North Cronulla has one of the strongest Rescue and Resuscitation (R&R) sections in Australia.  The section has seen gold, silver and bronze medal performances at State and Australia every year for the past 20 years. 

The R&R event provides the opportunity for teams to demonstrate competetively the original and developing methods of rescue as well as the modern techniques of resuscitation.  In 5 person R&R the team consists of a patient, beltman/rescuer, first on line, second on line and a reelman.  Each individual has a unique and important responsibility.

The R&R event offers the unique opportunity for both male and female members to compete together on equal terms.  In addition to this the event is the only competition where team members have individual and personal varying physiological, psychological and biomechanical requirements and responsibilities.

The event is judged and timed by two (three for State and Australian Titles) judges.  The team with the lowest score at the end of the event is pronounced the winner.  The event is split into four sections, which are described, briefly in the following pages.

Section 1

In this section the teams line up and upon judges commands march on to the arena. 

When arriving at the designed peg the team places the reel on the ground and move to their positions. 

Section 2

On ‘judges change’ command the team turns and prepares for the first race of the competition.  On a pistol start the beltman jumps into the belt while the linesmen, and reelman sprint to their positions feeding line out for the beltman who is racing to swim to the buoys.

 The beltman No.2 position requires good strength and swimming ability to race to the buoys towing the line behind them.

 Section 3

In this section no 4, 5 and 3 ‘haul’ No 1 and 2 back to shore by using the reel.  This section is no.3s important section as this is a race to get the beltman and patient back to shore and requires hard work and determination by the reelman.

Once the beltman reaches the shores he/she gives the signal to cease haul in.  No. 3, 4 and 5 then run to aid No1 picking up the patient. 

The patient is carried up the beach to the designated position.

The team lays the patient on the sand and check for vital signs.  Once the patient has been checked for breathing no.3 returns to the reel to receive the belt handover from No2. 

Points are placed in this section on care for the patient, correct assessment of the patient and return of the rescue equipment by No. 3 and 2.

This is the hardest section of all, as it requires good fitness and teamwork by all members.

 Section 4

This is where positions 4 and 5 commence resuscitation of the patient.   This section is one of the most important sections as mistakes made here are worth double points.  4 and 5 need to be very conscious of correct timing and hand positions.

After 1 minute resuscitation is called to a halt.  No. 4 and 5 must place the patient into the recovery position

The team is then called to reform back to the reel.  On the lift reel command teams must lift the reel and move off the arena.  This is the end of the event.

North Cronulla recent achievements

  
Open Women’s 2nd Australian Titles 2003

Open Women's 1st Australian Titles 2000

Open Women’s 1^st State Titles 2004           Open Women’s 2^nd State Titles 2002

Open Women’s 3^rd State Titles 2001     U/16 5 person – 1^st State Titles 2000   

U/16 5 person – 2^nd State Titles 2001  

Conclusion

On a lasting note I want to say that competing in R&R is not only about winning and excelling at sport but also about making lifelong friends.  Most competitors of R&R stay within the club longer than those perusing individual sports.  This is because of the teamwork involved and the great section spirit.

One thing I can vouch for is that competing with a team of friends who are all working towards a common goal is a lot of fun. I have been part of many different teams of mixed male and female to all female starting in Nippers and now for many years in the Open Women’s side.

If you would like to be part of an R&R team please do not hesitate to call me on 0405 973 705.

Thanks

Kristine Whitford

R&R Section Leader