The correct method of first aid after falling into water

After falling into the water, patients should remain calm and avoid panicking, as this could cause water, mud, or sand to enter the mouth and nose, blocking the airway or triggering airway spasms that may lead to oxygen deprivation, suffocation, and even death. Rescuers should quickly bring the person to shore. If the victim shows signs of oxygen deprivation upon reaching land, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be administered immediately. CPR must be performed by trained professionals, and the specific steps are as follows:

1. Immediately call emergency medical services (120) after rescuing the person onto shore. Check that the surrounding environment is safe, and assess the patient's consciousness, breathing, and pulse.

2. Once confirmed, gently lift the patient's head and remove any foreign objects from their mouth with your hand. Then, rapidly deliver several firm back blows between the shoulder blades to help clear and open the airway.

3. Place your hand near the patient’s nose to check for breathing. Next, feel for a pulse at the carotid artery—place your fingers beside the windpipe, two finger-widths lateral to the Adam’s apple—and visually observe whether the chest rises and falls. If there is no breathing or heartbeat, begin CPR immediately.

4. Loosen the patient’s collar and belt. Use two fingers to pinch the nose shut, open the mouth, and perform two consecutive rescue breaths mouth-to-mouth.

5. Interlock your hands with fingers crossed, keeping arms straight and perpendicular to the patient’s chest. Position the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples. Compress the chest 5–6 centimeters deep at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute, continuing until emergency medical personnel arrive.