ES2674530B1 - FLOATING DEVICE FOR THE RESCUE OF UNCONSCIOUS PEOPLE - Google Patents

Description

Floating device for the rescue of unconscious people

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to flotation devices for the rescue of unconscious persons.

STATE OF THE ART

There are currently different types of flotation or lifeguard elements used to rescue people or for people who can not swim.

For rescue or rescue, are known, for example, buoys or rescue cans designed to be carried by the lifeguard that takes them swimming towards the victim so that both (victim and rescuer) lean on the buoy and can stay afloat . To facilitate their movement in the water, the rescue buoys consist of an aerodynamic shape, for example, formed by an elongated body with rounded edges. There are also rescue buoys equipped with handles to facilitate the grip of both the victim and the lifeguard. However, these systems are not suitable for the rescue of an unconscious person.

In the rescue of an unconscious (or little conscious) person, an adequate treatment of their respiratory tract is essential. The reflex closure of the glottis, the entry of fluid into the respiratory tract and muscle and tongue relaxation can obstruct the respiratory route and prevent the diffusion of oxygen (O2) into the blood. The most basic way to avoid obstruction of the airway is to place the victim's head in the proper position. For this, in the case of an aquatic rescue of an unconscious person, when the lifeguard reaches the unconscious person, according to weight and / or damage suffered by the victim, the lifeguard chooses between at least three manual techniques or known maneuvers, namely:

- hand-neck maneuver: for people who are not very heavy; in these cases, the lifeguard takes the victim by the nape of the neck to hold his head with one hand;

- shoulder-armpit maneuver: for heavier people; in these cases, the lifeguard passes an arm over the shoulder of the victim and takes it from the opposite axilla with his hand;

- Winch maneuver: it is more complicated and is used in cases of suspected spinal injury; in these cases the lifeguard is placed on the back of the victim with one arm forming a straight line along his chest and holding his chin with one hand and with the other hand holding the back of the neck and the back of the head.

A common denominator of this type of maneuvers is that they involve the use of one of the hands and / or arms of the lifeguard at the hands and, therefore, force them to move and / or stay afloat while waiting for the means of rescue, for example boat or helicopter, only with its legs.

In addition, in the rescue of an unconscious person a fast and adequate attention is crucial. Therefore, there is a need for a flotation device designed to be carried by swimming by the lifeguard to the victim that is suitable for the rescue of an unconscious person.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect a flotation device is provided for the rescue of unconscious persons. The flotation device comprises a main floating body which in turn comprises a coupling area, a support area opposite the coupling area, a floating surface which in use is in contact with the water and an opposite supporting surface to the floating surface. The flotation device is characterized in that the coupling zone comprises a slit configured to receive the neck of an unconscious person and in that the flotation device also comprises an additional floating body provided on the floating surface of the main floating body. The additional floating body is configured to, in use, provide an inclination of the neck of the unconscious person with respect to a vertical plane such that it allows to unblock the respiratory path of the unconscious person.

According to this aspect, the presence of the additional floating body creates an additional upward thrust to that already provided by the main floating body. In addition, the additional floating body in combination with the slit into which the neck of the unconscious person is inserted entails that, when the neck of the unconscious person is introduced into the slit and his head is supported (specifically the neck) in the supporting surface, the additional floating body "pivot" towards the coupling area or portion producing a push in the area where the neck of the unconscious person begins. This combination of thrusts (additional upwards and towards the coupling area) provided by the body of additional flotation causes an inclination of the neck of the unconscious person with respect to a vertical plane such that it allows to unblock its respiratory path. Or what is the same, provides an angle of inclination of the neck of the unconscious person suitable to open, or keep open (hyperextended), and above the water level, to the respiratory tract of the unconscious person.

In other words, the body of additional floating, pushes the body of the unconscious person back, keeping her back to the water and ensuring hyperextension of her neck and respiratory tract. As indicated above, when a person is unconscious he is left without muscle tone, therefore all his muscles, including the muscles of the tongue relax. The reflex closure of the glottis together with relaxed muscles of the tongue can block the windpipe and close its respiratory tract. For this, in the rescue of an unconscious person, it is crucial to dispose the victim in a position of hyperextension of the neck and respiratory tract. This position prevents the muscles of the tongue even when they are relaxed can block the airways.

Throughout the present description and claims, the device in use, should be understood when disposing the neck of an unconscious person (who is normally in the water) in the slit and resting his head on the supporting surface of the body of main floating. It should be understood, furthermore, that during the use of the flotation device, the floating surface is in contact with the water, while the supporting surface remains opposite to the floating surface.

According to some examples, the angle of inclination can be between 17 ° and 27 °. In more examples, the angle of inclination can be between 20 ° and 24 °. And, in a particular example, the inclination angle can be about 22 °.

According to some examples, the additional floating body can be provided in a portion subsequent to the coupling area. Particularly, the additional floating body can be disposed behind the slit when looking at the floating device from the front coupling portion. This guarantees the position of hyperextension of the neck and respiratory vines of the unconscious person whose neck has entered the cleft when his head, specifically the neck, is resting on the supporting surface.

According to some examples, the flotation device may comprise mechanical means for closing the slit. In this way, the flotation device can "close" around the neck of the unconscious person. In other words, this implies that the flotation device is self-fastening. This allows its use by the lifeguard, leaving his hands free once placed and "fastened" around the neck. Therefore, by releasing the hands of the lifeguard, he can also use his hands to swim which reduces the time of transfer of the unconscious person, that is, improves the efficiency of the transfer.

Examples of mechanical closure means may comprise a strip, ribbon or band configured to join the free ends of the slit. In particular, a band can be provided which, at least on one of its ends, has, for example, clips, Velcro®, a buckle or the like.

According to some examples, the main floating body can comprise an elongated shape that allows it to be dragged in the water. This form longer than wide allows the lifeguard in circumstances to catch the victim with two hands while swimming with his legs and drag the victim. In addition, it is a form that allows the lifeguard to swim by dragging the device with relatively little resistance. Particularly, the main floating body can comprise a substantially hydrodynamic shape such that it provides a resistance to the traction of the minimum water when it is dragged into the water. This facilitates, for example, the displacement of the victimless lifeguard to the rescue site since a flotation device with a hydrodynamic shape opposes a lower water resistance when being dragged, for example, by a lifeguard.

Throughout the present description and claims, a body with hydrodynamic form should be understood as a body designed to travel faster in water consisting of an elongated shape with rounded edges.

According to some examples, the flotation device can be manufactured from a polymeric material with a polyurethane coating, giving it a high durability, lightness and high impact resistance such as, for example, vinyl. Therefore, being a lightweight flotation device, it opposes a lower resistance to the displacement of the lifeguard to the rescue site.

In some of these examples, the materials that make up the flotation device can be woven (also called "films") such as a polymeric fabric (commercially available as Nylon®), with a polyurethane coating (TPU) or a polyester fabric With a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating, these materials can configure a cavity that contains CO2 under pressure to generate buoyancy, by using flexible materials avoiding possible blows with the floating device itself to the accident victim or the lifeguard that could cause damage. additional

In more examples, the flotation device may be inflatable. For this, the flotation device may comprise one or more inflation means, for example, an oral inflation tube (manual or by air pump) or a compressed gas or foam cartridge / inflator system. One aspect of the inflatable devices is that they allow increasing the speed of movement of the lifeguard to the rescue site since it can be presented, for example, folded in an eyelet and activated instantaneously once the person to be rescued is reached. In addition, inflatable devices (or those made of materials with low buoyancy) make it easier for the lifeguard to perform rescues when the victim is submerged in the water.

In some of these examples, the main flotation body may comprise two lateral cavities of substantially the same size. The provision of two lateral cavities of adequate height, in combination with the additional floating body, helps to prevent the unconscious person from leaning forward or laterally.

According to some examples, the slit may have a substantially "U" shape. Alternatively, a substantially "U" shape may be provided under the circumstances, while the slit is suitable for receiving a person's neck.

According to some examples, the main flotation body can be provided with one or more handles that facilitate the grip, for example, of the lifeguard.

According to some examples, the main floating body may comprise one or more holes at its ends. In these holes you can tie drag ropes or ropes to facilitate the tracing of the device with and without victim.

Although the use of the flotation device associated with the rescue of an unconscious person in the water has been described, that is to say that it has been described that a flotation device substantially as described allows to maintain the neck position of the unconscious person in its angle (inclination) throughout the rescue in the water until it comes out of it, it should also be mentioned that these devices can also be used once out of the water, to keep the person rescued with the neck immobilized in the position of hyperextension of your respiratory tract.

Other objects, advantages and characteristics of embodiments of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the description, or can be learned with the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, particular embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and 1B show perspective views, respectively from above and from below of a flotation device according to an example;

Figures 2A and 2B show side views of the flotation device of Figures 1A and 1B, respectively without and with victim;

Figures 3A and 3B show plan views of the flotation device of Figures 1A and 1B, respectively without and with victim; Y

Figures 4A and 4B show section views of the flotation device of the previous figures, respectively without and with victim.

DETAILED EXHIBITION OF REALIZATION MODES

In the following figures, the same reference numbers have been used to indicate matching elements.

Figures 1A and 1B show perspectives of a flotation device according to an example, respectively views from above and below. The flotation device comprises a main floating body 1 having a substantially elongated shape extending between two ends 11, 12. Between both ends 11, 12 and following an imaginary line (dotted line A) joining both ends 11, 12 , the main floating body 1 can be divided into a coupling front portion or portion 10 and a rear portion 20.

The main floating body 1 further comprises a floating surface 200 (which is the one shown in Figure 1B) and a supporting surface 100 (which is the one shown in Figure 1A), opposite the surface of flotation 200. Also, the surface of flotation 200 can be defined as the one that in use looks at water. Additionally, the main floating body 1 comprises a slit 101 provided in the coupling front portion 10. Particularly, in the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B the slit 101 is disposed substantially in the center of the coupling front portion 10 and has substantially "C" form In other examples, other suitable ways to receive a person's neck may be provided, for example, "U" shape or the like provided that they allow receiving a person's neck. In more alternatives, the slit may be provided in another position of the coupling front portion.

As shown in Figure 1B, the flotation device further comprises an additional floating body 30 provided on the floating surface 200 of the main floating body 1. Furthermore, the additional floating body 30 is provided in the rear portion 20 of the main floating body 1, substantially at its center. That is, it is provided substantially in correspondence with the slit 101 of the coupling front portion 10. In other words, the additional floating body can be provided behind the slit when looking at the floating device from its front coupling portion.

In this way, in use, that is to say when the neck of a person who is in the water in the slit 101 is introduced and his head rests on the supporting surface 100 of the main flotation body 1, the additional flotation body 30 creates a moment upwards and towards the beginning of the neck of the person that involves the positioning of the neck and the head of the person with an angle of inclination (see reference a in figure 4B) with respect to a vertical plane (see reference B in figure 4B) such that it allows to keep open, (or open as the case may be) the respiratory tract of the person. The moment created by the additional floating body results from the combination of the additional thrusts produced by the additional floating body substantially as described above, that is, the additional upward thrust and the "pivot" push or movement towards the coupling area.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4B, the vertical plane B can be understood as a plane substantially perpendicular to the water level N. In circumstances, the vertical plane can coincide with a plane substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface 100 of the floating body. main 1

Additionally, as shown in the example of Figure 4B, the angle of inclination a with respect to the vertical plane B is the angle formed when it is rotated backwards, ie towards the nape, a cranial frontal plane D of the victim . In other words, when the victim's frontal cranial plane D pivots back approximately at the victim's throat.

Throughout the present disclosure, it should be understood that the frontal cranial plane of a person is that plane that divides the head of the person into an anterior portion and another posterior portion through the center of gravity of the head. Therefore, when there is no inclination of the neck and of the head backwards (toward the neck) the cranial frontal plane coincides with the vertical plane B of the example of Figure 4B.

Furthermore, from the example of FIG. 4B, it can also be inferred that the inclination angle a can be defined as that which positions the cranial frontal plane D substantially parallel to a tangent of the section of the main floating body 1.

In these examples, the front coupling portion 10 of the flotation main body 1 comprises a closure strip 40 configured to join the ends of the slit 101. To open and close the closure strip 40, mechanical locking means 41- are provided. 42 on at least one end of the strip 40 and of the slit 101. Examples of mechanical closure means 41-42 comprise Velcro®, clips, buckles or the like such as to allow the closure strip 40 to be opened and closed around the neck of a person.

Figures 2A and 2B show side views, respectively without and with victim and figures 3A and 3B show plan views, respectively with and without victim. In these examples, the main flotation body 1 comprises two lateral cavities 1A and 1B substantially symmetrical and of the same size. The side cavities 1A and 1B can have a height H such that it encompasses the length of the victim's neck. This reduces the possibility that the unconscious person may lean laterally (arrow E). Likewise, it contributes to the fact that, once placed and fixed around the neck of the victim, his head remains in correct position (hyperextension) by itself, without the lifeguard must use their hands to maintain this position. This allows the lifeguard only to be responsible for holding the flotation device and swimming back to the shore.

In examples, one or more side handles may be provided for the lifeguard to hold the flotation device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more floating skips can be provided.

Figures 4A and 4B show section views of the flotation device of the previous figures, respectively without and with victim. In these examples, the main floating body 1 and the additional floating body 30 are formed integrally. Alternatively, the main floating body and the additional floating body can be independent bodies joined together. In these figures, in particular in Figure 4B, the thrust (arrow C) exerted by the additional floating body 30 towards the body of the unconscious person (ie toward the coupling front portion), in particular at the area where your neck begins. This push C allows the person to be kept unconscious with his back to the water and with his head at an angle of inclination a with respect to the vertical plane B such that it promotes the hyperextension of his neck and his respiratory tract.

In several of the figures, holes 111, 121 (see for example FIG. 1B) are shown at the ends 11, 12 of the main flotation body 1. The holes 111, 121 allow, for example, to hold a floating rope for holding the device. to the lifeguard (not shown). This allows the lifeguard to drag / tow the unconscious victim attached to the flotation device substantially as described above, ie, maintaining the desired hyperextension position of his neck and respiratory tract.

In the above examples the flotation device is shown as an inflatable device and therefore oral inflation tubes 300 are also shown. In alternative examples, the flotation device may not be inflatable. In some of these examples, it can be manufactured from a geometry generated by flexible polyurethane foam or by polyvinyl acetate polymers (known as EVA rubber). In more alternatives, one of the floating bodies (main or additional) can be inflatable and the other can not.

Although only certain embodiments and particular examples of the invention have been described here, the person skilled in the art will understand that other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the invention are possible, as well as obvious modifications and equivalent elements. Furthermore, the present invention encompasses all possible combinations of the specific embodiments that have been described. Numerical signs relating to the drawings and placed between parentheses in a claim are only to attempt to increase the understanding of the claim, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the protection of the claim. The scope of the present invention should not be limited to specific embodiments, but should be determined solely by an appropriate reading of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. A flotation device for the rescue of unconscious persons that includes: - a main floating body (1) comprising - a coupling zone (10), - a support area opposite the coupling area (10), - a floating surface (200) that in use is in contact with the water and - a support surface (100) opposite the floating surface (200), characterized in that the coupling zone (10) comprises a slit (101). ) configured to receive the neck of an unconscious person; and because the flotation device comprises, in addition - an additional floating body (30) provided on the floating surface (200) of the main floating body (1), the additional floating body (30) being configured for, in use, providing an inclination (a) of the neck of the unconscious person with respect to a vertical plane (B) such as to unblock the respiratory path of the unconscious person. 2. The flotation device of the revindication 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination (a) is between 17 ° and 27 °. 3. The flotation device of any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the inclination angle (a) is between 20 ° and 24 °. 4. The flotation device of any one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the inclination angle (a) is approximately 22 °. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the additional floating body (30) is provided in a posterior portion (20) to the coupling zone (10). 6. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that it comprises mechanical means (40-41-42) for closing the slit (101). The flotation device of any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the main floating body (1) comprises an elongated shape that allows it to be dragged into the water. 8. The flotation device of claim 7, characterized in that the main flotation body (1) comprises a substantially hydrodynamic shape such that it provides a minimum traction resistance to water when it is dragged into the water. 9. The flotation device of any one of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that it is made from a polymeric fabric with a polyurethane coating or a polyester fabric with a polyvinyl chloride coating. 10. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that it is made from a geometry generated by flexible polyurethane foam or by polyvinyl acetate polymers. 11. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that it is inflatable. The flotation device of claim 11, characterized in that the main floating body (1) comprises two lateral cavities (1A, 1B) of substantially the same size. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the slit (101) has a substantially "C" shape. 14. The flotation device of any one of claims 1 - 13, characterized in that the main floating body (1) is provided with one or more handles. 15. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the main floating body (1) comprises one or more holes (11, 121) at its ends (11, 12).