First aid for drowning: see how to do it

Among the main risks of participating in trails and camps is drowning. In natural environments with open spaces, the presence of rivers, lagoons, waterfalls, and beaches is common, and often, they are essential to ensure potable water. Therefore, it is somewhat challenging to maintain distance from such environments, and drownings end up happening.

However, with some practical tips, it is possible to prevent the victim's condition from worsening, potentially reversing it. It was with this in mind that we, at Cutelaria CIMO, developed this guide! Today, you will learn how to rescue someone who is drowning, what to do if they are unconscious, and tips on how to prevent drownings to ensure safe adventures for everyone.

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1. Ask for help from someone else who is near the location

Upon witnessing a drowning, immediately alert others present! Here, the collaboration of everyone involved is fundamental to make the rescue more efficient and safe. Delegating tasks speeds up the rescue: one person can look for floating materials, another can call for rescue, while someone monitors the victim.

On trails and camps, access can be difficult. Therefore, it is always important to have someone experienced in the group, increasing the chances of success.

2. Immediately call the fire department ambulance at 193

Calling for professional help is an essential step, regardless of the apparent severity of the drowning. Call 193, providing clear information: exact location, victim's condition (conscious, unconscious, breathing or not), and potential risks near the location.

For this, always have a means of communication available. In outdoor environments, carry your cell phone, two-way radio, or other portable devices, after all, a quick response from firefighters increases chances of survival and reduces complications.

3. Provide some floating material to the person who is drowning

If the person is still conscious, immediately look for some material for them to hold onto. Use large branches, plastic bottles, camping ropes, or sealed backpacks. Throw the material while maintaining a safe distance, avoiding unnecessary approaches.

4. Try to perform the rescue without entering the water

Entering the water without proper preparation poses a high risk to the rescuer. To avoid this, use extendable objects, such as sturdy branches, sticks, or strong ropes, to reach the victim without exposing yourself. This will prevent you from having to enter the water to rescue the victim, which is extremely important in more dangerous places where the current is very strong.

5. Only enter the water if you know how to swim

If you have experience or some swimming training, try to enter the water. However, only do so if necessary, because in natural environments, factors such as currents, submerged vegetation, and poor visibility increase the challenge. Only enter the water if you have full confidence in your abilities and if no other safe resource is available.

What to do if the victim is conscious?

When removing a conscious victim from the water, take them to a safe and sheltered place. Monitor for signs of hypothermia, extreme fatigue, or respiratory difficulties. Allow the person to breathe calmly and offer warm clothing to prevent heat loss.

Pay attention to warning signs: mental confusion, paleness, or tremors require continuous care until professionals arrive. Furthermore, constant observation is crucial, even after the initial rescue, so stay alert and ready to act if the victim's condition changes.

What to do if the victim is not breathing?

If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, time is a determining factor. Quickly check vital signs: absence of breathing and pulse indicate an immediate need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Begin CPR maneuvers if you know how to perform them. To do this, keep the airway clear and avoid sudden movements of the neck and spine. If there is more than one rescuer, divide the tasks: while one performs CPR, the other seeks help or prepares the environment for care.

If you don't know how to perform CPR, here are some practical guidelines:

How to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in cases of drowning

1. Lay the victim on their back on a firm surface, tilt their head slightly back and lift their chin to clear the airway;

2. Check for breathing; if there is none, begin 30 compressions in the center of the chest, 5 to 6 cm deep, at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute (a good tip is to perform the massage to the rhythm of the song "Baby Shark");

3. After compressions, perform two mouth-to-mouth ventilations, if you know how and it is safe;

4. Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 ventilations until help arrives or spontaneous breathing returns;

5. Avoid moving the neck and spine; stay calm and focused throughout the process.

What to do if you are drowning

Maintaining self-control is the main strategy for someone in a drowning situation. Avoid desperate movements, which consume energy and make it difficult to float. Try to turn on your back, breathe slowly, and look for objects to support yourself around you. Signal for help by raising your arms or blowing whistles, if available.

7 important tips to prevent drowning

So that you don't have to put these survival techniques against drowning into practice, check out some tips to prevent drowning:

1. Never swim alone, especially in unfamiliar environments;

2. Keep someone informed about your location and return time;

3. Use appropriate equipment, such as life jackets and strong ropes;

4. Avoid alcohol consumption near rivers, lakes, or waterfalls;

5. Carefully observe the current and depth before entering the water;

6. Always have a quality first aid kit available;

7. Prioritize durable accessories made of stainless steel or carbon steel, which ensure performance and reliability.

When it comes to preventing drownings, ensuring quality safety equipment and being properly informed is the best solution.

For this, continue following the Cutelaria CIMO blog! Here, we always bring content about survival in camps, trails, and other adventures. This way, you can enjoy your leisure moments without any worries!

Until next time!