Environmental Injuries and Illnesses

Drowning Emergencies

Drowning emergencies can happen very quickly and are common in the summer months when people like to go swimming. Downing happens when a casualty who is submerged under water attempts to breath through their nose or their mouth. If water enters the lungs this can prevent a casualty from being able to exchange gas in the lungs which then impact their ability to breathe efficiently. This is a medical emergency what requires you to call 9-1-1 immediately. These types of emergencies often go undetected as the casualty might not have the ability or energy to call out for help.

Managing a Drowning Emergency

If you encounter a casuatly who is drowning, perform the following steps:

  1. Perform a scene survey. Ensure you do not place yourself into danger when rescuing a casualty. Often times the casualties are desperate for air and may cling to you accidently causing you to drown as well. 
  2. Once the casualty is out of the water perform a primary survey and determine if the casualty is alert and breathing.
  3. If the casualty is not alert nor breathing, call 9-1-1 immediately and start CPR.
  4. Have a bystander get an AED, first aid kit, and/or call 911 if you have not already done so. Record at what time CPR started.
  5. Due to the complications with downing, always start with five rescue breaths before starting chest compressions. Be aware that the casualty may vomit the contents from their lungs or stomach so be ready to turn the casualty over to clear the airway. Do not delay CPR if a barrier device for administering breaths is not available.
  6. Provide 30 compressions at the rate of 100-120 beats per minute, with a depth of 1-2 inches or about one third of the chest, followed by 2 rescue breaths. 
  7. Continue CPR until:
  • An AED arrives 
  • Someone else takes over
  • Medical help arrives and they ask you to stop
  • The person shows signs of life
  • You are physically unable to continue 

After a drowning experience a casualty may experience signs and symptoms of hypothermia. Cover the casualty and keep them warm if needed.