Drowning is death caused by
suffocation in water and other liquid. Water and other liquid are inhaled into
the lungs. Victim gasps for air while struggling to stay afloat. The muscles of
the larynx contract preventing more fluid and air from reaching the lungs.
Without air, the victim stops breathing, looses consciousness and may die if
not rescued on time.
suffocation in water and other liquid. Water and other liquid are inhaled into
the lungs. Victim gasps for air while struggling to stay afloat. The muscles of
the larynx contract preventing more fluid and air from reaching the lungs.
Without air, the victim stops breathing, looses consciousness and may die if
not rescued on time.
First Aid for a Drowning Victim
1. Only persons trained in
water rescues should reach out to help.
water rescues should reach out to help.
2. If victim is close enough, reach
out with a fishing pole, a tree branch, belt etc. if far throw a floating
object, may be attached to a rope and slowly pull victim to safety.
out with a fishing pole, a tree branch, belt etc. if far throw a floating
object, may be attached to a rope and slowly pull victim to safety.
3. Do not waste time trying to
get water out of the victim.
get water out of the victim.
4. Activate the EMS system.
5. If necessary start
artificial respiration at once. This can be done on shallow water or o boat to
save the time it would take to get the victim ashore.
artificial respiration at once. This can be done on shallow water or o boat to
save the time it would take to get the victim ashore.
6. Start mouth to mouth breathing at once.
7. Prevent drowning accident
in your family by putting fences around ponds or areas of deep water. Tell
people never to swim alone and always watch children when they are playing with
water or having a wash. Teach children to swim but only in safe places.
in your family by putting fences around ponds or areas of deep water. Tell
people never to swim alone and always watch children when they are playing with
water or having a wash. Teach children to swim but only in safe places.
