When someone has fallen into a pool and requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rescuers must act swiftly while considering several unique factors. These factors distinguish drowning emergencies from other situations requiring CPR. Therefore, understanding these special considerations can significantly improve the victim’s chances of survival.
Making a Rescue Attempt
The first priority in any water-related emergency is to ensure lifeguard safety. Before attempting to help the victim, quickly assess the situation to confirm you can safely reach them without becoming a victim yourself.
If possible, use a pool hook, life ring, or other reaching tool to pull the person to the pool’s edge. Only enter the water if you are trained in water rescue, or if it’s absolutely necessary and safe to do so.
Take the Victim Out of the Pool Right Away
Once you’ve brought the victim to the pool’s edge, remove them from the water immediately. In a pool setting, it’s often easier to lift the person from the side.
It’s better to take this approach rather than trying to use pool steps or a ladder. Multiple rescuers should coordinate their efforts, supporting the victim’s head and neck while moving them to a flat, hard surface away from the pool’s edge.
Is the Victim Breathing or Conscious?
The next criticall step is to quickly check for breathing and consciousness while simultaneously calling for emergency medical services. In drowning cases, the typical “look, listen, feel” approach for checking breathing should take no more than 10 seconds, as drowning victims often require immediate respiratory support. If the person is unconscious and not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.
A Modified ABC Approach
A key difference in drowning-related CPR is the initial sequence. While standard CPR follows the CAB sequence (Compressions, Airway, Breathing), drowning victims benefit from a modified approach beginning with airway and breathing (ABC – Airway, Breathing, Compressions). This modification exists because the primary problem in drowning is lack of oxygen, not a cardiac issue.
Beginning the Process – Opening the Airway
Start by carefully positioning the victim’s head. Tilt their head back gently to open the airway, being mindful that neck injuries are possible in diving accidents. Look inside the mouth for obvious obstructions. However, don’t delay CPR to perform blind finger sweeps or attempt to remove water from the lungs. The old practice of draining water before beginning rescue breaths is no longer recommended as it wastes precious time.
Begin with two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second. In drowning victims, these initial breaths are crucial for introducing oxygen into the system. You may encounter more resistance when giving rescue breaths due to water in the airways.
If the chest doesn’t rise with your attempts, reposition the head slightly and try again. Some water in the airways may come out during rescue breaths or chest compressions, so be prepared to turn the victim’s head to the side if vomiting occurs.
Start Chest Compressions
After the initial two rescue breaths, begin chest compressions. Position your hands in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow complete chest recoil between compressions. Continue the standard CPR ratio of 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Consider the Wet Environment
The wet environment presents additional challenges during CPR. The victim’s chest will likely be wet, which can make hand positioning harder. If possible, quickly dry the chest with a towel, but don’t delay CPR if one isn’t immediately available. Be especially careful with your own footing, as the area around the victim will likely be wet and slippery.
Protect Against Hypothermia
Hypothermia is another major consideration, particularly in unheated pools or during cooler weather. Remove wet clothing if possible and cover the victim with dry towels or blankets between CPR cycles, being careful not to interrupt compressions for more than a few seconds. Hypothermia can actually be protective in drowning cases, potentially preserving brain function longer than in normal circumstances.
Monitor the Victim if They Show Signs of Life
Continue CPR until emergency medical services arrive or the victim shows signs of life such as normal breathing, movement, or coughing. Even if the victim appears to recover, they must still receive a professional medical evaluation.
After the emergency, victims who survive drowning incidents require close monitoring for at least 24 hours. Respiratory problems can develop even after apparent recovery. This is known as secondary or delayed drowning. This occurs when water irritates the lung lining, causing inflammation. Also, fluid buildup can lead to breathing difficulties hours after the incident.
Training in CPR and water safety is invaluable for anyone who spends time around pools or other bodies of water. Regular practice and updates on current guidelines ensure rescuers can act quickly and effectively.
Remember that in drowning cases, the quick initiation of rescue breathing and CPR, along with rapid activation of emergency medical services, provides the best chance for a positive outcome.
Author Bio: Donna Ryan is a writer from Tucson, AZ. You can contact her anytime about writing and editing services at https://inkypub.com.
