New Technology, Better Lifeguards!

Lifeguards and new technology mix to help save lives

By Virgil Dugo
Editors: Cody George

When it comes to the water, lifeguards are trained to handle many types of emergencies. One situation is a spinal injury, a devastating injury that could leave someone paralyzed for life. Lifeguards use the best equipment possible to help reduce the risk of spinal injury and help save people’s lives.

There are many different ways head and spine injuries can occur in both the ocean and/or a swimming pool. Spinal injuries occur in shallow water during conditions of limited visibility or uncertain depth. Many hidden dangers can be faced in the ocean such as rocks, uneven sand, or sand bars. At a pool, one should be aware of no diving signs and where the slope of the pool separating the shallow from the deep end begins. Always ask a lifeguard if you are unsure of the conditions that you are swimming in as it could save your life!

Because of these dangers, lifeguards use a variety of different equipment and optimized technology. One example of equipment used is a rescue board system. A rescue board system incorporates a head immobilizer, backboard, and backboard straps that help restrict movement of an injured person. With a backboard system, a lifeguard can respond to a spinal victim, secure them for treatment, and move them safely to a hospital for further treatment. The board’s material allows it to float and be maneuvered easily in the water as well as on land in order to stabilize an injured person. Lifeguards in teams can move them without risk of further injury and are able to get the injured person out of the water for enhanced treatment.

One example is the Emmobilize™ Complete Rescue Board System offered by eLifeguard.com. It was designed and tested by lifeguards. Uniquely designed and handmade with specialty coated marine-grade plywood and recycled plastic, it uses no metal parts, which helps to reduce further injury. Since it is made from recycled plastic, it is good for the environment. Also included is a head immobilizer kit and a body strap system which can be adjusted for a secure fit to most individuals. Rescue boards such as the one offered by eLifeguard.com are just one example of advanced technology that’s currently used by lifeguards worldwide.

Prevention is the best way to reduce the chance of injuries from occurring. Make sure to always check with a lifeguard about how you can be safe while in the water, and talk with a lifeguard about water conditions and any hidden dangers that may be present. Yet, when accidents and emergencies do happen, we can still swim easy knowing that these trained professionals — combined with new technology — are ready for anything that comes their way.

If you are interested in the latest and greatest rescue technology available, sites like eLifeguard offer exciting and innovative products used by lifeguards worldwide. ╚

Check out this video for the EMMOBILIZE™ 6000 Complete Rescue Board System!