How to Handle Water Emergencies with First Aid?

The American HealthCare Academy believes we need more first responders to help in accidental drowning cases. It supports the American Heart Association’s viewpoint that responders should perform two rescue breaths on drowning victims. This article discusses how to handle first aid for drowning victims and the precautions that need to be taken. Use it to identify if someone is drowning and act quickly in times of these emergencies. 

How to handle aquatic emergencies with first aid?

First aid for drowning needs quick thinking and action. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Get help. Notify a lifeguard and pull the drowning victim out of the water.

2. Check for breathing by placing your ear near the person’s mouth and nose.

3. If the person is not breathing, check for a pulse. If there is no pulse, begin CPR. 

4. If the person is still not breathing, pinch the nose. Administer two one-second breaths and watch for the chest to rise. 

5. Give two breaths accompanied by 30 chest compressions. 

Safety Precautions for Accidental Drowning

Drowning occurs when an individual goes underwater. It is because they are unable to hold their breath. As a result, water gushes into their lungs and causes damage. However, you can follow some safety measures to avoid aquatic emergencies. Keep reading on to learn to handle water emergencies and avoid drowning-related deaths.

1. Register for an online CPR certification

The knowledge of first aid and CPR is valued only when an emergency arises. By taking a first aid and CPR course from a reputed institute like the American HealthCare Academy, you can be better prepared to tackle and reduce drowning accidents. During drowning, the victim asphyxiates and needs immediate CPR to help them resume breathing. When you get certified, you become confident in handling water emergencies. Not just that, people around you can also feel safer and more secure knowing they have a lifesaver around.

2. Be cautious around kids, the elderly and new swimmers

Parents must be extra careful with their young children around a swimming pool and ensure they are not alone. Make sure to supervise at all times around water. Caregivers need to be aware of people of age around water bodies.

3. Toys should not be in the water!

Toys can cause harm if left unattended. Parents should ensure that toys are out of the pool and not in it. A child who tries to reach for a toy can easily drown. 

4. Life jackets are a must!

Parents should ask for flotation jackets in the pool or when they go fishing or boating with kids. This may seem like not much help, but it can be a life-saver as it helps one stay afloat until the emergency team arrives.

5.  Install Panic Alarms

If you think panic alarms are as useless as CCTV cameras, your opinion may change after witnessing a drowning accident. Panic alarms are a savior and should be installed in easy-to-access to speedy alerts in case of an accident. It will help a drowning person and gather attention immediately. This is a secondary measure after having lifeguards at all times. 

6. Teach people how to swim

Did you know that most children are ready for swimming lessons by the age of four? Children should learn basic water survival skills in case a parent is not around. However, swimming lessons should not be a substitute for supervision care.

7. Avoid consumption of alcohol or drugs before entering a water body

Consumption of alcohol and drugs leads to impairment of judgment. Avoid any swimming, boating or any other activity when under the influence of alcohol especially with children.

How is CPR different for victims of drowning?

CPR performed on a drowning victim is different from typical CPR. The accidental drowning victim’s need for ventilation is what makes drowning victim CPR different. Drowning causes asphyxia and first aiders need to provide rescue breaths to help restore breathing in aquatic emergencies.

What to do when you get burnt with hot water?

The following tips can help you treat a hot water burn:

• Remove the heat source to prevent further damage.
• Run cool tap water on the burn for at least 20 minutes. Avoid using ice, iced water, or greasy substances. 
• Remove any ornaments near the affected area and allow room for swelling
• Use a clean cloth, gauze or bandage to carefully cover the burn.
• Do not break any blisters.

Conclusion

The American HealthCare Academy offers easy enrollment of CPR certification online classes that teach people how to perform CPR and first aid. Our CPR training classes provide CPR certification and recertification and you can avail of group discounts as well. Join American Health Care Academy today and experience CPR and first aid training that will help you save a life if you find yourself in an aquatic emergency.