CPR Drowning and Water Emergency Resuscitation

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Ensure your own safety before attempting rescue

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The primary cause is hypoxia, making oxygenation critical to survival

Answer

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

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Practice Test

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Practice Test

CPR Drowning and Water Emergency Resuscitation