First aid for drowning: What you need to know

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Posted by Specialist I Trinh Ngoc Duy - Emergency Doctor - Emergency Department - Vinmec Times City International Hospital
Drowning is a form of asphyxiation, caused by water being inhaled into the lungs or blocked by airways due to laryngospasm when the victim is in the water. This is a common accident, especially in hot weather, people often go swimming in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. Knowing how to give first aid to drowning

1. Overview of drowning

Drowning is when water enters the lungs and makes them unable to exchange oxygen. Drowning can occur in deep water or in shallow water if a person's face is submerged.
Young children are at very high risk of drowning because they are often unable to swim, not having the strength to get out of the dangerous water. In fact, even good swimmers can drown if they are exhausted, cramp, have a seizure, have a heart attack, drink too much alcohol, or have some other accident while in the water.
SEE ALSO: Proper first aid for drowning in children

2. Signs of drowning

2.1 Signs of a person in danger of drowning Irregular swimming means that the swimmer is tired Body sinking and only head above water Swirling body is a sign that someone is in danger 2.2 Signs and symptoms of a person who has drowned Stomach upset Pale skin, especially around the lips Coughing up pink foam Confusion or irritation or confusion Shallow breathing or difficulty breathing or not breathing MORE: Precautions Preventing children from drowning

3. First aid steps for drowning

First aid steps for drowning are as follows:
3.1. Comment Check the scene to see if it is safe Check the patient's condition (awake?) 3.2. Plan Call for help: Call a good swimmer for help if you can't swim. Look for some nearby objects that can be grasped by the victim such as ropes, tree branches or something buoyant such as life jackets, old tires, plastic bottles, etc. 3.3.Execution While the victim is in the water :
If the current is strong, the environment is dangerous or if you do not know how to swim, do not enter the water. You can choose other ways to pull the victim to shore such as ropes, sticks, tires...

When the victim has been pulled to shore:
Dry the victim and keep warm If the victim is not awake, breathing, still having pulse: lie down on the safe side If the victim is not awake, not breathing, still have pulse: give rescue breathing If the casualty patient is not awake, not breathing, no pulse: give rescue breaths, give chest compressions (see basic life support and first aid for circulatory arrest) Finally call for help and transport the casualty to the hospital.
3.4. Assessment Continue to monitor the victim's condition and provide first aid. Make sure the airway remains clear and the victim is breathing.
Drowning is a state of suffocation, which can lead to high death if not given first aid promptly. Therefore, knowing the first aid steps for drowning victims will help them avoid the risk of death.
The Emergency Department of Vinmec International General Hospital operates 24/24 on all days of the week, including Saturday and Sunday as well as holidays of the year. The team of emergency doctors and nurses at the Department are professionally and thoroughly trained, able to receive and handle urgent cases of patients, and always coordinate with all specialties in a timely manner. fast.
With modern equipment and a team of experienced doctors, the Emergency Department has conducted emergency and saved the lives of serious and complicated patients. At the same time, patients at the Emergency Department are always coordinated care by many other specialized specialties (Team Base Care). Therefore, at the Emergency Department, patients will be examined, diagnosed, accurately and quickly, with high reliability and intensive treatment right from the emergency stage to help them quickly get out of the critical stage. dramatic and stable.

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