Quick Answer
Immediately after a water rescue, you should prioritize assessing the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation, also known as the ABCs. Check for any signs of drowning, such as blue lips or cyanosis, and provide CPR if necessary. Call for emergency medical services and begin warming the victim if they have been exposed to cold water.
Assessing the Victim
Assess the victim’s ABCs by checking their airway for blockages, breathing for rate and effort, and circulation for pulse and blood pressure. If the victim is unresponsive, start CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths. If the victim is responsive but struggling to breathe, provide oxygen with a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device if available.
Treating Drowning Victims
Drowning victims may exhibit signs of cardiac arrest, such as a lack of pulse or blood pressure. If the victim does not have a pulse, start CPR and call for emergency medical services. If the victim has been submerged in cold water, they may experience cold shock response, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Provide warmth to the victim, ideally with a space blanket or a warm hat, to prevent further heat loss.
Cold Water Immersion (CWI) Response
Cold water immersion can cause hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and other complications. If the victim has been exposed to CWI, prioritize warming them as soon as possible. Remove any wet clothing and provide a warm, dry environment. Use a space blanket or a warm hat to retain body heat, and consider administering warm IV fluids if available. Monitor the victim’s vital signs closely and be prepared to provide CPR if necessary.
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