The following is a summary of “In-water resuscitation during a surf rescue: Time lost or breaths gained? A pilot study,” published in the May 2024 issue of Emergency Medicine by Barcala-Furelos, et al.

In-water resuscitation (IWR), a technique developed on a surfboard, is recommended by the International Liaison Committee for Resuscitation (ILCOR) for ventilating individuals rescued from water. However, its feasibility and effectiveness remain uncertain. For a study, researchers sought to assess the feasibility of IWR with a rescue board before and during towing and to compare rescue times and rescue-associated fatigue levels between rescues with rescue breath attempts and without.

A randomized crossover pilot test was conducted, comparing IWR with a pocket mask to conventional surface rescue (SR). IWR tests were performed using a Laerdal ResusciAnne manikin. Three groups of variables were recorded: rescue time (in seconds), effective ventilations during rescue, and rating of perceived effort (RPE).

Comparing rescue times, SR performed significantly faster than IWR, taking 61 seconds less to complete the rescue (Z = -2.805; P = 0.005). There were no significant differences in RPE between the two techniques (T = -1.890; P = 0.095). Lifeguards performed an average of 27 ± 12 rescue breaths during IWR.

IWR on a rescue board is feasible both during rescue and towing. It shortens reoxygenation time but delays arrival to shore compared to SR. Both techniques resulted in similar levels of perceived fatigue.

Reference: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735675724000688