Pia Carry
Encyclopedia
The Pia Carry was created for use exclusively by lifeguard
s by Frank Pia
. It requires a strong legs-only kick that is used to support the drowning non-swimmer as far out of the water
as possible (at least the shoulders out), to stop the instinctive drowning response
. It is standard procedure for most lifeguard
training. Frank Pia is a recognized authority on lifeguarding and drowning.
It is a control carry which may be used on conscious, drowning non-swimmers (frequently abbreviated as DNS); as such, it is considered an extremely high-risk rescue technique and rescuers should attempt it only if trained and fit to do so. Direct contact with victims should be chosen last, after having attempted or ruled out all other "rungs" of the Ladder Approach
.
The technique consists of approaching the victim from behind and below to minimize risk and maximize control; encircling the victim's waist or hips with one arm; and supporting the victim's buttocks or thigh on your hip. This ensures that the victim's head and shoulders are clear of the water while you swim to safety with a one-arm pull and either whipkick or eggbeater kick. The rescuer should attempt to keep his or her head clear of the surface to reassure the victim while moving to safety. This carry is used only over short distances where safety can be reached within 10–15 m and there is back-up help available.
While encouraged, the Pia carry is not the only accepted control DNS carry; "must-sees" for the NLS physical skill only require the victim's head and shoulders be clear of the water.
Lifeguard
A lifeguard supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool, water park, or beach. Lifeguards are strong swimmers and trained in first aid, certified in water rescue using a variety of aids and equipment depending on...
s by Frank Pia
Frank Pia
Francesco Pia is an American lifeguard, recognized in the field for his research and training on ways to rescue people in trouble in the water...
. It requires a strong legs-only kick that is used to support the drowning non-swimmer as far out of the water
Water
Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O. A water molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at ambient conditions, but it often co-exists on Earth with its solid state, ice, and gaseous state . Water also exists in a...
as possible (at least the shoulders out), to stop the instinctive drowning response
Instinctive drowning response
The instinctive drowning response is a set of behaviors automatically undertaken by a person who either is, or is very close to, drowning.These are autonomic responses of the body, undertaken without deliberate control, and "represent a person's final attempts to avoid actual or perceived...
. It is standard procedure for most lifeguard
Lifeguard
A lifeguard supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool, water park, or beach. Lifeguards are strong swimmers and trained in first aid, certified in water rescue using a variety of aids and equipment depending on...
training. Frank Pia is a recognized authority on lifeguarding and drowning.
It is a control carry which may be used on conscious, drowning non-swimmers (frequently abbreviated as DNS); as such, it is considered an extremely high-risk rescue technique and rescuers should attempt it only if trained and fit to do so. Direct contact with victims should be chosen last, after having attempted or ruled out all other "rungs" of the Ladder Approach
Ladder approach
The ladder approach is a lifesaving technique taught by The Royal Lifesaving Society, and is used to promote the safety of a rescuer during an aquatic rescue...
.
The technique consists of approaching the victim from behind and below to minimize risk and maximize control; encircling the victim's waist or hips with one arm; and supporting the victim's buttocks or thigh on your hip. This ensures that the victim's head and shoulders are clear of the water while you swim to safety with a one-arm pull and either whipkick or eggbeater kick. The rescuer should attempt to keep his or her head clear of the surface to reassure the victim while moving to safety. This carry is used only over short distances where safety can be reached within 10–15 m and there is back-up help available.
While encouraged, the Pia carry is not the only accepted control DNS carry; "must-sees" for the NLS physical skill only require the victim's head and shoulders be clear of the water.
See also
- Frank PiaFrank PiaFrancesco Pia is an American lifeguard, recognized in the field for his research and training on ways to rescue people in trouble in the water...
- NLS
- DNS
- lifeguardLifeguardA lifeguard supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool, water park, or beach. Lifeguards are strong swimmers and trained in first aid, certified in water rescue using a variety of aids and equipment depending on...