First aid for a person who is drowning

Authors: Simulation and Certification Center

Editor: Rednenko V.V.

Clinical situation:

You are on the beach by the lake. You heard screams and calls for help. Arriving at the scene, you saw how a man was taken out of the water and laid at the water's edge. You have decided to provide first aid to the person.

Equipment for the practical skill:

• protective medical gloves;
• СPR simulator.

The procedure for performing a practical skill

• Make sure the scene is safe.
• Have someone call 103 or the designated emergency number.
• Place the person in a supine position, with the trunk and head at the same level (usually parallel to the shoreline).
• Check the person for responsiveness.
• Оpen the airway.
• Сheck breathing.
• If the person is unconscious but breathing, the recovery position should be used. Arrange to take or send the casualty to the hospital, even if he seems to have recovered completely.
• If the person is not breathing give 5 rescue breaths.
• If the person remains unconscious, without normal breathing,
  • start chest compressions; 
  • alternate 30 chest compressions to 2 ventilations.
  • apply an AED if available and follow instructions.