At the fresh Water Training Centre 8 K-PBOT in Borówno, the first water rescue classes were conducted in cooperation with WOPR lifeguards. Their main nonsubjective was to prepare soldiers for safe and effective action in the aquatic environment while supporting local communities in real crisis consequence events. Classes combined explanation with practice, allowing participants to practice procedures and face the challenges of working in water.
Scope of training and tasks
The program included the most crucial elements of water rescue. Participants started classes by learning about the specificity of the aquatic environment, the types of threats and the principles of the assessment of the situation. They then switched to applicable training utilizing basic rescue equipment - buoys, darts and safety belts.
The key part of the class was to improve approaches to the affected individual in the water, its safety and transport to shore. The WOPR instructors, utilizing the experience gained during real actions, stressed the importance of correct approach, stableness and avoiding mistakes that could endanger the lifeguard.
Soldiers besides practiced working in pairs and teams. They trained, among others, the evacuation of an unconscious person, the reaction to destabilization and behaviour of the victim, who made the action hard in panic. These elements were realized both on the shore and straight in the water.
Field conditions and preparation of participants
The 8.K-PBOT Water Training Centre in Borówno provided conditions for carrying out the full scope of exercises - from the shallow part of the tank utilized for the first tasks, to deeper parts, where more demanding episodes were performed. WOPR rescuers took care of the safety of participants, overseeing all component of the training.
The participants were acquainted with the rules on the usage of individual protective equipment and the specificity of operations under different weather conditions. peculiar attention has been paid to body thermals, hypothermia and the impact of stress on water performance.
Conclusions and training benefits
The training was demanding, but at the same time highly valuable. The soldiers stressed that the acquired cognition and practice were a real preparation for emergency situations in which the WOT could cooperate with another emergency services.
Thanks to the experience of WOPR instructors, participants of the training have expanded their skills in:
- hazard assessment in the aquatic environment,
- a safe approach to the drowning person,
- the usage of rescue equipment,
- insurance and business in pairs,
- evacuation of the victim in the water and on the shore.
The classes resulted in a summary and discussion of the most crucial conclusions. This was another part of this year's crisis consequence training, preparing soldiers for actions that include fast response, work and interservice cooperation.
Text: Wide. Agnieszka BŁAŻYEWska, GDD 8 K-PBOT
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