CPR for Drowning Victims: The Vital Steps

Australia—the land of endless summer, stunning beaches, and countless places to cool off. From surf beaches to backyard pools and even remote dams, swimming is a quintessential part of Aussie life. But with our love of water comes the unfortunate reality of drownings. You’re there, it happens, and you know CPR is the answer. But when it comes to drowning victims, is there anything extra to keep in mind?

Why Drowning Victims Need Special Attention

One of the biggest challenges with drowning is that the heart often stops because the person has gone without oxygen for too long due to water blocking their airway. Unlike other emergencies where the heart might stop but there’s still oxygen in the body, drowning victims lack the oxygen needed to keep vital organs alive. This makes getting air back into their lungs as quickly as possible just as critical as restarting their heart.

Imagine the body as a car engine: in most cardiac arrests, the engine stops because of an electrical fault, but there’s still fuel (oxygen) in the tank.

In drowning, it’s like the tank has been empty for some time before the engine fails. This creates a dual problem—the heart needs to be restarted, but the body also urgently needs oxygen replenishment to function.

In drowning cases, the lack of oxygen is the primary issue. Without air in the lungs, chest compressions alone can’t effectively circulate oxygen to the brain and vital organs. This is why getting oxygen into the lungs through rescue breaths is not just important but critical. Think of it as fixing both the fuel supply and the engine at the same time—both must work together to give the best chance of survival.

The Role of Rescue Breaths in Drowning CPR

Rescue breaths are thus an important step in helping a drowning victim because they tackle the root issue: oxygen deprivation. Without oxygen, chest compressions alone won’t sustain life effectively. Some suggest starting with 5 initial rescue breaths to deliver oxygen quickly, though this is not currently an Australian standard. The current Australian Standard emphasizes that rescue breaths are essential for drowning victims but does not mandate a specific number to begin with.

By focusing on rescue breaths early, you give the lungs the oxygen they desperately need, making chest compressions more effective in circulating that oxygen to the brain and vital organs.

What About Water in the Airway?

It’s common for water or fluids to come out of a drowning victim’s mouth during CPR. If the airway is obstructed with fluid or debris, the person should be rolled onto their side briefly to allow drainage using gravity.

Steps for CPR on Drowning Victims

When performing CPR for a drowning victim, the sequence is slightly adjusted to prioritize oxygen delivery:

1. Remove the Person from the Water Safely
Only remove the person from the water if it’s safe for you to do so. Once they are on a flat surface, assess their condition.

2. Check Responsiveness and Breathing
Tap the person’s shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response and they’re not breathing or breathing abnormally, it’s time to act.

3. Call for Help
Dial Triple Zero (000 in Australia) or instruct someone nearby to do so. If others are present, ask for an AED if one is available.

4. Begin Rescue Breaths

• Tilt their head back slightly to open the airway.
• Pinch their nose shut and create a seal over their mouth with yours.
• Ensure the chest rises with each breath.

5. Start Chest Compressions

• Place the heel of your hand in the center of their chest, with your other hand on top. Interlace your fingers and keep your arms straight.
• Push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, aiming for a depth of 5-6 cm.
• Alternate 30 compressions with 2 rescue breaths.

6. Use an AED if Available

• If an AED is available, turn it on and follow the prompts while continuing CPR.
• Ensure no one is touching the victim when the AED analyzes the heart rhythm or delivers a shock.

7. Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person shows signs of life or emergency responders take over.

Common Concerns About Drowning CPR

1. What if I’m Not Comfortable Giving Rescue Breaths?
Even if you feel hesitant, remember that rescue breaths are critical for drowning victims. Use a CPR mask if available.

2. What if Water Comes Out During CPR?
It’s completely normal for water or fluids to come out of the mouth during compressions or breaths. Roll the person slightly to the side to clear their mouth if needed, but return to CPR immediately.

3. Can I Hurt Them with CPR?
No. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, your actions can only help. Even if ribs are cracked, saving their life is the priority.

Why Training for Drowning CPR Is Essential

Here’s what you should remember from this article. When someone drowns get oxygen into their lungs fast. Rescue breaths are the key to making CPR work effectively.

At CPR Course Brisbane, we make sure you’re ready for cpr emergencies. With hands-on training and expert guidance, you’ll gain the confidence to act when it counts. Book your course today and be prepared to make a difference.