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Improved Emergency Response to Reduce Vehicle Submersion Drowning
Gordon Giesbrecht, PhD Gerren McDonald, MSc University of Manitoba
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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The Problem
Deaths in submersed vehicles, 350-400/yr ~10% of all drownings in vehicles Highest fatality rate of any single-vehicle accident Death often due to improper actions Poor public understanding Complete submersion and filling 2-3 minutes “Window” of opportunity for escape only 1 minute
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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This is what is being taught ...
I grew up (many years ago) in Florida and we were taught to stay in the car with the windows up and wait for the air bubble and then open door and leave.
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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3 Stages of vehicle submersion
Submerged – Vehicle full of water – Doors and windows easily opened – Unfortunately you are probably dead
Sinking – Vehicle tilts forward – Water above the window – Higher level than inside – Impossible to open anything
Floatation (30-120 sec) – Before water reaches bottom of side window – Ample time to exit via window – Do not open the door
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Everyone’s natural response The Cell Phone
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Rescue Sling and Rope
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Now hear this!
If your vehicle ends up in the water… And you touch your cell phone…
You will probably die!!!
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Bottom Line DO NOT TOUCH YOUR CELL PHONE
SEATBELTS off WINDOWS open or break (back is better) (CHILDREN) start with the oldest OUT
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Electric windows will work only for a short period of time (seconds?)
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Center Punches
Will break side windows effectively Should be visible and within driver’s reach Preferably mounted
Photos courtesy Trevor Hagan, Winnipeg Free Press Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
Res-Q-Me Center Punch
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Res-Q-Me Center Punch
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Two parallel tracks to save lives 1. Public education No cell phones Seatbelts Windows Children Open
Proposed strategy Location (brief attempt) Focus on self rescue Seatbelts (undo locks) Windows (move to back) (break/kick, location) Children (older first) Out (immediately) Prepare for the worst
Current strategy Location Personal Information Send help Stay calm until help arrives
2. Emergency Dispatch
Publication Education products
Media Policy
Protocols Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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What is your emergency?
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Help caller control own destiny
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Be specific - how to break window
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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Last gasp effort
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba
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DO NOT TOUCH YOUR CELL PHONE
SEATBELTS off WINDOWS open or break (back is better) (CHILDREN) start with the oldest OUT
Emergency Dispatch Tell them what to do !!!
Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba