Steps to consider for the Rescue of an unconscious patient from a sea kayak
- Approach the patient with a sense of urgency, yell for help, call 111
- Consider an approach: angle, not to run over the patient, ideally pointing in the direction of the shore if possible, coming in close
- Park next to the patient and turn them face-side up, and thereafter keep their head out of the water.
- Open the airway, speak to them, pat cheeks to encourage consciousness and/or breathing.
- Use a short leash tow. So, depending on leash length, clip to or pass the carabiner through PFD shoulder straps and back to leash or PFD, ensuring the system is releasable.
- Paddle with the patient quickly (paddle stroke is wide on the patient's side, without hitting them with the paddle or water going into their mouth while in an unconscious state.
- At shore: get out on the patient's side, protecting them from the kayak and the waves. Unclip and use rescue drag (grab under both armpits and drag to land. Yell for more help if required or call 111. Then start first aid/CPR if required.
The key difference between a whitewater kayak and a sea kayak is that you have to manage a longer boat, and you are often in salt water (not always though). So always consider your approach so you have to do as little maneuvering, and ideally, you end up pointing towards shore to enable a fast return. This is another reason why your personal paddling skills need to be up to standard for the qualification.