Near drowning

Alternative names:

drowning - near

First aid:

1. When someone is drowning, get help immediately, but do not place yourself in danger. Don't get into the water or onto ice yourself unless there is no other alternative. Rescue options include using a throw rope attached to a buoyant object such as a life ring or life jacket. Toss it to the floundering person, then pull him or her to shore.
   
   Using a rowboat or cane to reach the person is another option; the person can then cling to the side of the craft while you row or paddle to shore. Unless there is an access ladder, do no encourage the person to try to climb into the boat, because the boat might capsize and you will both be in the water.
   
   Keep in mind that victims who have fallen through the ice become hypothermic very rapidly and may not be able to grasp objects within their reach or hold on while being pulled to safety.
   
   However, if the person is still floundering in the water and you believe you are strong enough and sufficiently well trained in swimming and water rescue to get him or her out, do so immediately.
   
   
2. If the victim's breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as soon as you safely can. This means starting the breathing process even before the victim has been positioned on land.
   
   
3. Continue to breathe for the person every few seconds while moving the victim to shore.
   
   
4. Begin immediately to breath for the person. The air should still reach the lungs. Once on land, check the pulse and give CPR if needed.
   
   
5. For step-by-step instructions on rescue breathing, see CPR and rescue breathing first aid.
   
   
6. Caution should be used when using the Heimlich maneuver. The Heimlich maneuver should not routinely be used in the rescue of near-drowning victims. It should be used to empty a stomach but never to empty the lungs of water. If the victim is in the water and is not breathing and it's difficult to use mouth-to-mouth, a few quick Heimlich maneuver hugs can be applied to the chest to help the victim cough up water and begin breathing on his own.



7. Always use caution when moving a victim. They may have suffered injuries. Always assume that the victim has broken his neck. Never move the neck to reposition it. Instead, immediately immobilized the head and neck. Either tape it to a backboard or stretcher or secure the neck by placing rolled towels or other objects around it. It is important to keep the victim calm and to keep them immobilized. Seek medical help immediately.



8. In order to prevent hypothermia, remove any cold, wet clothes from the victim and cover him or her, with something warm if possible.
   
   
9. Give the victim first aid for any illness or injuries.
   
   
10. As the victim revives, he or she may cough and experience difficulty breathing. Calm and reassure the victim until you get medical help. All near-drowning victims should be checked by a health care provider. Even though victims may revive quickly at the scene, lung complications are common.

Do not:

• DO NOT go out on the ice to rescue a drowning person that you can reach with your arm or an extended object.



• DO NOT assume that a victim cannot or should not be helped.



• DO NOT attempt a swimming rescue unless you are trained in water rescue.



• DO NOT go into rough or turbulent water that may endanger you.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• You cannot rescue the drowning person without endangering yourself. If you can rescue the person, do so and then call for medical help.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial