Impact data for the investigation of injuries in inflatable rescue boats (IRBS)

Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) are arguably the most important rescue tools utilised by Australian Surf Lifesavers. The crews in the IRB are continuously battling the fierce element that is the ocean. This force of nature takes its toll on man and machine. Initial impact data for this unique situation has been gathered as part of a biomechanical study investigating the increasing frequency of injuries to surf lifesavers whilst using an IRB. This paper outlines the scope of the research topic and concentrates on the data gathering equipment and an analysis of this unique data set. This initial testing has revealed impact acceleration peaks up to and exceeding 400 m/s2 (40 g) for a period of about 20 ms. These values were a result of an impact with waves of moderate size (approximately 1 m). It was therefore concluded that the impact is of a significant nature and further work should be performed to determine more concise ride characteristics for the IRB. From that it is hoped that methods will be discovered to lessen the impact on the crew with the aim of decreasing the injury rate.