DROWNINGFirst Aid

By:- firoz qureshiDept. psychiatric nursing

DROWNING Drowning is defined as respiratory

impairment from being in or under water. It cause asphyxia by water entering the

lungs or by causing the throat to go into spasm so constricting the air passage.

WHAT HAPPENS IN DROWNING ?

Drowning is a major source of accidental death and can be a result of cold , fatigue , injury , disorientation , intoxication etc, or the victim’s own limited swimming ability.

The drowning victim struggle to inhale air as long as possible , but eventually he goes beneath the water where he must exhale air and inhale water.

EFFECTS OF DROWNING

Airway obstruction Asphyxia Congestion of lungs Injuries to head and neck Internal injuries-

Soft tissue injuries Broken bones Internal bleeding Hypothermia

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

General symptoms and signs of asphyxia

Froth around the casualty’s lips , mouth , nostrils.

GENERAL MEASURES

The general measures / first aid of drowning includes three steps -

1. Reaching the victim2. Stabilization of the victim 3. Resuscitation

1. REACHING THE VICTIM

Make sure that your own position is safe. If needed , lie down flat on your stomach and

extend your hand or leg. Tow rope , branch fishing pole , stick , towel,

shirt , whatever is available nearby.

CONT.. Throw an object that will float with line

towards victim. Call the victim and tell him to grab the

rope. Pull the victim from the water. DO NOT – swim to the patient. Use boat and life jacket , if available.

2. STABILIZATION OF THE VICTIM

Keep the victim’s head and body aligned on plain hard surface, place one of your hands in the middle of his/her back.

Place your other hand under the victim’s upper arm , near the shoulder.

Press chest and coastal margin to press the lungs and to remove water from the lungs.

CONT Slowly and carefully , rotate the victim

by lifting the shoulder up and rotating it over.

Position the victim as lying in his stomach.

CONT .. Tap the back of the victim, so that water

can be expelled. Place the victim in lateral position. Tap again to stabilize the condition of

the victim. Make sure water came out and then

place the victim in supine position.

3. RESUSCITATION Quickly remove any obstruction such as

sea- weed , mud , from nose and mouth. Check the pulse and heart sound of the

victim . Use one arm to support the casualty’s

body and use the other hand to support the head and seal the nose while you perform mouth- to – mouth ventilation.

RESUSCITATION CONT.. If the condition of the victim doesn’t get

stabilize , then start chest compression . For chest compression place heal of the

hand on middle of the chest.

CONT For children : child and infant can

be held upside down for a short period. Raise the middle part of the body with your hand round the belly. This will cause water to drain out of lungs.

CONT.. As soon as breathing begins , keep

casualty in recovery position. Remove wet clothing. Keep the body

warm , cover with blankets , give hot drinks , coffee and tea .

Do not allow him to sit up. Shift him to hospital in recovery

position.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY