Emergencies can strike at any time and in any form, and water-related emergencies are no exception. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death worldwide, and quick and effective action can make all the difference in saving a life.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical life-saving technique that can help maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the body’s vital organs, increasing the chances of survival in water-related emergencies. Whether it’s a pool, lake, or beach, having the knowledge and ability to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death.
In this article, we will explore the critical role of CPR in water-related emergencies and how it can help save lives.
Need of CPR in Water-related Emergencies
CPR training must be considered for lifeguards and swimming coaches. When it comes to saving the life of a person, one of the most important factors to be considered is the essence of time. The patient must receive first aid during emergencies at the earliest possible.
The importance of time cannot be stressed enough when a person is drowning. In this situation, the water gushes towards the person’s lungs, restricting their air pathway. It is highly important to get rid of this excess water while helping the heart get additional support for pumping blood into the body.
CPR Steps To Save The Life Of A Drowning Person
For CPR to be effective, it is important to follow the right steps. The very first step that anyone must do is to call for an ambulance or the lifeguard on duty. It is important to ensure that the patient receives professional help. However, one must begin the steps of CPR while waiting for the professional help to arrive, as it is very important to conduct the CPR immediately. Here are the CPR steps that one must follow:
-The first step is to check whether the person is breathing by themselves. Hold your palm or cheek near your mouth or nose to verify if the person is taking breaths.
-Next, you must check for the pulse. You can easily check the pulse on the side of the neck, a little below the patient’s jawline. Here, you can find the carotid artery very close to the skin. Hence, you shall be able to feel the pulse as soon as possible. Using three fingers, you can also check the pulse on the wrist of the left hand towards the inner side.
If you cannot find the pulse, it is important to follow these CPR steps:
-For an adult, place one of your hands on top of the other, and lock your fingers. Place your hands firmly on the centre of the chest, at the sternum, slightly towards the left. Now, make compressions at least two inches deeper in the chest. You must make compressions between 100-150 times per minute at regular intervals.
-For a baby, use two fingers only at the same position instead of your hands. The compressions must not be deeper than 1.5 inches.
-After every thirty compressions, two breaths must be administered using the mouth-to-mouth technique. Cover the nose of the patient and blow into their mouth. Now release and repeat the process. Continue with the CPR steps until the person returns to their senses or professional help arrives.
Conclusion
CPR is a critical lifesaving technique that can significantly impact water-related emergencies. The knowledge of CPR and CPR training can help save the life of a drowning person and can come in handy at varied points in your life. You can also learn this by getting professional CPR training and certification. Learning this skill can help you save many lives.