Navy Skills for Life – Water Survival Training – Clothing Inflation

Summary

HM1 Richard O’Dell, a search-and-rescue medical technician, demonstrates three essential methods for inflating trousers to provide flotation during a rescue. Petty Officer Trejo showcases the process, starting with knotting the pant legs to hold air, followed by three techniques: the overhead method, the splash method, and underwater breathing. These methods ensure that the individual can stay afloat with minimal energy while waiting for rescue, a critical skill taught at the Naval Survival Training Institute in Pensacola.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script introduces HM1 Richard O'Dell, a search-and-rescue medical technician, and Petty Officer Trejo at the Naval Survival Training Institute in Pensacola.
• 😀 Petty Officer Trejo is demonstrating a drown-proofing technique with trousers for flotation during a water survival situation.
• 😀 The knot to be tied at the ankles of the trousers is critical to ensuring proper flotation. The slack should be pulled tightly to secure the knot.
• 😀 Once the knot is tied, the next step is to zip up the trousers and button them, ensuring they’re sealed to retain air.
• 😀 The first method of inflating the trousers involves using the overhead technique, where both pant legs are inflated in one motion to minimize energy use.
• 😀 The second method is the splash technique, where air is splashed into the open trouser waist to inflate the pants.
• 😀 The third method is underwater breathing, where the individual uses their breath to blow air into the trouser legs for flotation.
• 😀 All three methods allow the trousers to retain air and provide buoyancy, helping the individual stay afloat.
• 😀 The purpose of these flotation techniques is to allow the person to remain buoyant without exerting much energy while awaiting rescue.
• 😀 The demonstration is important for training personnel in water survival and search-and-rescue operations, showcasing practical flotation techniques with minimal equipment.

Q & A

What is the role of HM1 Richard O'Dell in the video?

HM1 Richard O'Dell is a search-and-rescue medical technician at the Naval Survival Training Institute in Pensacola. He is the narrator and instructor in the video, guiding Petty Officer Trejo through the process of drown-proofing and trouser flotation techniques.

Why is it important to tie the knot on the pant legs before starting the floatation method?

The knot on the pant legs is crucial because it holds air inside the trousers, which is essential for providing the flotation needed to keep the individual afloat in water.

What steps are involved in preparing the trousers for flotation?

To prepare the trousers, the pant legs are crossed, a knot is tied at the ankles to hold the air, and then the excess slack is pushed through and tightened. Afterward, the trousers are zipped up and buttoned before using them for flotation.

How does the overhead method of flotation work?

In the overhead method, the person places the pant legs around their neck and inflates both trouser legs in one motion. This allows the individual to float without using much energy.

What is the splash method for inflating the trousers?

The splash method involves holding the waist of the trousers wide open while splashing air into them. This fills up both trouser legs with air, providing the necessary flotation.

What is the underwater breathing method, and how does it help with flotation?

The underwater breathing method involves the individual holding their breath and using the air from their lungs to fill both trouser legs. This method allows the person to maintain flotation for a longer period while waiting for rescue.

What is the purpose of using trouser flotation techniques in this training?

The purpose of these flotation techniques is to help individuals stay afloat in water without relying on traditional flotation devices, particularly in search-and-rescue or survival situations.

Why is it important for Petty Officer Trejo to remove his boots before using the flotation methods?

Removing the boots is important because it reduces weight and makes it easier to manage the trousers when inflating them. Boots can also impede proper air circulation inside the trouser legs, which is essential for flotation.

How does tying the knot on the pant legs contribute to energy conservation?

Tying the knot holds the air inside the trouser legs, which means that the person does not need to use excessive energy to keep the trousers inflated. This helps them conserve energy while floating, especially in longer rescue scenarios.

In what type of situations would these flotation methods be used?

These flotation methods would be used in search-and-rescue missions, survival training, or emergency situations where a person needs to remain afloat for an extended period while waiting for help.