First aid for drowning

Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. There are an estimated 360 000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.

Drowning - closing of the respiratory tract with water, mud, silt or sewage. The cause of death depends on the nature of the drowning. Reflex paralysis of the heart - "death in water" - arises from sudden irritation with cold water of the nerve endings of the skin and larynx or in emotional shock from fright. In these cases there are no phases of body protection that are characteristic for drowning - the skin and mucous membranes of dead are deadly pale, and in the lungs they do not have water.

The blockage of the respiratory tract by water in large reservoirs occurs with fatigue or in the unconscious state. The tired person does not sink at once, at first in a panic he makes uncoordinated movements and, getting out of his strength, plunges into the water holding his breath. In the water after 1 - 1.5 minutes he takes an involuntary deep breath and the lungs are filled with water. Then involuntary shallow respiratory movements appear in the lungs, as a result of which the foam is formed from the water, mucus and remaining air. It is resistant enough even when it dries. Breath stops, but the oxygen in the blood still supports the vital activity of the cells. After 1-1.5 minutes after the cessation of breathing, brain cells are damaged and the person loses consciousness. And after 1.5-2 minutes the heart stops. Having lost consciousness in water, the victim quickly sinks while the respiratory movements do not stop until the agony.

Symptoms. In cases of blockage of the respiratory tract by water, the skin and mucous membranes of the victim are sharply cyanotic, ears, lips and fingertips are of violet-blue color. The visible veins of the head and neck are sharply swollen. The face is puffy. There is a lot of foam with admixture of blood from the mouth and nose.

The first aid is aimed at pulling the victim out of the water and reviving him. If the victim who swallowed the water is conscious, he must be undressed, wiped dry, wrapped and warmed. In this case, it is advisable to induce vomiting by irritation of the root of the tongue and the posterior pharyngeal wall.

In the absence of consciousness of the drowned person it is necessary to cleanse the mouth and pharynx from mucus, mud and sand and immediately to begin resuscitation.