Drowning Response

Rescue and resuscitation of drowning victims

Step by Step

Call emergency services. Do not put yourself at risk: reach with a pole or throw a flotation aid rather than entering the water, and only enter as a last resort with flotation. Once the person is out of the water, check breathing. If they are not breathing normally, start CPR; European guidance is to give 5 rescue breaths first, then cycles of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Vomiting is common; turn them onto their side to clear the mouth, then continue. Keep them warm. Everyone who has been pulled from the water after a drowning incident needs medical assessment, even if they seem well, because breathing problems can develop hours later.