First Aid

Drowning: first aid

What to do when someone has been pulled from water.

Because drowning is an oxygen emergency and breaths matter as much as compressions.

Do this now

01Do not get into the water yourself unless you are trained. Reach with a pole, throw a rope or anything that floats.
02Once they are out, check whether they are breathing normally.
03If not, give five rescue breaths first, then start chest compressions — 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
04Drowning starves the body of oxygen, so breaths matter here in a way they do not for a cardiac arrest.
05If they are breathing, roll them onto their side and keep them warm.
06Take them to hospital even if they recover completely and seem fine.

Do not jump in after someone unless you are a trained rescuer. Would-be rescuers drown regularly.
Do not hold them upside down or press the abdomen to "get the water out". It does not work and it causes vomiting.
Do not assume they are fine because they are talking. Breathing can deteriorate hours later.
Do not stop CPR early. Cold-water drowning has survived long resuscitations.

See the nearest places with distance, whether they are open, a phone number and directions.