Rescue lifting system (RLS) might help to prevent death after rescue from immersion in cold water.

OBJECTIVE

In order to prevent sudden death after rescue from immersion in cold water, victims should be handled carefully avoiding additional cardiovascular stress. In this study we investigated if a new double-sling rescue system ("Rescue Lifting System-RLS) was superior to conventional single-sling techniques.

METHODS

We studied 14 healthy male subjects in good physical condition aged 21 to 40 years. They were lifted up from the ground with the new RLS and two conventional techniques ("Lifesling" and a navy rescue system used in SAR helicopters). Heart rate was determined by QRS detection (Polar Precision Performance device; Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland) and blood pressure by sphygmomanometry. RLS and "Lifesling" were tested under conditions of dry land and immersion in 18 degrees C water.

RESULTS

Rescue with RLS induced only moderate heart rate changes which were significantly lower (about 30 bpm) than with conventional techniques. These findings could be reproduced under "wet" condition.

DISCUSSION

RLS enables rescue in a supine position avoiding extensive orthostatic stress. It might therefore be favourable in preventing sudden death after rescue from immersion in cold water.