DROWNING
Signs and Symptoms of Drowning:
- A drowning person's mouth bobs below the surface, with little time to come up and get air.
- A drowning person is unable to speak because breathing comes first.
- A drowning person's arms are pushing down against the water, unable to wave or grab for safety.
- A drowning person's body is upright with no kicking to help them to surface.
- A drowning person's struggling on the surface happens in 20- to 60-second intervals before going back under.
- For parents and caregivers in water situations with kids, the key is to be attentive at all times. Children playing in the water make noise. If they are quiet, something should be noted.
What First Aid/Treatment could I give someone drowning?
If you are in public: If a lifeguard is on duty, notify them and then call 000.
If you are alone: Make sure that it is safe to rescue the victim. If so, use the correct water entry and then begin head-up freestyle so you can locate the victim at all times. Once you are close to the person, start to run them through the steps that you are about to take and ask for cooperation. Put your foot out in case the victim tries to clench onto you. Once the swimmer has calmed down, pull them by their hear when they are on their backs and then start kicking. Once you have reached land, pull the person out of the water with the right arm grip. Lie the person down and check for vital signs. Go through the rest of D.R.S.A.B.C
If you are in public: If a lifeguard is on duty, notify them and then call 000.
If you are alone: Make sure that it is safe to rescue the victim. If so, use the correct water entry and then begin head-up freestyle so you can locate the victim at all times. Once you are close to the person, start to run them through the steps that you are about to take and ask for cooperation. Put your foot out in case the victim tries to clench onto you. Once the swimmer has calmed down, pull them by their hear when they are on their backs and then start kicking. Once you have reached land, pull the person out of the water with the right arm grip. Lie the person down and check for vital signs. Go through the rest of D.R.S.A.B.C