Drowning
First Aid For Drowning
Never enter the water unless absolutely necessary. Remember
"Reach and Throw Don't Go". Try to reach them with a rope or stick or
throw them an object that will float - such as a life buoy.
Once the person is on land, if they are not breathing, open
and check the airway and if necessary perform CPR (remember D R A B). If you
are alone, perform CPR for one minute before calling for emergency help. Try to
keep the casualty horizontal as shock can occur.
It is unlikely that the casualty will have vast amounts of
water in their lungs however, it is very ususal for them to swallow a great
deal of water. This water might be vomited as they are rescued or whilst CPR is
taking place. It should be remembered that there might be other factors
contributing to the drowning such as alcohol, hypothermia, epilepsy or heart
attack.
If the person is unconscious but still breathing, turn them
into the recovery position with their head lower than their body to allow water
to drain out, and call an ambulance immediately.
Any casualty who has suffered from near drowning or has been
resusctated and has recovered may well suffer from "secondary
drowning" later on. this casualty should be taken to hospital immediately.
