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Near Drowning
The drowning victim my be flailing their
arms or lying face down in the water. The victim needs to be removed from the water
without endangering yourself.
Near drowning may be classified as
either:
- Wet: Where the casualty has inhaled
water into his lungs.
- Dry: Closing of the airway due to
spasms induced by water.
Caution:
- Never attempt a rescue that is beyond your capabilities or you may become a victim too.
- Not everyone is proficient in water rescue, so stay safe and meet the rescuer in the
water and begin resuscitation immediately.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Pale, cool skin
- Absent of respiration
- Cyanosis (i.e., Blue lips)
- Weak or absent pulse
- Maybe unconscious.
Treatment:
If the patient begins coughing or
spurting water from his nose and mouth, you should turn him on the side. This will aid
water removal from the lungs, keeping the patient's head lower than the rest of the body
will reduce the risk of re-inhaling fluid. Always allow any swallowed water to drain out
naturally.
If the patient is breathing but is unconscious, place
him in the recovery position, to keep him warm.
If the patient is conscious, reassure, keep warm.
All near drowning victims must be seen by
a Doctor as soon as possible. Fluid remaining in the lungs will irritate them and may have
a detrimental effect on the respiratory system. Complications such as pneumonia can set in
or a fatal condition called "late drowning". So call an Ambulance or bring the
patient to the hospital now. |
