Your Actions
Your Aims
Get the casualty breathing again as quickly as possible.
- Keep the casualty warm.
- Try to get medical help as soon as possible.
If the casualty is still in water, remove him or her, making sure that his or her head is lower than the body. WARNING: Do not go into the water yourself, unless you are a good swimmer. Use a rope or a strong stick to try and reach the casualty.
Lie the casualty down on his or her back.
Open the airway and check breathing. Be prepared to resuscitate. If resuscitation is necessary, give 5 initial rescue breaths. If the casualty is still not breathing, begin CPR as ususual.
NOTE: Do not worry about water that may have been swallowed – making the casualty vomit may cause him or her to breathe in vomit and/or choke.
If the casualty is breathing, place him or her in the recovery position.
You may need to treat for hypothermia (see page 234). Take off wet clothing, and cover with dry blankets or clothing.
If the casualty becomes fully conscious, give him or her a warm drink.
Try to get medical help, even if the casualty appears to have recovered fully, in case of secondary drowning.
Remember to keep checking the casualty’s vital signs and writing down (or remembering) what you found and what you did, so that you can report this to any health worker who takes over from you
Words you need to know
Are there any other words in this unit that you don’t understand? Write them down here, and find out what they mean
