Drowning: Emergency Action

Do you like to go swimming? Are you mindful of what to do in case someone is drowning? What if it is your family, could you save any of them from drowning or would you panic?

Unfortunately, one of the major causes of death in America is drowning. Anyone can drown, depending upon different types of circumstances. The best of swimmers have had accidents that attributed their death to drowning. Water is a powerful force that can never be under estimated, especially the greater the body of water, such as a lake, or ocean.

In fact, drowning victims can die within four to six minutes if not rescued quickly. One can die from being submerged in water, getting water into the lungs, and asphyxiating. There is no oxygen left in which to breathe; hence, the impending death.

Take Action Immediately:

Most importantly, rescue breathing must be given to the drowning victim as soon as he is reached. Even if time has passed, this is what needs to be done immediately.

Above all else, do not ever leave the drowning victim alone under any circumstances whatsoever. This is a serious emergency. Stay with him and do what can be done to help.

In addition, as soon as the drowning victim is out of the water, have someone call for help. Do Not try to get water out of the person's lungs. If after two times trying to ventilate does not work, treat this accident as a choking emergency and give the Heimlich Maneuver.

Take note of the fact that if the victim seems all right, still insist that he be seen at a medical facility as soon as possible. The reason is due to the fact that a near drowning victim can still die hours after the incident happens.

More about victims that are injured:

Equally as important in an emergency, never move an injured victim before an experienced ambulance team or physician examines him. The only exception to this rule would be that in which one is drowning in water and needs taken out immediately.

Additionally, if the victim must be moved to safety, then pull him only by the feet or underneath the shoulders. The neck needs to be protected from excessive movement and the head from injury as he is moved slowly.

Besides pulling, a victim may need lifted. To do so, it is very important to check for injuries first. All parts of the body need good support as lifting occurs. Be sure to keep the body aligned straight as the move takes place.

Finally, be smart, stay safe, have fun and never go swimming alone!

First Aid for life, 1995, Buck Weaver.