Physiological response of beach lifeguards in a rescue simulation with surf.
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.
Saborit
José Antonio Prieto
JA
University Oviedo, Spain. josea@eupo.es
Soto
Miguel del Valle
Mdel V
Díez
Vicente González
VG
Sanclement
Maria Angeles Montoliu
MA
Hernández
Paloma Nistal
PN
Rodríguez
Jorge Egocheaga
JE
Rodríguez
Luís Santos
LS
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
D019344:Lactic Acid