First aid: What do I do if someone drowns?

Published on 05/06/2024 19:42

First aid is within the reach of all, provided you do not put yourself in danger. This is often the case during drowning. The right method is applied to save a life without risking one's own.

What is happening ?

A person who shows signs of distress , regularly puts his head under water or lies on his stomach, his head in the water. She may be drowning. During the summer, 3 to 4 people drown each day at sea, lake or pool. If we observe such a situation, we immediately have the reflex to prevent rescuers.

I take action

In 4 steps, I save a person from drowning, making sure to apply the right gestures.

I call for help. For rescues at sea, I dial 196 from my cell phone.
I throw objects that float. Unless I'm a great swimmer, I do not dive . I send to the victim any object that floats (buoy, piece of wood, large piece of plastic ...).
I put the individual on the flank. Once the "almost drowned" dry, he is very short of breath, he coughs and inhaled a lot of water that must imperatively come out. Nothing to do with movies: we do not spit a small water fountain before getting up nickel. The risk of vomiting is very high. It is necessary to place the person on the side in a safe lateral position, the head resting on the back of his hand to prevent choking . I watch his breathing because the risk of cardiac arrest exists, even once on the ground.
If the heart stops, I start the cardiac massage and, if I know the technique, mouth-to-mouth. The right rhythm: 2 breaths for 30 chest pressures. When in doubt, I focus on heart massage, which is the most important.

The mistake not to do

Jump in the water if you are not trained to bring back a drowned person . It is not uncommon for rescuers to discover two victims instead of just one when they arrive at the scene.

And after ?

I encourage the person to go to the emergency department even if they "only" drank a big cup. It is necessary to check the condition of the bronchi and to prevent an infection (the swallowed water is generally not very clean).

Thanks to Dr. Pascal Cassan, doctor-advisor of the French Red Cross. If you want to be trained in first aid, we go to the caravan of the Red Cross which runs throughout the summer in 10 departments. More info on croix-rouge.fr