Responding to Suspected Drowning Incidents

1. Prioritize Safety First

When encountering a suspected drowning victim who is unresponsive and not breathing, prioritize safety for yourself and others.

2. Assess the Situation

Begin this scenario with the victim on their back, considering potential water-related hazards such as cold water, underwater obstructions, soft beds, or strong currents.

3. Drowning vs. Office Situation

Recognize the distinction between a drowning victim and someone not breathing in an office setting. Drowning is more likely due to a respiratory problem.

4. Providing Treatment

If someone is present, send them to call the EMS; otherwise, continue with care.

• Open the airway and check for breathing for 10 seconds.
• If no breathing is detected, administer five rescue breaths initially.
• Follow with 30 compressions and two breaths, repeating for one minute.
• If alone, leave to call for help, following the "call fast approach."
• Continue CPR with 30 compressions and two breaths until EMS arrives or instructs otherwise.

5. Importance of Initial Rescue Breaths

Delivering five initial rescue breaths aims to restart breathing and assess signs of life before proceeding with CPR.

6. Consistency with Child Drowning Protocol

It's noteworthy that the sequence for responding to drowning is the same for children aged 1 to 18.