How to Treat a Person Who Has Nearly Drowned

Someone in the midst of drowning often appears dead, but quick treatment could save a life.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get the drowning person out of the water (see "How to Rescue a Drowning Person").

2. Handle him or her with extreme care. A hypothermic person, for instance, might experience ventricular fibrillation if jolted.

3. Check airway, breathing and circulation. Treat with rescue breathing and/or CPR as necessary (see Related eHows).

4. Assume a spinal injury and treat with appropriate care (see "How to Manage a Spinal Cord Injury During First Aid").

5. Perform a complete secondary survey (see "How to Conduct a Secondary Survey of an Injured Person").

6. Monitor and treat for hypothermia (see eHows on hypothermia).

7. Evacuate anyone who has fallen unconscious at any time, has a history of lung problems, is having any problems breathing or has required resuscitation.

Tips & Warnings

• Rescue breathing and CPR have some of their highest success rates with drowning victims. Be persistent.
• Trying to clear the lungs of water is of no use, but be prepared to turn the person on his or her side in case of a vomiting episode.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[shiftdelete]

on 4/29/2009 "Trying to clear the lungs of water is of no use, but be prepared to turn the person on his or her side in case of a vomiting episode."My life was saved ONLY because my lungs were cleared of water. CPR had no effect. The Heimlich Maneuver should be a FIRST step.

[kevingarrison3]

on 2/11/2007 The Heimlichinstitute indicates that the Heimlich Maneuver is an absolutely necessary first step.
http://www.heimlichinstitute.org/drowning.php