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Emergency Action Plan
While Lake Rawlings is a very safe and fun place to dive, we are prepared in case of an emergency situation.
Safety Operations
A qualified divemaster will always be on duty whenever Lake Rawlings is open to the public for diving and swimming. These individuals will be trained in oxygen administration, first aid and CPR procedures as well as rescue breathing and airway obstruction. A lifeguard kayak and/or rescue board is available for open water patrol and rescue. A first aid station is also housed inside the building used for dive shop operations, called “The Dive Shack”.
Emergency Evacuation
In all emergencies, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office must be contacted immediately, by calling (434) 848-3133. Give your name and specific location and all other pertinent information that is requested. Bring someone with you when making an emergency call so that one of you can stay by the phone at least 3-minutes for any return call, if necessary. A list of emergency services telephone numbers appear at the end of this section. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, request that Med Flight be dispatched immediately.
Med-Flight Emergencies
Contact the Sheriff’s Office at (434) 848-3133 to request Med Flight for certain medical emergencies which require immediate evacuation from Lake Rawlings. It is noted that Med Flight is not the primary responder. However, due to the remoteness of our location, Med Flight has agreed to respond to certain emergencies when called upon by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, which are identified below:
(1) Near drowning when the victim has lost consciousness. Med Flight must be called whenever a victim has been removed from the lake in an unconscious condition.
(2) Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism (A.G.E.). Although rare, this is a very serious diving injury. Whenever the victim is suspected of experiencing an air embolism, as it is commonly called, Med Flight must be requested. Signs and symptoms to watch for all convulsions, unconsciousness, bloody froth at the mouth, partial or full paralysis, etc.
Trauma
Any trauma, such as uncontrolled bleeding, head injury, etc. caused by a fall or instrument, requires immediate evacuation. Call the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office to request Med Flight immediately.
Hospitals
Most emergency evacuations will be taken to South Hill, VA. Emergency medical care is also available in Petersburg, VA.
Hyperbaric Chamber
The closest hyperbaric chamber is located at Duke University in North Carolina.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
Brunswick County Sheriff's Office | 434-848-3133 |
Community Memorial Health Center | 434-447-3151 |
Diver's Alert Network | 919-684-8111800-446-2671 |
