@article{ref1,
title="Rescue lifting system (RLS) might help to prevent death after rescue from immersion in cold water",
journal="International journal of sports medicine",
year="2001",
author="Rollnik, J. D. and Witt, K. and Hänert, W. and Rix, W. and Schwindt, M.",
volume="22",
number="1",
pages="17-20",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: In order to prevent sudden death after rescue from immersion in cold water, victims should be handled carefully avoiding additional cardiovascular stress. In this study we investigated if a new double-sling rescue system (&quot;Rescue Lifting System-RLS) was superior to conventional single-sling techniques. METHODS: We studied 14 healthy male subjects in good physical condition aged 21 to 40 years. They were lifted up from the ground with the new RLS and two conventional techniques (&quot;Lifesling&quot; and a navy rescue system used in SAR helicopters). Heart rate was determined by QRS detection (Polar Precision Performance device; Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland) and blood pressure by sphygmomanometry. RLS and &quot;Lifesling&quot; were tested under conditions of dry land and immersion in 18 degrees C water. RESULTS: Rescue with RLS induced only moderate heart rate changes which were significantly lower (about 30 bpm) than with conventional techniques. These findings could be reproduced under &quot;wet&quot; condition. DISCUSSION: RLS enables rescue in a supine position avoiding extensive orthostatic stress. It might therefore be favourable in preventing sudden death after rescue from immersion in cold water.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0172-4622",
doi="10.1055/s-2001-11361",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2001-11361"
}