Drowning: A Dangerous Process
Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. This definition was agreed upon at the 2002 World Congress of Drowning held in Amsterdam and is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is important to remember that the outcome of drowning depends on the type of water, how long the victim has been in the water, whether or not they had an injury and what the rate of oxygen intake is while in the water.
The Consequences of Drowning
When a person begins to drown, their airway goes into spasm. They can no longer breathe, resulting in a decrease in the amount of oxygen in their blood, which can result in permanent brain damage and death.
The Initial Stages of Drowning
During the first stages of drowning, victims hold their breath to prevent water from entering the lungs. This process can take 20 seconds for a young child and 60 seconds for an adult.
Recognizing Drowning Victims
The victim may have bluish or cold skin, chest pain, cough, shallow breath, abdominal swelling, lethargy, shortness of breath or vomiting. They are unresponsive but may be able to speak, which can help alert bystanders that they need help. They may be unable to move their arms, but they will have very little thrashing. They are usually face down or lying on their backs, making no sounds and unable to swim.
The Deceptive Act of Drowning
This deceptive act of drowning is sometimes called "silent drowning" because the victim doesn't appear to be flailing or thrashing. Rather, they'll hold their arms out to the side or front and try to paddle themselves back up to the surface of the water.
How to Help a Drowning Person
If you are with someone who is drowning, don't attempt to grab them. Instead, find something to reach for and throw it to them as a last resort. Use pool noodles, an oar or a paddle, a rake or another garden tool, or a loose tree branch to extend your reach as much as possible. If you can't get to them using these methods, call for professional rescue and emergency medical assistance.
Post-Rescue Care
Once the person is rescued, they will need to be evaluated by a doctor or a paramedic for resuscitation and evaluation of breathing. Then, they will be transferred to a hospital or other health-care facility for further care.
Immediate Medical Attention
When a person has been drowned, they need immediate medical attention. A physician or paramedic will assess the patient and determine if they need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or pediatric advanced life support (PALS).
The Importance of Quick Response
The time it takes for the victim to become unconscious from drowning depends on many factors, including the amount of water that enters the lung. If the victim's lungs are damaged, it can take hours for the water to be completely absorbed by the lungs and cause oxygen deprivation. This can lead to cardiac arrest, which is why it's so important to respond quickly and to start CPR until medical professionals arrive. The more quickly you can resuscitate a victim, the better their chances of survival.
