First Aid For
Suffocation (Near Drowning)

If you can offer quick first aid for suffocation at the scene of an accident you can save a life.

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

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First Aid for Suffocation

• Remain calm, call 911.
• If it is a child in a pool or a bathtub remove them from the water immediately.
• If the person is in a larger 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 the patient is breathing turn them on their side or on their stomach to allow them to spit up water.
• If the patient is not breathing begin CPR immediately.
• If it is a child under the age of one begin infant CPR.
• Be careful of the neck and spine. Drowning victims often have neck injuries. While moving or performing CPR make every effort to keep the neck and spine straight.
• Remove any wet clothing and cover in 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 reaching 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 it is not part of the routine for near drowning rescues. Only perform the Heimlich Maneuver if you suspect the patient might be choking on something and all other attempts at opening the airway has failed. Keep in mind that the Heimlich Maneuver encourages vomiting which in an unconscious person could cause choking