Open Water Drowning Prevention WHAM

W hat risks are observed on scene? H ow can we keep from coming back? A ction to take to prevent future injuries M aterials to leave behind WHAM

Drowning  In Washington State: Males y.o. and males 85+ y.o. have the highest drowning death ratesMales y.o. and males 85+ y.o. have the highest drowning death rates Approx 90% of older children and adolescents drowning deaths occur in open water (lakes, rivers, the Sound, ocean)Approx 90% of older children and adolescents drowning deaths occur in open water (lakes, rivers, the Sound, ocean)  Alcohol use and hazardous water conditions are common risk factors, esp. in teen drownings  Most victims are not wearing a life jacket  For every drowning death that occurs, it is estimated that there are four near-drownings that result in hospitalization

You and your crew have been called to a nearby lake on the first hot day in early summer. Your patient is a 15-year-old male who cut his foot on the rocks while swimming with his friends. While his foot is being bandaged, you notice your patient and his friends are shivering. You also notice that there are no life jackets present. What risks are observed on scene?

How can we keep from coming back?

 Talk about hypothermia: Even when it is hot outside, water may be cold enough to cause hypothermiaEven when it is hot outside, water may be cold enough to cause hypothermia Once hypothermia sets in, brain and body functions are impaired—victims do not realize this is happeningOnce hypothermia sets in, brain and body functions are impaired—victims do not realize this is happening Even athletes and strong swimmers can get hypothermiaEven athletes and strong swimmers can get hypothermia Stay out of water until warmed if you show early signs of hypothermia: shivering, altered judgment, blue fingers and lipsStay out of water until warmed if you show early signs of hypothermia: shivering, altered judgment, blue fingers and lips  Encourage life jacket use Action to take to prevent further injuries

Materials to leave behind  Utilize WHAM folder on rig  “Hypothermia In Our Lakes and Rivers”  Safe Kids “Boating Safety”

Further info on Open Water Drowning Prevention Links: Washington State Drowning Prevention Coalition Seattle-King County Public Health Hypothermia Prevention, Recognition & Treatment Washington State Parks

WHAM developed by: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue City of DuPont Fire Department Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One Safe Kids Pierce County Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept. With funding from: West Region EMS & Trauma Care Council