Get the right answer to the question when drowning is the suspected cause of cardiac arrest, what should the responder do first?
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Q. When drowning is the suspected cause of cardiac arrest, what should the responder do first?
Find out the answer with an explanation below:
Answer
As a first responder, you may encounter cardiac arrest victims in various situations.
However, when drowning is suspected to cause cardiac arrest, what should be your first move?
When drowning is the suspected cause of cardiac arrest, the responder should first remove the victim from the water. This is the most important step, as the victim cannot be resuscitated while they are still in the water.
Once the victim is out of the water, the responder should check for a pulse and breathing.
If the victim is not breathing, the responder should start CPR immediately.
CPR should be continued until the victim starts breathing on their own or until emergency medical personnel arrive.
If the victim is in cardiac arrest, the responder should also use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.
An AED is a device that can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm.
Here is a summary of the steps to take when drowning is the suspected cause of cardiac arrest:
- Remove the victim from the water.
- Check for a pulse and breathing.
- If the victim is not breathing, start CPR immediately.
- Use an AED if one is available.
It is important to note that these steps are for a suspected drowning victim who is in cardiac arrest.
If the victim is conscious and breathing, they should be placed in the recovery position and monitored until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Below are some additional tips for responding to a drowning:
- Call for emergency medical help as soon as possible.
- If you are not trained in CPR, ask someone who is to help.
- Continue CPR until the victim starts breathing on their own or until emergency medical personnel arrive.
- Do not give up hope. People have been resuscitated after being underwater for a long time.
Explanation
Drowning is a life-threatening condition that affects people of all ages, and if not handled urgently, can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.
In this post, we’ll provide you with vital information on what to do when drowning is suspected to be the cause of cardiac arrest.
By getting this knowledge, you can become better equipped to efficiently respond to such emergencies and even save lives.
#1. Stay Safe
The first step is to ensure your safety before attempting to rescue a drowning person.
Drowning people tend to panic and may pull the rescuer under the water.
Therefore, you must exercise caution when responding to such incidents.
If possible, don’t enter the water until you have appropriate protective gear, such as a personal flotation device and a wetsuit.
#2. Call for Help
Once you assess the situation and deem it safe to proceed with the rescue, quickly and clearly communicate with your colleagues and the emergency services. Alert them of the incident and provide them with a clear and accurate description of the situation to enable them to prepare and respond appropriately. With clear communication, ambulances and rescue teams can arrive promptly with proper equipment to assist you in your rescue efforts.
#3. Provide First Aid
Cardiac arrest is possible in any drowning incident, and providing first aid as soon as possible can be the difference between life and death. Begin with chest compressions and, if you have the equipment, automated external defibrillation (AED). Do not expect a pulse to return immediately and instead continue chest compressions until paramedics arrive.
#4. Breathing Support
If a drowning victim is not breathing after initial CPR efforts, then it’s recommended to provide breathing support using either mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or a bag-valve mask. This will help supply oxygen to the victim’s body, preventing further damage to their body.
#5. Treat the Symptoms
In many cases, drowning leads to hypothermia and electrolyte imbalances that need proper handling.
Therefore, it’s essential to keep the victim warm and dry, with every effort made to preserve the body heat until help arrives.
Additionally, administer glucose or saline solution immediately, depending on the symptoms exhibited by the victim.
Remember the signs of hyperkalemia, such as changes in the ECG tracing and the administration of calcium chloride, will save the drowning victim’s life.
Conclusion
Drowning is a serious condition that can quickly lead to cardiac arrest.
As a first responder, knowing what to do in such situations is crucial in saving the victim’s life.
Therefore, stay safe, call for help immediately, provide first aid, and treat symptoms as per the patient’s needs.
The goal is to work efficiently towards saving the drowning victim’s life with caution and safety measures in mind.
