Drowning Rescue Methods
Jun 12, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
During pre-hospital emergency care, if a drowning victim is found to have spontaneous breathing and heartbeat, the primary intervention is to remove water from the lungs and stomach. For victims with absent breathing and pulse, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated, comprising three key components: chest compressions, airway opening, and rescue breaths.
Rescue and treatment of drowning victims primarily consist of two major components: prehospital emergency care and in-hospital emergency care. During prehospital emergency care, if a drowning victim is found with spontaneous breathing and heartbeat still present, the primary focus is on removing water from the lungs and stomach. The key technique for “draining water” involves positioning the patient with the head lower than the abdomen (i.e., head-down, abdominal-high position) to facilitate drainage.
For patients whose breathing and heartbeat have ceased, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be initiated, comprising three core components: chest compressions, airway opening, and rescue breaths. During airway opening, it is essential to clear any foreign material from the mouth and nose to ensure airway patency.
Throughout CPR, prompt activation of emergency medical services is critical to arrange timely advanced life support and hospital transfer. In-hospital emergency management focuses primarily on maintaining airway patency—by clearing airway obstructions—and stabilizing respiratory and circulatory function through oxygen therapy and supportive measures.
Additionally, post-resuscitation neuroprotection and neurological recovery strategies should be implemented, alongside maintenance of internal environmental stability and prevention/treatment of complications such as pulmonary infection, renal failure, and cerebral edema.
