Quick Rescue self-inflating flotation device for rescuing sea swimmers in distress versus conventional tube or buoy rescues.

OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of the new self-inflatable Quick Rescue (QR) flotation device to conventional tube and buoy devices. To compare lifeguard fatigue after rescues with different flotation devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty lifeguards participated in this quasi-experimental field study. Each performed simulated rescues of sea swimmers in distress under 4 conditions (no device, the QR device, a tube, and a buoy) assigned in random order. The swimmer in distress was located at a distance of 100 m. Ambient conditions, victim type, and beach were standardized. Participants underwent training to use the inflatable QR float and all other devices. Expertise was defined as a score of at least 3 on a Likert scale of 1 to 5. We recorded rescue times (total, and approaching, securing and towing back the distressed swimmer) as well as the lifeguards' perceptions of effort (overall and for each stage). RESULTS Most rescue times did not differ between conditions, with the exception of time needed to secure the victim, which was shorter by 3 seconds when no device was used (P<.05). The rescuers did not perceive differences between devices in overall effort or effort during any of the phases. CONCLUSION The new self-inflating QR device is as useful as other flotation devices in terms of rescue times and effort expended by lifeguards. We can therefore recommend its use for rescuing sea swimmers in distress.