To survive a drowning incident, you need to use proper first-aid procedures as soon as you can. First aid for drowning differs only slightly from general first aid. When it comes to what to do before help arrives, start CPR right away.
CPR is the best thing to use when someone suffers from a near-drowning incident. It is only effective if performed in the first few minutes after the incident.
Keep reading below to know all about first aid for drowning and what to do before help arrives.
Recognizing a Drowning Situation
It is important to be aware of the signs of drowning and be prepared to take fast action. When attempting to rescue a drowning victim, the priority is to ensure you do not put yourself in harm’s way. Assess the situation carefully before attempting to aid them.
Be aware of the fact that they will be unable to communicate or move effectively. Before help arrives, you can help to reduce the risk of further danger for the victim by moving them away from any objects in the water that may be obstacles. Rolling the victim onto their back may also be necessary to keep their face out of the water.
If the victim is conscious, encourage them to float on their back and guide them to shallow water. During all of this, check their airway periodically to make sure it’s clear of any obstructions. Also, be aware of any vital signs or how the victim is responding to you to provide the best care.
Performing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
If someone is experiencing a near-drowning accident event, it is important to consider giving standard first aid before professional medical help arrives. To save a person’s life, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be performed immediately.
To perform CPR on a drowning victim, it is important to ensure the airway is clear and the person is lying on his/her back. Place the heel of your hand on the patient’s chest and place the other hand on top. If another person is available, simultaneous chest compressions should be performed with one hand above the other and at the same time.
Compressions should be done at a rate of 100-120 per minute until help arrives. Breathing into the patient’s mouth should only be done if rescue breaths can be performed correctly.
A person performing drowning CPR should also continuously monitor the person’s pulse to make sure that he or she is still alive. If help has not arrived by the time the person is awake and breathing, CPR should be stopped and the person should be moved to a safe, dry place and monitored until help arrives.
Learn How to Provide First Aid for Drowning
Always remember to stay calm when responding to a real or potential drowning situation. Subsequent steps in drawing first aid for drowning can spare a life before any medical assistance arrives. Thanks for reading – now, go contact your local water safety organization to learn more about water safety and techniques on how to provide first aid if someone is or appears to be drowning.
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