Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Drowning - near
First Aid
When someone is drowning:
- Do NOT place yourself in danger. Do NOT get into the water or go out onto ice unless you are absolutely sure it is safe.
- Extend a long pole or branch to the person, or use a throw rope attached to a buoyant object, such as a life ring or life jacket. Toss it to the person, then pull him or her to shore.
- If you are trained in rescuing people, do so immediately only if you are absolutely sure it will not cause you harm.
- Keep in mind that people who have fallen through ice may not be able to grasp objects within their reach or hold on while being pulled to safety.
If the person's breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing as soon as you can. This often means starting the breathing process while still in the water.
Continue to breathe for the person every few seconds while moving him or her to dry land. Once on land, give CPR if needed. For step-by-step instructions on rescue breathing, see the article on
Always use caution when moving a person who is drowning. Assume that the person may have a neck or spine injury, and avoid turning or bending their neck. Keep the head and neck very still during CPR and while moving the person. You can tape the head to a backboard or stretcher, or secure the neck by placing rolled towels or other objects around it.
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Review Date: 01/04/2011
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason
Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve,
MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
