Quick RESCUE. New foldable, self-inflating, light and highly portable device for water rescue and lifesaving

*Quick Rescue is a small, light and very compact water rescue device, worn as a snug waist bag by the lifesaver. It incorporates a self-inflating mechanism in the form of a CO2 cartridge, which is activated in cases where it is necessary to provide the bather in distress with buoyancy. It offers lifesavers various advantages, both in terms of water rescue actions and outside the water, leaving their hands free to carry out other functions.

Although rescue operations only constitute 1.9% of the actions required of lifesavers, it is crucial for them to have a flotation device such as Quick Rescue in order to achieve a favourable outcome in rescues. Once inflated, Quick Rescue looks very similar to a standard rescue buoy. It offers good buoyancy for rescuing a bather in distress, high visibility, handles for the lifesaver and bather to hold onto, and a cord attached to the lifesaver in order to maintain contact in adverse conditions.

The efficacy of the Quick Rescue device for rescue purposes has been scientifically proven; it offers similar results to those of traditional devices (rescue time, perception of fatigue, ease of use, time needed to control the bather in distress, etc.). The lifesaver wears the device around their waist until reaching the victim. Thanks to its folding mechanism, the Quick Rescue generates negligible resistance for lifesavers when they are swimming, having no impact on their swimming speed. The CO2 self-inflating mechanism is activated just before making contact with the bather in distress by pulling a ring. It is also equipped with a nozzle for inflating by mouth if necessary.

The buoyancy of the device once inflated makes it suitable for safely carrying out rescues of very heavy bathers or several bathers at once, handling up to 266 kg.

While Quick Rescue is just as effective as other flotation devices in rescue operations, one of the main advantages it offers is outside the water, where lifesavers carry out 98% of their functions (prevention, surveillance, moving around when changing shifts, etc.). The advantage lies in the fact that it can be worn as a waist bag, which means the lifesaver’s hands are free at all times to carry out preventive tasks, interact with bathers or carry other material (first-aid kit, flippers, walkie-talkie, etc.).

What is more, thanks to its compact design, it can be attached to other rescue devices and vehicles (rescue boards, jet skis, boats), and can be used to provide buoyancy, solving safety and storage problems at the same time. It is not advisable to attach standard flotation devices —such as rescue buoys— to rescue vehicles, since due to their rigidity there is a danger of the lifesaver or bather in distress being struck through wave movements. Moreover, storage space on these vehicles tends to be very limited. The compactness of the Quick Rescue device also makes it a much more practical option for training activities, since by taking up much less space it can be easily stored and carried to the practice site of rescue techniques. As such, the Quick Rescue is highly recommended since not only is it just as effective as traditional rescue devices but also it offers additional advantages for lifesavers in their other functions. The incorporation of the Quick Rescue device in the lifesaving sector would represent an improvement in the day-to-day activities of lifesavers, consequently boosting the safety of bathers.

Videos from the device as well as more information in the app Quick rescue available on:

• App Store:https://apps.apple.com/es/app/quick-rescue/id1259858547?l=ca
• Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sixtemia.quickrescue

Characteristics:
Compact (12.5 cm x 21.5 cm x 9.5 cm)
Light (916 grams)
Excellent buoyancy 2613.8 N (266.7 kg)

Visibility:
Yellow device

Red handles

Safety for lifesaving personnel:
Quick-release fasteners.

Floating tow rope of optimal length for not getting in the way while swimming.

Material:

Resistant to saltwater and UV rays.

Resistant to breakage and tearing.

Resistant to the action of biocides; minimises growth of bacteria and microorganisms.

Easily cleaned and disinfected.

Inflation:

Automatic with 33 gram CO2 cartridge

Alternative of nozzle for inflating by mouth.

Portability:

Device worn as waist bag with adjustable belt. Equipped with quick-release fastener for the lifesaver’s greater safety.

Highly portable, leaving the lifesaver’s hands free for other tasks.

Negligible resistance when swimming.

Intellectual property status

This water rescue device, developed by DIPSALUT, is made freely available to any interested party worldwide.

The device is subject to Creative Commons licensing.

Content to be incorporated: “©Dipsalut, Girona, 2021, all rights reserved.”

NO RESTRICTION (OPEN ACCESS)

Current development status

Commercially available technologies

Finished technologies

Desired business relationship

Other : This water rescue device, developed by DIPSALUT, is made freely available to any interested party worldwide.