wave impact were measured using a custom-built piezoelectric force platform. The demographic questionnaire was found practical; the on-board camera functioned successfully within the target environment. Agreement between independent coders of IRB operating technique images was significant (p < 0.001) with Kappa values ranging from 0.5 to 0.7. Biomechanical instruments performed successfully in the target environment. Peak biomechanical forces were 415.6N (left foot) and 252.9N (right foot). This study defines the relationship between epidemiological and biomechanical factors in modifying the risk of IRB-related injury in a population of surf lifesavers. Preliminary feasibility of combining epidemiological and biomechanical information has been demonstrated. Further testing of the proposed model and measurement instruments is required.

Towards new models of cardiopulmonary resuscitation teaching: the role of practical scenario training on surf lifesavers’ perceptions of resuscitation efficacy

Introduction: surf lifesavers in Australia undertake numerous resuscitation scenarios in the course of their training and examination. The standard teaching and examination strategy is for the scenario to end with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and then breathing. This study was performed to assess the effect of this training technique on lifesavers’ expectation of successful resuscitation and to determine the effect of experience on these expectations. Methods: participants were lifesavers from Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches (SLSSNB). Data was collected by questionnaire. Questionnaires were applied to newly qualified lifesavers, a random sample of patrolling lifesavers and a strategic group of lifesavers with extensive experience in resuscitation. Anticipation of ROSC was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: the mean VAS for the expected likelihood of successful resuscitation was 55.0±19.2% (95% CI: 51.3–58.6%). Published rates of ROSC range from 9 to 36.4%. Nearly 80% of our respondents expected better than 36.4% chance of ROSC. There was no difference in anticipation of ROSC between the three groups ( F=0.41; 2,99df; P=0.67). Time since learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) did not affect the expectancy of ROSC ( F=0.92; 5,101df; P=0.47). Similarly, the number of resuscitations performed by an individual did not affect anticipation of successful outcome ( F=0.13; 3,102df; P=0.94). Conclusions: surf lifesavers in the Sydney Northern Beaches branch have an exaggerated expectation of the chances of successful CPR following cardiac arrest. This expectation did not change with time since learning CPR or participation in actual resuscitations. New models for CPR education need to be investigated.

Impact data for the investigation of injuries in inflatable rescue boats (IRBS).

Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) are arguably the most important rescue tools utilised by Australian Surf Lifesavers. The crews in the IRB are continuously battling the fierce element that is the ocean. This force of nature takes its toll on man and machine. Initial impact data for this unique situation has been gathered as part of a biomechanical study investigating the increasing frequency of injuries to surf lifesavers whilst using an IRB. This paper outlines the scope of the research topic and concentrates on the data gathering equipment and an analysis of this unique data set. This initial testing has revealed impact acceleration peaks up to and exceeding 400 m/s2 (40 g) for a period of about 20 ms. These values were a result of an impact with waves of moderate size (approximately 1 m). It was therefore concluded that the impact is of a significant nature and further work should be performed to determine more concise ride characteristics for the IRB. From that it is hoped that methods will be discovered to lessen the impact on the crew with the aim of decreasing the injury rate.

The incidence of inflatable rescue boat injuries in Queensland surf lifesavers.

To estimate the current incidence of serious injuries in Queensland surf lifesavers related to inflatable rescue boat (IRB) use, and to describe the nature of the injuries. Descriptive study. The 3050 members of Queensland's 57 surf life saving clubs who drove or crewed an IRB in Queensland between July 1997 and June 1998. Incidence of serious IRB-related injuries that resulted in claims for workers compensation in 1997-1998, and type and anatomical location of injury. Thirty-six IRB-related injuries were lodged with WorkCover Queensland by surf lifesavers during 1997-1998, giving an estimated crude incidence of 1.2%. Sixty-one per cent of injuries affected the right side of the body; two-thirds of these involved the knee, leg and ankle. IRB injuries occurred most often during patrol duty (39% of cases) and it was usually the crewperson (86% of cases) who was injured. Fracture and fracture-dislocations constituted a third of the injuries, with 75% occurring in the right leg and ankle. Despite the known incomplete reporting of these injuries, our findings suggest that IRB-related injury caused substantial morbidity among volunteer surf lifesavers. The pattern of injuries suggests biomechanically preventable causes.

Success of surf lifesaving resuscitations in Queensland, 1973-1992.

To determine the success of resuscitations performed by Queensland surf lifesavers and the factors associated with successful resuscitation. Retrospective case survey, using data from Surf Life Saving Association of Australia resuscitation report forms. 54 Queensland beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers, and nearby areas, between 1973 and 1992. Reasons and success rates for resuscitation, distance from surf clubhouse, whether inside patrolled area, victim's age, sex, facial colour on presentation, occurrence of vomiting, airway difficulties and involvement of alcohol. 171 resuscitations were reported (80% involving males and 20% females), with a success rate of 67%. Seventy-two per cent were performed during patrol hours, 17% within patrolled areas (95% successful) and 55% outside patrolled areas (only 62% successful) (P = 0.004 for difference in success rates); resuscitation success rates fell with increasing distance from the surf clubhouse (P = 0.009). Reasons for resuscitation were: immersion, 70% (success rate, 68%); collapse, 22% (success rate, 47%); and surf or beach injury, 7% and 1%, respectively (success rate, 100% for each). Resuscitation was more likely to be successful if the victim's facial colour on presentation was normal, pale or blue, but not if grey, and if the victim did not vomit or regurgitate. Resuscitation by surf lifesavers was highly successful when the victim was close to the surf patrol, indicating a need for funding to expand patrol areas. Public awareness of the greater safety of "bathing between the flags" (in the delineated patrol area) should be increased.