In moments of crisis, knowing how to respond swiftly and effectively can mean the difference between life and tragedy. One of the most harrowing situations one can encounter is witnessing a person in the throes of a drowning emergency. It is a scenario that demands quick thinking, a clear head, and a precise course of action.
While the instinct to rush headlong into the water is a natural one, it’s essential to approach a water rescue with a calculated strategy. Time is of the essence, and ensuring the safety of both the victim and the rescuer is paramount. Through understanding and implementing proper techniques, you can be a beacon of hope in a potentially life-threatening situation.
From assessing the scene to employing the “Reach, Throw, Don’t Go” mantra, we will cover each crucial step in detail. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the confidence and competence to act decisively in the face of a drowning emergency.
This guide is dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to execute a water rescue, specifically aimed at saving a drowning person. We will walk you through the steps, techniques, and precautions that can make all the difference in such a critical situation.
Remember, every second counts, and your knowledge and courage can be the lifeline that pulls someone back from the brink. Together, let us embark on this journey to learn the best practices for saving a drowning person, and in doing so, potentially save a life.
Best Way to Save A Drowning Person
Drowning in water is a common accident. A person immersed in water throws his hands and feet to escape, spits up due to which water is filled in the stomach through nose and mouth, due to water filling, breathing stops and due to unconsciousness, he dies. Saving a drowning person requires quick thinking, a calm approach, and knowledge of proper techniques. Here are detail steps to follow:
1) Reach, Throw, Don’t Go:
The safest way to assist a drowning person is to remember the mantra “Reach, Throw, Don’t Go.” Follow these steps:
a) Reach: If you can safely extend an arm, a pole, or any object that the person can grab, do so. Be cautious not to get too close, as a panicked person might pull you under.
b) Throw: If reaching is not possible, throw a buoyant object toward the person. This can serve as a lifeline and provide them with something to hold onto until further help arrives.
c) Don’t Go: Avoid entering the water if you are not trained in water rescue. A panicked person may unintentionally endanger both of you.
2) Assess the Situation:
Before taking any action, evaluate the surroundings. Ensure your own safety. If the situation is too dangerous, do not attempt a rescue. Instead, call for professional help immediately.
3) Shout for Help:
Yell loudly for assistance. If others are around, alert them to the emergency and instruct them to call emergency services.
4) Use Safety Equipment:
If available, throw a buoyant object towards the person in distress. This could be a lifebuoy, a floating ring, or any item that floats. Make sure it’s secure by a rope so that you can pull the person to safety.
5) Use a Floatation Device:
If you are a strong swimmer and there are no other options, you may choose to use a floatation device like a lifebuoy or inflatable raft. Approach the person cautiously, and keep a safe distance to prevent them from grabbing onto you and potentially dragging you down.
6) Maintain Communication:
Keep talking to the person to provide reassurance. Let them know that help is on the way and that they need to remain as calm as possible.
7) Signal for Professional Help:
Continue shouting for help and ensure that someone has contacted emergency services. Time is crucial in a drowning situation.
8) Stay Calm:
It’s imperative to remain calm and think rationally. Panicking can lead to hasty decisions that may endanger both you and the person in distress.
9) Bring the Person to Safety:
Once you have established a secure connection, gently pull the person towards safety using the buoyant object or any available equipment.
10) Perform First Aid if Necessary:
Once the person is on solid ground, assess their condition. Administer first aid as needed, such as CPR or rescue breathing, if the person is unresponsive or having difficulty breathing.
First Aid to Save A Person Drowned in Water
1) The drowned person should be taken out of the water safely and an attempt should be made to remove the water filled inside his stomach. If there is mud in the nose, then clean it with a cloth. Stuck a hard object between the teeth so that the mouth does not close by sitting on the tooth. Laying the patient on his stomach, put both hands below his waist and raise him up again and again. Due to this the water stored in the lungs will come out. Keeping the drowned person on his stomach with his head on his stomach, moving in a circle at one place will also bring out the water in the stomach.
2) Check whether the breathing is going well or not. Whether the pulse is moving or not, whether the heart is beating or not, if the breathing is going on intermittently, then sniff any such thing that causes sneezing. You can smell it by adding nauddar to lime. Sneezing will start breathing properly. Press and release the chest repeatedly. Lie down on your stomach and put a round pillow under your stomach. Press and release the back continuously. Due to this the air of the lungs will come out, when released, the air will go in. If even this does not stop breathing completely, then try breathing by giving artificial respiration through mouth-to-mouth.
This treatment of a person immersed in water is meaningful only when his body is warm and hands and feet have not slackened after taking out the immersed person. If the signs of success are not visible, the patient should be immediately taken to the nearest hospital.