Drowning: How Should We Respond?

Drowning causes lung damage due to oxygen deprivation and other complications, including electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, kidney failure, altered consciousness, seizures, and even death. In children, hypothermia is a significant complication that requires immediate treatment.

The time needed for these adverse complications to occur is very short—permanent neurological damage can develop within 4-6 minutes of submersion.

How to React in a Drowning Incident

5 Key Steps:

1. Call for help first, then approach the child in distress.
2. Take a floatation device or rescue board with you before getting close.
3. Always approach the child from behind to avoid causing panic that might hinder your rescue efforts.
4. First, get the child out of the water before attempting to administer first aid.
   • Do not try to give first aid while swimming with the child.
5. Carefully remove the child from the water, as he/she may have injured his/her neck or head.

Do not quickly pull the child out of the water without ensuring safe transport to the shore.

After Removing the Child from the Water

• Evaluate their condition immediately.
  • If they are breathing, transport them to the hospital.
  • If they are not breathing and are unconscious, start administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including artificial respiration and chest compressions.
• Call for help before beginning first aid.

Important to Remember

• Always seek help at the start of the rescue and provide first aid until the child can be transferred to the nearest healthcare facility.

Note: This article contains general information. In all cases, consult your paediatrician for personalized advice.

Written by Paediatrician Katerina Katsibardi, MP, PhD