Improved Emergency Response to Reduce Vehicle Submersion Drowning

Gordon Giesbrecht, PhD Gerren McDonald, MSc University of Manitoba

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

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

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

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

Everyone’s natural response The Cell Phone

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

Rescue Sling and Rope

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

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

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

Electric windows will work only for a short period of time (seconds?)

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

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

Res-Q-Me Center Punch

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

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

What is your emergency?

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

Help caller control own destiny

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

Be specific - how to break window

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

Last gasp effort

Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba

 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