Drowning

FIRST AID

1. DROWNING Mr. Manikandan.T , RN., RM., M.Sc (N)., D.C.A .,( Ph.D ) Research Scholar, Dept. of Medical Surgical Nursing, VMCON, Puducherry .

2. DEFINITION: Drowning is the result of immersion of nose and mouth in water (or any other liquid). Water enters the windpipe and lungs, clogging the lungs completely . Type of suffocation induced by the submersion or immersion of the mouth and nose in a liquid. Most instances of fatal drowning occur alone or in situations where others present are either unaware of the victim's situation or unable to offer assistance.

3. CAUSES The causes of drowning are accidental and usually preventable. The accident often occurs within a short distance of safety like in a bathtub or close to shore. Other factors that contribute to drowning include alcohol trauma (injuries from diving into shallow water) medical emergencies (seizures, heart attacks, hypoglycemic or diabetic coma, stroke)

4. PROCESS OF DROWNING: Involuntarily inhale and swallow more water(series of coughing and swallowing action) As water flows past the epiglottis A reflex spasm of the larynx This spasm seals the airway so effectively Unconscious soon result from hypoxia

5. AIMS OF DROWNING MANAGEMENT: To restore adequate breathing To keep the casualty warm To arrange urgent removal to hospital To drain out water from lungs To give artificial respiration.

6. MANAGEMENT: The aim is drain out water from lungs and to give artificial respiration. Act quickly, remove seaweeds and mud from nose and throat. Start artificial ventilation immediately. Turn the victim face down with head to one side and arms stretched beyond his head. Infants and children could be held upside down for short period. Raise the middle p art of the body with your hand round the belly to drain out water from lungs.

7. Cont.…: Give artificial respiration until respiration comes to normal Remove wet cloths Keep the body warm cover with blankets When the victim become conscious, give hot drinks like coffee or tea Do not allow him to sit up After doing the above, remove quickly to hospital.

8. Prevention- Drowning Tips Infants should never be left in the bathtub alone, even for a few seconds, and the caregiver should not be distracted by other tasks or chores. Toddlers and small children should not be unattended near backyard or neighborhood pools. Everybody should learn how to swim and the buddy system is important for every age. Never swim alone. When in natural water, like rivers and lakes, it is important to know the depth of the water, its temperature, and whether any dangerous currents exist. While enjoying watercraft, boats etc. on lakes, rivers, or in the ocean floatation devices should be available to every person on the vessel . Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is against the federal law. Alcohol should not be used in excess when swimming or boating and its use is commonly associated with teenage drowning deaths.

9. THANKS