Lesson 16: Submersion Incidents

Objectives Describe general sequence of events during drowning Describe safest and most efficient means of removing submersion victim Describe emergency treatment and long term care for drowned patient Describe when evacuation is necessary Describe how to prevent submersion incidents

Submersion Incidents Overview Submersion incidents include death and near death from drowning Drowning one of the most common forms of accidental death Most submersion incidents are easily preventable What activities have a drowning risk?

Submersion Incidents Overview Drowning risk activities Fording streams Seining for bait Swimming Snorkeling Scuba diving Surfing Boating Backpacking Ice fishing Ice skating

How Submersion Leads to Death Non-swimmer can go under in > 1 min, as can hypothermic or injured person Person panics and struggles while holding breath Heart rate speeds up, blood pressure rises Involuntary swallowing of water common. Drive to breath overwhelms person and they breath water

How Submersion Leads to Death Most people experience laryngospasm, involuntary constriction of muscles of upper airway to keep water out of lungs Laryngospasm leads to asphyxia which is inadequate intake of oxygen Unconsciousness results Respiratory arrest, then cardiac arrest Laryngospasm relaxes, water enters lungs

Preventing Submersion Incidents What steps can be taken to prevent submersion incidents?

Preventing Submersion Incidents Ensure at least one qualified, responsible adult is trained in water related emergencies Only swim in safe areas (checked) Know how to swim and have appropriate level of fitness Never swim alone For boating activities, wear appropriate approved life jackets

Preventing Submersion Incidents Wear an appropriate and properly fitting helmet for whitewater boating, water skiing, etc Do not dive into shallow water All water entry feet first unless water is > 7 feet deep and unobstructed Do not participate in water activities if under the influence of drugs/alcohol Exercise care when crossing streams Do not stand in fast moving water Limit poor swimmers to shallow water

Recognizing a Submersion Emergency Timely recognition is key. They way person behaves is your best clues The way they are breathing Position of the body How the person uses arms and legs Ability to make progress in water

Recognizing a Submersion Emergency “Active Drowning Victim: Struggles for breath Can’t call for help Arms to sides, alternately moving up and pressing down, ineffective Vertical body position No forward progress

Recognizing a Submersion Emergency “Passive” Drowning Victim Not breathing No arm or leg motion Horizontal, or vertical, could be face down or submerged No forward progress

Reach, Row, Throw, Go Attempting to save drowning victim requires training and skill Be sure to know where the rescue equipment is prior to starting activity Remember to monitor safety of all members of group Follow reach, throw, row, go guidelines.

Reach, Throw, Row, Go Reach with arm, paddle, poll Throw, rope, buoy, life preserver Row out to victim and reach to help Go (Swim) only if you are excellent swimmer and have training in water rescue. Don’t turn one victim into 2!!!

Diving and Spinal Injury Diving headfirst into shallow water is a major cause of sports related injuries. If person exhibits signs of spinal injury in water and is breathing, minimize his movement Have a responder who is trained in water rescue provide inline stabilization If breathing is absent, provide CPR

Activity From packs, get material that could be used to help save someone 25 feet from land Practice piecing together a buoyant object and rope, and making a throw out to someone 25 feet away

Caring for a Drowned Person When checking patient look for Unconciousness Airway Breathing Circulation Disability Environmental conditions If patient is not moving or breathing, begin rescue breathing and CPR

Caring for a Drowned Person If patient has suspected back/neck/head injury, provide inline stablization May have to be performed in the water. Water rescue course will teach that Care for shock, hypothermia or other conditions that may arise

Guidelines for Evacuation Aspiration of even small amounts of water requires prompt medical care, even if patient responds to resuscitation GO FAST for patient that was unconscious, no matter how short a time GO FAST if any signs of respiratory distress. Problems can become life threatening Secondary drowning aftereffect of water entering lungs may take several days to develop