Drowning

The most important consequence of drowning is interruption of the oxygen supply to the brain. Early rescue and resuscitation are the major factors in survival.

The rescue – Do not attempt a water rescue beyond your swimming ability.

  • If the casualty is conscious and can move, consider using devices such as a stick, umbrella, rope or towel to rescue them. A buoyant aid such as a life jacket, Esky lid or kickboard may assist the casualty to stay afloat until a safe rescue can be attempted.

  • If the casualty is conscious but paralysed or can’t move due to neck pain, or altered sensations in the fingers and toes, enter the water if you feel

  • safe and confident, support the casualty’s neck and maintain spinal alignment as much as possible.

  • If unconscious, turn casualty face up and remove the casualty from the water as soon as possible before any attempts at revival. CPR in deep water should only be attempted by an appropriately trained rescuer using floating devices.

Signs and symptoms

  • Altered state of consciousness;

  • Abnormal breathing or not breathing at all

  • Vomiting and regurgitation

  • Stomach distension

  • Liquid in the airway

  • Spinal injury

  • Trauma or other injuries

  • Possible hypothermia

First aid

After retrieval from the water, position the casualty on his/her back and assess:

  • If unconscious and not breathing normally or at all, immediately start CPR

  • If the airway is obstructed (water or blood, sand, debris, vomit etc.), promptly roll the casualty on to his/her side to drain and clear the airway, then reassess

  • If not breathing, return casualty to his/her back and continue CPR

  • If breathing commences, leave on his/her side with head tilt

  • Monitor to detect a possible relapse into unconsciousness

  • Treat other injuries as required

  • Consider possible spinal injuries, maintain spinal alignment where possible

  • Ignore a distended stomach, do not attempt to empty with external pressure

  • Administer oxygen if available and trained to do so

  • Call an ambulance for all immersion incidents, late deterioration is common

Meirav Dulberg