In these times of sophisticated livestock management – from portable pens and chutes, to pillory-like stanchions, to electric fences, and all the other assorted control devices for sheep – it’s strange to think that one of the best tools ever created for a shepherd was a long stick with a hook on the end of it.The origin of this highly useful tool is, as one might expect, lost in the dim shadows of man’s early attempts to domesticate animals he deemed useful. Larger hooks, crafted from horn, could be used to grab a sheep by the neck.
But one might assume, following a logical progression of thought, that the creative process went something along those lines.It’s safe to say, however, that the shepherd’s crook has been around for a long, long, long time. You achieve instant success. If there is no shepherd’s crook, you might use other reaching equipment, such as poles, oars, paddles, tree branches, shirts, belts or towels. They will be upright in the water, pressing down hard with both arms to try to get their head up out of the water to get a breath. There are other ways to do such a rescue and your local Red Cross can recommend a complete water safety or lifeguard training class. This is not complete instruction in rescuing drowning victims, but is a supplement to a lesson I give my classes on how almost anyone can possibly save someone in trouble in the water, without entering the water, using just their hand or equipment commonly found at swimming pools.
If you pull too quickly you might jerk the crook from their hands or hurt them. About 48 degrees outside on this November day. Stack that up against a nice, solid portable fence. They use the crooks to pull the animals back in if they stray away from the fold (group). The Shepherd’s Crook. If you try to rescue a victim struggling in this manner, you will have to aim the crook carefully.If they can not grab the crook, or do not see or feel it, which frequently happens, dip the crook deeper in the water and swing it around behind the victim to pull them in. You should place the curve of the crook around the back of their chest below the armpits. If a victim is close enough, a reaching assist can be used to help theIf the person in trouble in the water is very close to the side, lie down on the deck or pier/dock surface, spread your legs out wide for stability, and reach for them. The use of the shepherd’s crook ends up being, in effect, a kind of martial art. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Reaching for a hand/fingers is not as secure.If the person in trouble is too far from the side to reach easily while lying down, you can use a shepherd’s crook (also known as a life hook) to extend your reach. That’s why the staff, with a crook at the end, is needed. He can also use the crook of … One needs balance, timing, and a good eye to nab a full-grown eye or ram as it crashes past at a dead run. Keep your body low, and lean back to avoid being pulled into the water.By grabbing wrists you get better hold on each other. BUT do not completely rely on them being able to see and/or grab the crook (see below). In these times of sophisticated livestock management – from portable pens and chutes, to pillory-like stanchions, to electric fences, and all the other assorted control devices for sheep – it’s strange to think that one of the best tools ever created for a shepherd was a long stick with a hook on the end of it. The shepherd’s crook is very flexible and can feel awkward the first time you use it, move carefully. Their head may be tilted back and they may not see you. Information about lifeguard training is at Yell to them to “grab my wrist” as you try to grab their wrist or upper arm and then carefully pull them in. Doubtlessly, in those wild days, one can imagine that the crook also doubled for a defensive weapon against both predatory beasts and potential human robbers. If someone near the pool edge has a cramp, and is not struggling, you can talk to them or gesture to them that you are trying to help them. It goes where you want it to. . The animal is contained. Someone who got a cramp in their leg might be able to call out for help, but someone actually drowning can’t yell or even talk. You might even gently try to get the victim to notice it by pushing the crook at their waist, but certainly move carefully and slowly enough that you do not hit them in the face. They will come up and go under as they instinctively push with their arms.
*** The shepherd’s crook has proven its usefulness almost as long as man has been civilized. Notice the victim in the pictures below going up and down in the water as he pushes and tries to get air. Trained herding dogs were added to the picture to direct a flock this way and that, but a man still needed that hook to grab individual animals. Which, if you think about it, points out just how effective a tool it must have been. In my classes we practice these skills. Slowly and carefully pull them to the side. Be prepared for a sharp tug on the crook when they find it. They could end up only a foot from the side of the pool, but they will not be able to reach or get to the side. We find evidence of it in Egyptian art drawn well over four thousand years ago.It’s interesting to note, too, that in the case of Egypt, the shepherd’s crook became a symbol of sovereignty. I was quite surprised to finally find out.”First you need to realize that people who are drowning can’t yell for help.