Lifesaver Award
AIM
The primary aim is to examine, under pool or sheltered water conditions, lifesaving proficiency specifically applicable to divers. A secondary aim is to examine the ability of divers to make use of their rescue skills in more general non-diving situations. The examination covers rescue methods suitable for use from shore or boat, by rescuers as they are likely to be dressed at the time, using aids that may reasonably be expected to be available.
DURATION
One day.
ENTRY GRADE
Minimum age 12 years. BSAC Ocean Diver completed.
INSTRUCTORS
Instruction must be supervised by a BSAC Open Water Instructor, who holds the BSAC Lifesaver Award and demonstrated the skills to another Open Water Instructor or above in the last 12 months.
FACILITIES
Suitable sized swimming pool for number of students, preferrably at least 2m deep at one end. Classroom for theory lessons and dry practical instruction and assessment.
EXAMINERS
The instructor who taught the students may also examine them although an alternative instructor would be preferable. The regional coaching team would be willing to help with instructors and / or examiners if the branch is not self sufficient.
The primary aim is to examine, under pool or sheltered water conditions, lifesaving proficiency specifically applicable to divers. A secondary aim is to examine the ability of divers to make use of their rescue skills in more general non-diving situations. The examination covers rescue methods suitable for use from shore or boat, by rescuers as they are likely to be dressed at the time, using aids that may reasonably be expected to be available.
DURATION
One day.
ENTRY GRADE
Minimum age 12 years. BSAC Ocean Diver completed.
INSTRUCTORS
Instruction must be supervised by a BSAC Open Water Instructor, who holds the BSAC Lifesaver Award and demonstrated the skills to another Open Water Instructor or above in the last 12 months.
FACILITIES
Suitable sized swimming pool for number of students, preferrably at least 2m deep at one end. Classroom for theory lessons and dry practical instruction and assessment.
EXAMINERS
The instructor who taught the students may also examine them although an alternative instructor would be preferable. The regional coaching team would be willing to help with instructors and / or examiners if the branch is not self sufficient.
ADMINISTRATION
When a group is ready to be examined for the Lifesaver Award, Lifesaver Examination Report Forms should be obtained from BSAC HQ and prepared so that they list the personal details of all candidates in readiness for the examiner's use. On completion of the examination the branch Diving Officer or group instructor should submit the completed Examination Report Forms, together with the appropriate fees, to BSAC HQ, who will issue the appropriate certificates and badges.
The dry and wet tests may be examined in either order and on separate occasions over several weeks if preferred. Should a candidate fail either section, it may be retaken once, for an extra fee, within two months of the successful section. If the retake is failed, then both sections of the Lifesaver Award must be retaken.
SYLLABUS
The examination comprises two sections - a dry theoretical and practical test and a wet practical test. In summary, the candidates will be required to:
Answer questions on respiratory and circulatory anatomy, respiratory and circulatory physiology, lifesaving and relevant first aid / Basic Life Support.
- Demonstrate Rescue Breaths (RB) for three minutes.
- Demonstrate diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrest.
- Demonstrate action for vomit, and the recovery position.
- Perform a 10m rope throwing rescue.
- Perform a 10m buoyant aid rescue and tow.
- Perform a Snorkel Diver rescue and tow (50m).
- Perform an Aqualung Diver rescue and tow (50m) with RB in the water.
- Perform a 25m rescue swim and 10m tow of a swimmer, with RB in the water.
- Perform an endurance test supporting an unconscious casualty at the surface.
Ocean Divers who wish to take this Award will require additional training for the Basic Life Support skills not included in their previous training. These skills can most efficiently be taught by completing the appropriate theory and pool practical lessons from the Sports Diver syllabus. Throwing exercises and swimming rescues will require specific additional training for all participants.
The general principles of lifesaving will apply through the examination, i.e.
- Once the rescuer has made contact, it must be maintained without a break until the rescue is completed.
- Whenever RB are being applied during a rescue, the greatest training benefit and the most accurate assessment is obtained if the rescuer makes the appropriate seal over the subject’s mouth or nose (although the rescuer should only blow into the subject when a training manikin is being used). While rates of RB are quoted for guidance, the emphasis will be on effective Rescue Breaths rather than the maintenance of a precise rate.
- If any action or technique used by the rescuer reduces the safety or effectiveness of the rescue as demonstrated, the Examiner must take this into account when assessing the candidate. This especially applies where the candidate is given a choice of action.
- During the rescue the rescuer must demonstrate the appropriate sense of urgency compatible with the effective execution of the rescue.
- BSAC recommended rescue techniques are to be used throughout.
- During towing rescues, the rescuer should not deliberately discard his/her own mask and snorkel.
NOTES
Candidates will not gain the Lifesaver Award if, in the Examiner's opinion:
- They fail to make a time or distance limit, or fail to gain sufficient theory marks
- They are incapable of diagnosing cardiac arrest and administering RB and CC.
- They do not achieve a sufficiently high standard in any of the practical assessments
The candidate may be permitted one 'lowest level' section (e.g. Swimming Rescue: Non-breathing Subject) retake immediately after the examination at the discretion of the examiner. No further instruction will be permitted.
Updated PC 24/4/08
Page last modified: 24th Apr 2008 - 13:54:24