Drowning is a silent and swift emergency, often leading to cardiac arrest if not addressed immediately. Unlike other cardiac emergencies, drowning victims experience oxygen deprivation due to water inhalation. The priority shifts slightly compared to standard cardiac arrest cases, as oxygen deprivation becomes a critical concern. For first responders, understanding the initial steps, whether they’re trained professionals or lay rescuers, can ensure the best chance of survival for the victim. In this blog, we’ll explore the key actions to take when responding to a drowning-related cardiac arrest, starting from assessing the scene to initiating life-saving interventions like rescue breathing and CPR.
First Steps for Responders When Drowning is Suspected Cause of Cardiac Arrest
When drowning is suspected as the cause of cardiac arrest, first responders must first ensure the scene is safe before rushing in to help. Here’s what to do first:
1. Assess the Scene for Safety Before Approaching
Before rushing to help, pause and assess the environment. You need to watch out for potential hazards like strong currents, unstable surfaces, or other dangers that could compromise your safety. If the area is unsafe, it’s better to call for professional rescue teams rather than attempt a rescue alone. You need to remember your ability to help depends on your safety. So, always approach with caution.
2. Safely Remove the Victim from Water Without Risking Responder Safety
Once the scene is safe, the next step is to remove the victim from the water. If you can use available tools such as rope or life ring to pull the person to safety without putting yourself at risk. If you must enter the water, do so carefully and avoid any sudden movements, particularly if there’s a possibility of neck or spinal injuries. After removing the victim, place them on a flat, dry surface to begin the necessary steps of care.
First Assessment to Determine the Victim’s Condition
Once you’ve safely removed the victim from the water, the next step is to assess their condition. Quick evaluation can help you determine the right course of action. Here’s how to assess the victim properly:
1. Check for Responsiveness in a Drowning Victim
Time is of the essence when responding to a drowning victim. Gently tap the victim and shout their name to check for any signs of responsiveness. If there is no reaction, it’s clear that the victim is unresponsive and requires immediate attention.
2. Assess Breathing and Identify the Signs of Distress
Next, assess the victim’s breathing. You need to look for any chest movements, listen closely for breath sounds, and feel for air from their nose or mouth. If there’s no normal breathing or the victim is only grasping, it’s a medical emergency that requires immediate CPR. The sooner you act, the better the chances of survival.
3. Call Emergency Services and Provide Clear Information
Call 911 without any delay. You need to provide them with clear and concise details of your location, what happened, and the victim’s current condition. If an AED is available nearby, ask someone to retrieve it as soon as possible to further assist in stabilizing the victim.
Rescue Breathing and CPR: Prioritizing Oxygen for a Drowning Victim
When responding to a drowning-related cardiac arrest, providing immediate oxygen is essential for survival. The victim’s body is deprived of air due to water in the lungs, so prioritizing rescue breathing and CPR can restore oxygen flow and save their life. Here’s how to provide care:
Starting with Rescue Breaths in Drowning Cases
In drowning victims, the primary concern is often the lack of oxygen due to water in the lungs. This makes rescue breaths the most important initial step. By giving 2 rescue breaths, you provide essential oxygen to the body, helping to jump-start the victim’s breathing. Each breath should cause the chest to rise, indicating that air is entering the lungs and aiding in their oxygenation. This is a critical step in stabilizing the victim before proceeding to CPR.
Perform Effective CPR with Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths
If the victim is not breathing or has no pulse, immediate CPR is necessary. Here’s how to perform CPR effectively:
Chest Compressions
Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest and interlock the other hand on top. With your arms straight, apply firm pressure to compress the chest about 2 inches deep. Perform 30 compressions at a steady, continuous pace of about 100-120 compressions per minute.
Rescue Breaths
After 30 compressions, provide 2 rescue breaths. The chest should rise with each breath. This indicates proper airway management and oxygen delivery.
You have to repeat the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency help arrives or the victim shows signs of life.
Using an AED During a Drowning-Related Cardiac Arrest
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be a life-saving tool in the event of drowning-related cardiac arrest. When used correctly, it helps to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary to restore a normal heart rhythm. Here’s how to use an AED effectively:
Steps to Prepare and Apply the AED Correctly
If an AED is available:
- Dry the victim’s chest thoroughly to ensure the pads stick properly.
- Turn on the device and follow its voice prompts.
- The AED will analyze the victim’s heart rhythm and advise if a shock is needed.
Safety Precautions When Using an AED Around Water
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. You have to ensure that the victim’s chest and the surrounding area are completely dry before administering a shock. Additionally, make sure no one is in contact with the victim during the shock to avoid accidental injury. Always move the victim to a dry surface if possible, as administering an AED in standing water can be hazardous.
Water Safety Tips to Prevent Drowning and Related Emergencies
While it is important to know how to respond during drowning emergencies, preventing them from occurring in the first place should always be a priority. Simple precautions can make a world of difference in ensuring safety around water. You can follow these water safety to help prevent drowning and other water-related emergencies:
1. Always Supervise Children Around the Water
Even if your child is a strong swimmer, accidents can happen quickly. Never leave children unattended near water, whether at the beach, pool, or even a bathtub.
2. Use Life Jackets in Open Water and During Boating
Life jackets are crucial for anyone participating in water activities. In open water, strong currents or unpredictable conditions can pose a threat, and life jackets provide added protection.
3. Learn How to Swim and Teach These Skills to Your Family
Swimming is a life-saving skill. Make sure everyone in your family learns how to swim and feels confident in the water. If you know how to swim, you can teach your family members too.
Conclusion: Why Quick Action and CPR Training Matter in Drowning Cases
Drowning emergencies require quick action, and knowing what to do in those moments can make all the difference. When someone experiences a drowning-related cardiac arrest, every second counts. The ability to perform rescue breaths and CPR can not only save a life but also prevent long-term complications.
But let’s be real. It’s not just about knowing the steps. It’s about having the confidence to act and the skills to perform them correctly when someone’s life is on the life. That confidence comes from being prepared, and preparation starts with training.
At Heart Start CPR, we’re here to help you with the knowledge, skills, and assurance you need to step in and make a difference when it matters most. Enroll in a CPR training course and be ready to be the hero in an emergency. Your actions could change everything.
