Lesson 25: Drowning
🎬 Watch the Lesson Video
📘 Lesson Summary
Drowning occurs when a casualty is unable to breathe due to being submerged in water or another liquid.
It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action.
In this lesson, you will learn how to respond safely and effectively to a drowning incident.
⭐ Rescuer Safety
Your safety is always the priority.
Do not enter the water unless you are trained and it is safe to do so.
Whenever possible, follow the reach or throw, don’t go principle:
- Reach with a pole, stick, or item
- Throw a rope or flotation aid
- Encourage the casualty to hold onto something
👉 Avoid putting yourself at risk.
🚨 Initial Actions
- Call 999 / 112 immediately
- Shout for help and alert others nearby
- Remove the casualty from the water only if it is safe to do so
🩺 Assess the Casualty
Once the casualty is out of the water:
- Check for a response
- Open the airway
- Check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds
🫁 If the Casualty is Not Breathing Normally
- Start CPR immediately
- Give 5 initial rescue breaths before starting chest compressions
- Continue with 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths
👉 Rescue breaths are especially important in drowning as the cause is usually lack of oxygen.
✅ If the Casualty is Breathing
- Place them in the recovery position
- Keep them warm
- Monitor their breathing closely
- Be prepared to start CPR if their condition worsens
⚠️ Important Points
- Do not delay CPR
- Do not attempt to remove water from the airway
- Even if the casualty appears to recover, they must receive medical assessment
- Effects of drowning can be delayed
💡 Key Takeaways
- Prioritise your own safety
- Call for help immediately
- Start CPR if the casualty is not breathing normally
- Give 5 initial rescue breaths
- Monitor closely and seek medical help