What sequence is an acceptable protocol for handling a minor injury on the water?

• A. Stop activity, assess, provide basic first aid, document, and transport the rower to shore for further care.
• B. Continue rowing to shore and treat on land.
• C. Immediately call emergency services and wait in place.
• D. Document the incident and resume practice.

Answer: (A)

When a minor injury happens on the water, the first step is to pause what you’re doing to prevent any worsening. Stop the activity and quickly assess the rower’s condition and the environment. Check for obvious issues like bleeding, severe pain, numbness, dizziness, or any signs of head or neck injury. This quick check helps you decide if more urgent care is needed.

Provide basic first aid right away—control bleeding with pressure, immobilize or support a suspected sprain or bone injury, and keep the rower comfortable and warm while you monitor them. After addressing the immediate needs, document what happened, what you observed, and what care you gave. This record helps ensure the person receives appropriate follow-up evaluation.

Then arrange transport to shore for further care. A minor injury that’s treated on the water may still require an on-land evaluation to rule out hidden complications and to receive any needed treatment from medical professionals.

Continuing to row to shore and treating on land delays care and can allow the injury to worsen. Calling emergency services and waiting in place is reserved for more serious, life-threatening situations. Simply documenting and resuming practice fails to provide necessary care for someone injured.