First Aid For
Near Drowning

6,000 to 8,000 people drown each year in the United States most within easy reach of land and there are thousands more near drowning incidents.

It may even be possible to revive a person who has been in the water for quite a long time particularly if the water was very cold.

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First Aid Treatment:

• Remain calm, call 911
• If the victim is in a pool or a bathtub remove them from the water immediately
• If they are in a large body of water extend them a pole, rope, life ring or a life preserver then pull them to shore
• A person who has fallen into icy water may not be able to grasp a rope or life preserver
• DO NOT endanger yourself by jumping into icy water or a fast moving current. If you injure yourself you can be of no help to the drowning victim and have now doubled the problem for rescue workers. Only jump into the water if you are absolutely sure you will come to no harm
• If he/she is breathing turn them on their side or stomach to allow them to spit up water
• If he/she is not breathing begin CPR immediately
• If the victim is under the age of one begin infant CPR
• Be careful of the neck and spine. Drowning victims often have neck injuries. While moving the patient or performing CPR make every effort to keep the neck and spine straight
• Remove any wet clothing and cover the victim with a warm blanket if possible to prevent hypothermia
• Give first aid to any other serious injuries
• DO NOT go out on the ice if you can reach the person by stretching your hand out or with a stick or pole
• DO NOT attempt a water rescue unless you have been trained in water rescues
• DO NOT endanger your own life by jumping into turbulent or violent waters
• DO NOT give drowning victims the Heimlich Maneuver unless they are choking on something and all other attempts at opening the airway have failed. Keep in mind that the Heimlich Maneuvere can induce vomiting which in an unconscious person could cause choking.