The Drowning Process Flashcards
An overview of the drowning process
Drowning is a continuum of events that begins when a victim’s airway becomes submerged under the surface of the water.
The process can be stopped, but if it is not, it will end in death.
The process of drowning begins when water enters the victim’s airway. This causes involuntary breath-holding and then laryngospasm (a sudden closure of the larynx or windpipe). When this occurs, air cannot reach the lungs. During this time, the victim is unable to breathe but may swallow large quantities of water into the stomach. As oxygen levels are reduced, the laryngospasm begins to subside, and the victim may gasp for air but instead inhales water into the lungs.
Due to inadequate oxygen to body tissues, cardiac arrest may occur. This can happen in as little as 3 minutes after submerging. Brain damage or death can occur in as little as 4 to 6 minutes.
The sooner the drowning process is stopped by getting the victim’s airway out of the water, opening the airway and providing resuscitation (with ventilations or CPR), the better the chances are for survival without permanent brain damage.
No two drowning situations are alike. There are many intervening variables that can affect the outcome, such as any underlying medical conditions of the victim or the time until advanced medical care intervenes. However, in general, if the victim is rescued within 1 1/2 to 2 minutes of submerging, giving ventilations may resuscitate the victim.
A person who is drowning has the greatest chance of survival if these steps are followed:
NOTE: STEPS VARY FOR LIFEGUARDS AT DIFFERENT FACILITIES
Chain of Drowning Survival
- Recognize the signs of someone in trouble and shout for help.
- Rescue and remove the person from the water (without putting yourself in danger).
- Ask someone to call emergency medical services (EMS).
- If alone, give 2 minutes of care, then call EMS.
- Begin rescue breathing and CPR.
- Use an AED if available and transfer care to advanced life support.
Drowning Is a Leading Cause of Death for Children in the United States. Key facts…
Ten people die each day from unintentional drowning, and on average 2 of them are under age 14.
Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children ages one to four than any other cause except birth defects.
Drowning is the leading cause of death in autism for children and adults.
Children with autism spectrum disorder are 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal and fatal drowning than their typically developing peers.
Among those 1-14, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death behind motor vehicle crashes.
For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
The Most Dangerous Locations Vary by Age. Some key facts…
The Most Dangerous Locations Vary by Age…
Children younger than 1 year old are more likely to drown at home.
For children younger than 5, 87% of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs. Most take place in pools owned by family, friends or relatives.
After pools, bathtubs are the second leading location where young children drown. However, buckets, bath seats, wells, cisterns, septic tanks, decorative ponds, and toilets are also potential drowning sources for infants and toddlers.
Those 5 to 17 years old are more likely to drown in natural water, such as a pond or lake.
Drowning Risks Vary by Race and Household Income. Some key facts…
64% of African-American, 45% of Hispanic/Latino, and 40% of Caucasian children have few to no swimming skills.
When parents have no/low swimming skills (or competence) ability, their children are unlikely to have proficient swimming skills. This affects:
78% of African-American children
62% of Hispanic/Latino children
67% of Caucasian children
African-American children ages 5 to 19 drown in swimming pools at rates 5.5 times higher than those of Caucasian children in the same age range.
79% of children in households with incomes less than $50,000 have few-to-no swimming skills.
The Drowning Process reminders
Your primary responsibility is to ensure patron safety and protect lives.
Most of a lifeguard’s time will be spent on patron surveillance. – Be alert and attentive at all times.
Drowning is a continuum of events that begins when a victim’s airway becomes submerged under the surface of the water. – Can be stopped, but if not, will end in death
When does the drowning process begin?
Begins when water enters the victim’s airway:
Causes involuntary breath holding and then laryngospasm; victim is unable to breathe but may swallow large amounts of water.
As oxygen levels are reduced, laryngospasm subsides and the victim gasps water into the lungs.
How quickly can a victim experience cardiac arrest?
Due to inadequate oxygen, victim may experience cardiac arrest. This can occur in as little as 3 minutes after submerging
Brain damage and death can occur in as little as 4 to 6 minutes.
What are agonal gasps?
Unconscious victims may have isolated or infrequent gasping in the absence of other breathing, called agonal gasps.
o Gasps can occur even after heart has stopped.
o Normal, effective breathing is regular, quiet and effortless. o With agonal gasps, care for victim as if person is not breathing.
Lifeguards must understand that only a few minutes can make the difference between life and death. What gives the victim the greatest chance of survival?
The greatest chance of survival is recognizing when a person needs help or is in danger of drowning.
The sooner the drowning process is stopped, the airway is opened and the victim is resuscitated, the greater the chance of survival without permanent brain damage.
