The World Health Organization reports that drowning is the third leading cause of unintended death and injury to individuals worldwide. Drowning causes asphyxia or depletion of oxygen supply inside the body which leads to unconsciousness and eventually death. Near drowning is a situation that leads to complications of drowning like death if the victim fails to receive immediate medical assistance.
How Is Drowning and Near Drowning Recognized?
We often see drowning victims being depicted in movies, as shouting for help and waving their hands. However, scientific logic disproves these actions in actual drowning victims. Individuals who are in state of drowning or near drowning will manifest the following responses:
- A shout or call for help may not be executed by the person. The victim’s respiratory system will give priority to his breathing rather than assisting him in speaking.
- The brain sends signals that cause autonomic responses in the body. Each time a victim’s mouth is above the water level; his tendency is to draw in air to sustain oxygen inside his body.
- As a result of autonomic response, the victim cannot wave his hands up in the air for help. Instead, his body will use his arms laterally in water to push himself upward and be able to draw in air.
- The same reason above explains why drowning victims are not capable of catching thrown ropes or life jackets.
What Happens During a Drowning?
- The initial autonomic response in a drowning victim’s body is to slow down heart rate. The peripheral blood vessels constrict, in order to preserve oxygen within the blood.
- Because of panic, too much body movement causes depletion of oxygen. Decreasing amount of oxygen in the body leads to increasing carbon dioxide.
- Carbon dioxide triggers the breathing reflex of a person. This allows the victim to hold his breath underwater for some time.
- However, water enters the airway causing reflex laryngospasm to prevent water from entering the lungs.
- Water also fills the stomach.
- When the victim finally becomes unconscious, the larynx relaxes and water fills the victim’s lungs.
How Should You Manage a Drowning and Near Drowning Victim?
- Time is very crucial for the survival of a drowning or near drowning victim. Rescue should be done quickly and safely. Immediately call for medical help and assistance.
- If unconscious, lay the victim flat on his back and avoid unnecessary movement of the victim’s body.
- Check his pulse and assess if he is breathing. If these were not present during assessment, immediately perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Do not leave the patient and do not stop attempts at reviving him until medical help arrives.
- If the victim is conscious, immediately assess for spinal, neck, and other injuries.
- Transport him to the nearest hospital for further assessment and management.
How Can You Prevent an Accidental Drowning Death or Near Drowning Injury?
- Learn how to swim and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These are skills that can help save yourself and other divers from drowning.
- Do not swim or dive in unfamiliar bodies of water. Ensure that you have someone familiar with the dive site and surrounding area accompany you on each and every dive.