First Aid for Children
Near Drowning

6,000 to 8,000 people drown each year in the United States thousands more near drownings are reported.

Children can drown in a pool, bathtub or even a bucket of water. It only takes a few inches of water for a child to drown. If you can offer quick first aid at the scene of the accident you just might save a life.

It may even be possible to revive a person who as been in the water for quite a long period of time particularly if the water was very cold. Here's what to do.

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First Aid Treatment

• Remain calm, call 911
• If the child is in a pool or a bathtub remove them from the water immediately
• If they are 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 child is breathing turn them on their side or on their stomach to allow them to spit up water
• If the child is not breathing begin CPR immediately
• If your child is 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 stretching out your hand 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 have failed. Keep in mind that the Heimlich Maneuver encourages vomiting which in an unconscious person could cause choking