(CPR)…… after the heart stops and provides defibrillation (if needed) the better the victim’s chance of surviving the incident…………After Four minutes without oxygen, brain cells begin to die, and irreversible damage occurs. The lack of oxygen causes the skin to turn blue. The vital organs are no longer receiving oxygen rich blood. The final stage in the drowning process is death…….both breathing and circulation stop. The victim will remain unconscious (and die) unless breathing is re-established.ĭue to the lack of oxygen in the brain, the victim may look as if he/she is having a convulsion……… the victim’s skin turns blue, especially in the lips and fingernail beds………. ![]() At this point the victim sinks to the bottom of the water, either slowly or rapidly, depending on factors such as the amount of air trapped in the lungs, body weight and muscle mass. There is no chest movement or breathing sounds. Because breathing has stopped, he/she is in respiratory arrest. In this stage the victim will be motionless. ![]() ![]() Without Oxygen, the victim will lose consciousness.īecause the victim has been without oxygen, the body shuts itself down as unconsciousness results. Though the victim may continue to struggle, he/she will not usually make any sounds as he/she cannot breathe. This occurs because water has entered the mouth and causes the epiglottis to close over the airway. The victim has now dropped below the static water line and the body in an attempt to protect itself, Initiates involuntary breath holding. Victims rarely make any sounds they are struggling just to breath. The head will be tilted back with the face turned up. The arms will be at or near the water’s surface, making random grasping or flipping motions. The victim assumes a near-vertical position in the water, with little or no leg movement. In this stage the victim recognises danger and becomes afraid. There Are Typically Five Stages To Drowning: Source: ROSPA Most drowning victims are taken by surprise and are in a state of shock, often silent and missing the shouting and arm waving as seen on TV. “Optimum conditions for rescue are seldom found, especially in those first few vital seconds before drowning occurs.” Successful rescue usually depends on the presence and quick response of a skilled rescuer with some form of rescue equipment, and the ability of the victim to co – operate and not struggle.” Competent swimmers or those acclimatised to cold may be more able to get out alive, although they may simply take longer to drown.” Weak or non-swimmers may survive for only a few seconds in cold, deep or fast flowing water. ![]() The survival time is limited for anyone who gets into difficulties in such water. These waters are often deep and frequently have strong currents. “The Coastal and inland water of the United Kingdom remain cold throughout the year, even during the warmest summer months. Source Patient UK article Drowning and Near Drowning The Drowning Process Secondary drowning is a non-specific term for death after 24hrs from complications of submersion.” Near Drowning is survival more than 24hrs from suffocation by submersion. “Drowning is death within 24hrs from suffocation by submersion in a liquid, normally fresh water or sea water.
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