RCM SAR (Sicamous)

• Access and Parking for RCM SAR Station 106 Rescue Base: Access is via Young Crescent (one way street), turn left off Finlayson Street by Reds Rentals & Marina. Park only in designated area for Emergency Services or Reserved Parking for District of Sicamous Operations. Crews must park NOSE FIRST to allow unload of the stretcher.
• DO NOT HIT “ARRIVED” ON THE CAD. Write down or take a picture of the information on the CAD: If you are being transported on the lake with RCM SAR, the information will not auto-load into your ePCR until you advise dispatch you are 10-7 scene. This might take some time depending on cellular transmission.
• Consider the availability of a higher level of care for certain calls: Discuss with dispatch the option of waiting for a higher level of care to arrive prior to departure from the rescue base. Decisions will be based on ETA of support and license level of crews attending.
• Wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and CO Monitors at all times: Ensure PFD service indicator is green. There are extra PFD’s available from RCM SAR if required.
• Ensure you take all necessary equipment for response, loading the following onto your stretcher:
  • PORTABLE RADIOS – CELLULAR PHONE – TOUGHBOOK
  • SATELLITE PHONE (If available on car otherwise one on the Tolonen Boat)
  • JUMP KIT – PORTABLE O2
  • LP1000 (Mandatory on all calls) - LIFEPAK 15 (If available)
  • AIRWAY KIT (If items stored separately from jump kit)
  • SUCTION KIT/EZ-IO (There are suction kits with EZ-IO on both boats as well, ensure they are fully charged prior to departure)
  • SUNGLASSES – WATERPROOF PATROL JACKET – WINTER GEAR (depending on time of year responding)
• THERE ARE NO MEDICATIONS STORED ON THE BOATS OR IN THE RESCUE BASE: Be mindful that you may be redirected to another call during response. Consider the need for extra medications or an extra portable oxygen based on the call information received.
• Lower the stretcher to the appropriate ergonomic height (not fully extended) when taking it to the rescue base, ensuring all equipment is securely fastened.
• Introduce yourselves to the boat crew.If you have not responded with RCM SAR before, or if you require a refresher, request a safety orientation.
• Discuss any inclement weather conditions and safety concerns with the coxswain before responding: This will be a joint decision between all responding crew members and will be continually assessed throughout the response. Delay in responding or sheltering in place may be an option if unsafe to proceed or continue the call.
• Load all equipment into the boat once cleared to board by RCM SAR crew. They will be completing their safety check prior to departure and will advise when it is safe to board the vessel.
• The stretcher should be lowered completely and brakes applied prior to departure: The stretcher can remain on the landing between the boats inside the rescue base.
• Complete the RCM SAR MISSION log: RCM SAR will require your names, response unit and full Event number.
• Review the location of the call with RCM SAR and obtain an ETA to the scene: A detailed map is available to review your destination and start looking at options for alternate sites to offload critical patients if required to meet a higher level of care or for quicker transport to hospital. RCM SAR crew will be able to advise where they can safely dock or best location to meet an ambulance or 370A.
• Advise dispatch via cellular phone, portable radio, or Sat phone at the following times:
  • 10-8 to destination when leaving the rescue base with ETA
  • 10-7 arrival at scene
  • Patient update and estimated departure time if delay expected
  • 10-8 to pre-arranged destination or return to rescue base with ETA
  • Advise dispatch if you require higher level of care to meet at destination
  • 10-7 arrival back at RCM SAR rescue base
• Review contents and equipment list on the boat so you are familiar with the location of the items: Take this time to prepare for the call including becoming familiar with the contents as well as contacting the Paramedic Specialist for critical calls so they are aware of your location and limited resources in future decision making.
• RCM SAR crew is responsible for docking, securing and the safe loading/unloading of the crew and equipment on scene: Follow the direction of the coxswain when it is safe to leave the vessel. RCM SAR crew will assist with carrying equipment and two members will respond with the BCEHS crew for support and safety. They can be directed to bring extra equipment or supplies from the boat as needed for patient care.
• PARAMEDICS ARE NOT TO ENTER THE WATER. Rescue from the water or extrication of patients is the responsibility of RCM SAR: BCEHS crews are still responsible for patient care and will work jointly with RCM SAR to ensure clear communication for risk assessments and all lift plans. Be aware of changing water levels and possible pinch points.
• If injuries allow, all patients must wear a PFD: RCM SAR will assist with child PFDs as well as any family members or bystanders being transported with the patient.
• Assessment and management of oxygen supply is key during patient treatment and transport: Use this formula to calculate the duration of an E tank

PSI in the Tank x 0.28 / oxygen flow in lpm = Oxygen Duration in minutes

• Upon return and docking at the rescue base, RCM SAR will secure the vessel and is responsible for the safe transfer of patients from the vessel: BCEHS will work jointly with RCM SAR for all risk assessments and lift plans.
• Non-Ambulatory Patients: ANY patient on any lifting device, regardless of weight, requires a minimum of four trained crew members to safely transfer onto and off of the vessel and also to push the stretcher up the dock ramp. Ensure stretcher is adjusted to a safe transport height prior to moving the patient on the dock and ramp.
• Pending patient presentation all equipment and supplies utilized on the boat should be restocked from your ambulance: Equipment & supplies can be given to RCM SAR crew members to restock if assistance is needed. If you are unable to restock the vessel, contact the Sicamous UC with a list of required items for replacement.