Drowning and Water Emergency Resuscitation Flashcards

For a drowning victim in cardiac arrest, the AHA recommends starting CPR with which sequence?

Answer: Ventilations first, then compressions (A-B-C)

Drowning cardiac arrest is caused by hypoxia, so the AHA recommends starting with 2-5 rescue breaths before compressions to address the oxygen deficit.

What is the FIRST priority for a rescuer approaching a drowning victim?

Answer: Ensure your own safety before attempting rescue

Personal safety is always the first priority; a rescuer who becomes a victim cannot help anyone.

When should cervical spine precautions be taken for a drowning victim?

Answer: When there are signs of trauma such as diving or waterslide injury

Spinal precautions are indicated only when there is evidence of trauma (e.g., diving, surfing, or waterslide accident); routine spinal immobilization delays critical resuscitation.

A drowning victim vomits during CPR. What is the correct action?

Answer: Turn the victim to the side, clear the airway, then resume CPR

The victim should be log-rolled onto their side to allow drainage, the mouth cleared of vomitus, and CPR resumed promptly to minimize interruptions.

Why is rescue breathing especially important in drowning-related cardiac arrest compared to sudden cardiac arrest?

Answer: The primary cause is hypoxia, making oxygenation critical to survival

Drowning arrest is hypoxic in origin, so delivering oxygen through rescue breaths addresses the root cause and greatly improves survival odds.

How should a bystander attempt to rescue a drowning person when entering the water is unsafe?

Answer: Reach with a pole, throw a rope or flotation device, and call 911

Reach-throw-don't-go techniques (extending a pole, throwing a rope or buoy) allow bystanders to assist without putting themselves at risk.

What is the recommended initial number of rescue breaths to give a drowning victim before beginning chest compressions?

Answer: 2 to 5 breaths

AHA and ILCOR guidelines recommend giving 2–5 initial rescue breaths for drowning victims to rapidly correct the hypoxia driving cardiac arrest.