Hedland lifeguards rise to the challenge during requal training

A group of lifeguards and duty managers from the Pilbara recently completed their pool lifeguard requalification training at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre.

16 participants, including duty managers from Dampier and Port Hedland, took part in the training which qualified pool lifeguards must complete each year. The training helps to maintain their confidence and ability to prevent accidents as well as respond competently when they occur.

The group was led by Royal Life Saving WA Aquatic Trainer Ryan Scally, who brought some fresh concepts to the lifeguards in addition to their regular CPR and first aid response practise. Ryan introduced an advanced secondary survey acronym – S.A.M.P.L.E. – which received a positive response from the group.

S.A.M.P.L.E. stands for Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake and Events/Environment. Using simple acronyms such as this provides an easy framework to follow during an emergency situation and helps lifeguards keep their wits about them during a first aid response.

Participants were also challenged to conduct a spinal management rescue scenario both as an individual and then with just a team of two lifeguards. This was so they could experience what it would be like if limited staff were available to assist, which could sometimes be the case at smaller regional pools. 

It was all in a day’s work for this highly skilled group; the lifeguards completed every challenge thrown at them with team-based collaboration and confidence.