Drowning can result to death from hypothermia due to immersion in cold water, sudden Cardiac arrest due to cold water, spasm of the throat blocking the airway and/or inhalation of water and consequent airway obstruction.
A casualty rescued from a drowning incident should always receive medical attention even if he seems to have recovered at the time.
Any water entering the lungs causes them to become irritated, and air passages may begin to swell several hours later -a condition known as secondary drowning.
The casualty may also need to be treated for hypothermia.
Tips To Follow After Saving A drowning Casualty.
-If you have rescued the casualty from the water, help him or her lie down on a rug or coat with his head lower than the rest of his body so that water can drain from his mouth. This reduces the risk of inhaling water.
-Treat the casualty for hypothermia; replace wet clothing with dry clothes if possible and cover him with dry blankets or coats. If the casualty is full conscious, give him chocolate or warm drink.
-Call 112 for emergency help even if he appears to recover fully because of the risk of secondary drowning.
Monitor and record vial signs(level of response, breathing, pulse, until help arrives.
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