Drowning

Drowning is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when water or another liquid fills the lungs, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen. It can happen quickly and silently, often leaving the patient unconscious or in severe respiratory distress.

At Scene Care

Helping someone who’s drowned — act fast and follow these steps.

What To Do:

  1. Roll the patient onto their side.
    • This helps them cough up water.
  2. Pat their back gently to encourage coughing.
  3. Once they cough up water, lay them on their back again.
  4. Check their vitals (pulse, breathing).
  5. If no pulse, begin CPR:
    • 2 rounds of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
    • Check if the pulse comes back.
  6. If still no pulse, use an AED (defibrillator):
    • Cut off the shirt if needed.
    • Dry off their chest completely.
    • Place AED pads on the dry skin.
    • Turn on AED and follow prompts.
      • If AED says “shock advised,” press the shock button.
  7. If not revived after 1st shock:
    • Give Epinephrine (Epi).
    • You can shock up to 3 times total.
  8. Once they have a pulse, put on an oxygen mask.
  9. Start an IV and give Lasix (if they drowned in saltwater).
  10. Transport the patient to the hospital.

Useful Prompts

/me Looks Over Patient and Assesses for Injuries

/me Rolls Patient onto their Side

/me Helps Patient Cough up Water

/me Checks if patient is Breathing and Looks Over vitals

At Hospital Care

Now that the patient’s at the hospital, keep supporting their breathing and check for damage.

What To Do:

  1. Check the basics (ABCs):
    • Airway: Is it open?
    • Breathing: Are they breathing well?
    • Circulation: Is their pulse stable?
  2. Stabilize the patient as needed.
  3. If they stop breathing, intubate (tube in throat) and use a ventilator.
  4. Give high-flow oxygen to improve their oxygen levels.
  5. Do a chest X-ray to look for fluid or lung damage.
    • If fluid in windpipe: Use a hollow needle to drain it.
    • If fluid in lungs: Give a diuretic (to remove fluid) and antibiotics (to prevent infection).
  6. Once stable, move the patient to recovery.