Environmental
Drowning
Remove the person from the water only if safe to do so. Start CPR immediately if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally — call 000 for every drowning casualty, even if they seem to recover.
Remove the person from the water only if safe to do so. Start CPR immediately if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally — call 000 for every drowning casualty, even if they seem to recover.
What to do
- Call 000 for every drowning casualty.
- Remove them from the water — do not endanger yourself. Throw a rope or flotation device if you cannot safely enter the water.
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Lay them on their back. If they are not breathing normally, start CPR immediately — give 5 initial rescue breaths before starting compressions.
- Be prepared for vomiting — roll on their side and clear the mouth.
- Continue CPR until they recover or paramedics arrive.
- Do not try to empty water from the stomach by pressing on the abdomen.
Secondary drowning
Anyone who has nearly drowned should be assessed at hospital, even if they seem fine. Water in the lungs can cause life-threatening problems hours later.
Hypothermia
People rescued from cold water are often hypothermic — see hypothermia. Continue CPR for longer than usual; resuscitation has succeeded after extended periods in cold water.
Questions & answers
Should I try to empty water from the lungs first?
No. Do not press the abdomen or invert the person. Start rescue breathing and CPR straight away — water in the lungs is absorbed by the body.
How is drowning CPR different?
Begin with 5 initial rescue breaths before chest compressions, because hypoxia (not heart failure) is the underlying problem.
Why does every drowning casualty need to go to hospital?
Secondary drowning can develop hours later, even in someone who seems fine. Always Call 000 and have them assessed.
Related topics
CPR — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is performed on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Use 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 compressions per minute, adjusting depth and technique for adults, children and infants.
DRSABCD Action Plan
The DRSABCD action plan is the Australian Resuscitation Council's seven-step primary survey for any emergency: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a drop in core body temperature below 35°C. Move the person to shelter, remove wet clothing, rewarm gradually with blankets and body heat, and call 000 if severe.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion is treated by moving to a cool place, removing clothing and sipping cool water. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency — call 000 and cool the person rapidly by any means available.
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