"Courtney" wrote in message
nk.net...
I was actually formally taught a "hand of god" rescue in an all day class
last August but it was described using a different name. I'd never seen
it
described such that that capsized paddler would reach up with a hand for
a
rescue. The technique that I was shown was for a paddler, upside down
and
still in the cockpit, but for one reason or another in unable to assist
with
their own rescue. It was simply called a 'trapped paddler rescue" and
rather than grab a hand, which could possible be attached to the arm of a
dislocated shoulder, grabbing the pfd was recommended.

This is the way that I learned the technique as well and have always
taught
it that way as an instructor. You never know what injuries the upsidedown
person may have and always need to be cautious.

Just to throw my 2-sense in, remember that someone suffering an obstructed
airway (like by hanging upside down in their kayak) has a higher level of
need than someone with a dislocated shoulder, or even a broken neck.
Although you don't *want* to complicate things by grabbing their hand and
exasorbating their other injuries, if they've been out of air for a few
minutes and time is getting urgent, grabbing their arm, hair, PFD or
moustache to get them right side up is the preferred course. Worry about the
next life-threatening thing once you've relieved the first.

--riverman