Drowning

 BASIC LIFE SUPPORT: DROWNING

Drowning is a prominent source of unintended morbidity and mortality that can be prevented. Submersion in a liquid medium causes drowning, which causes primary respiratory impairment. The presence of a liquid or air contact at the sufferer's airway, which prevents the victim from inhaling air, is implicit in this definition. People who suffer from drowning may have a 50% chance to survive.

DROWNING TREATMENT

1. Extraction: 

• Rescuer(s) must take the person out of the water as soon as possible and must not ignore personal safety and security.

2. Check for breathing: 

• Place the ear to the victim's mouth and nose to detect breathing.

• Also, notify any change of breathing rhythm on the victim's chest.

3. Check pulse:

• If there is no sign of the victim’s breathing, rescuer(s) should check the pulse to ensure the victim is still alive.

• Check for ten seconds.

4. Start CPR

• If there is no pulse, start CPR.

ADULT

CHILD

Carefully place the person on their back. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest at the nipple line. You can also push with one hand on top of the other. Press down at least 2 inches. Make sure not to press on ribs. Do chest compressions only, at the rate of 100-120 per minute or more. Let the chest rise completely between pushes. Check to see if the person has started breathing.

Carefully place the child on their back. Tilt the head back and lift the chin. For a baby, be careful not to tilt the head back too far. With an older child, pinch the nose closed and put your mouth over the child's mouth, forming a tight seal. With an infant, place your mouth over both the baby's nose and mouth. Blow into the child's mouth for 1 second. You should see their chest rise. Repeat the breath a second time.

* When the rescuer conducts chest compressions or rescue breathing, the victim may vomit.