title: Physiological response of beach lifeguards in a rescue simulation with surf.
abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the physiological response of 14 lifeguards in a swimming pool simulation with 1.7 m waves and to study the efficiency of the torpedo buoy. The rescue time was determined with and without material, as were lactate levels, heart rate and VO(2max). The results obtained showed a VO(2 max) rate of 3.4 +/- 0.8 l/min without equipment and 3.3 +/- 0.8 l/min with equipment. Moreover, the time taken to swim towards the victim without equipment decreased by 7.7 s, while towing time was reduced by 10.8 s if said equipment was used. These results show that aquatic rescue makes considerable physiological demands on the swimmer and they also provide important data on the type of training and aptitude levels required by individuals wishing to join these rescue groups. The equipment currently used has a negative affect on the swim. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: The study shows that beach rescues make very high physiological demands on rescuers, thus underlining the need to perform entry tests for these highly demanding rescue teams. The auxiliary equipment is a help in the return time of rescue. However, it causes delays in the approach to the victim.
authors.affiliation: University Oviedo, Spain. josea@eupo.es
authors.forename: José Antonio Prieto
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Saborit
authors.forename: Miguel del Valle
authors.initials: Mdel V
authors.lastname: Soto
authors.forename: Vicente González
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Díez
authors.forename: Maria Angeles Montoliu
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sanclement
authors.forename: Paloma Nistal
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.forename: Jorge Egocheaga
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.forename: Luís Santos
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D016544:Patient Simulation; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D018635:Rescue Work; D013030:Spain; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid