In the USA, drowning is considered to be one of the leading causes of death among children. As per the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 3000 cases of fatal unintentional drowning and 7000 plus cases of nonfatal drowning. While children are at a higher risk of drowning that doesn’t mean lesser risk for anyone.

However, learning to administer CPR on a person can bring a big difference to this scenario. In this blog, we are going to learn how to identify someone who is drowning and act immediately to save them.

Table of contents:

• How do people drown?
• How to identify a drowning person?
• What do you do when someone is drowning?
• Where can I get CPR certification?

How do people drown?

When saline water goes into the body, the process of Osmosis draws the water out of the bloodstream and lungs, making the blood thicker and affecting the overall organs of the body. However, in the case of freshwater, the blood gets diluted, which destroys the red blood cells and affects the electrical signals of the heart. The large amount of water intake in the lungs causes suffocation, which results in cardiac arrest.

Performing CPR on someone who is drowning is physically different from typical CPR. As per the standpoint of the American Heart Association, two rescue breaths are important to stay oxygenated and prevent the danger of cardiac arrest. It is the process of blowing air into someone’s mouth to maintain blood flow and supply oxygen to the brain. 

However, it is important to learn about the signs of drowning so that you can act promptly to rescue the person. You will be amazed to know CPR training course sets no age bar, and anyone who is physically fit can perform it. In case you are thinking that CPR certification is of no use to you, read out the 7 reasons to be CPR-certified and decide for yourself.

Signs To Identify That Someone Is Drowning

• Head tilted back with mouth open
• Head lower in the water and mouth at the water level
• Flailing arms and no leg movements
• Head tilted back with outstretched arms
• Weak movements or no movements at all
• Gasping for air or taking deep breaths
• Choking while trying to breathe underwater
• No progress has been made in moving in a particular direction in the water

What To Do When Someone Is Drowning

Here is what you can do when someone is drowning:

• Take a look at the surroundings and the person and make sure that the environment is safe.
• Tap on the shoulder to check whether the person is conscious. 
• Ask a rescuer or a bystander to call 911 immediately
• If the person is not breathing, check the airway, Breathing, and circulation. Title the head and lift the chin to open the airway. Place your ear near his nose to check if the person is breathing. If not, then check the pulse rate. If you find no pulse rate, start CPR immediately.

• Do 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breathing. To start the CPR, you place one hand on top of the other to push hard in the middle of the chest.
• For rescue breathing, tilt back the head and lift the chin. Pinch the nose and put your mouth over the other person’s mouth to seal and blow air into the mouth. 
• Then, repeat the process of CPR until the person shows some signs of movement.
• Continue the process until help arrives
• If breathing is restored, put the person in the recovery position
• To keep the airway open, tilt the head back

Know Where to Find CPR Classes in Frederick County

Now that you know how CPR can make a difference during a medical emergency, knowing the right way to perform it can be a lifesaver. If you are wondering whether you need CPR certification or not, read about the top 10 careers where CPR certification can be a game changer.

If you are a medical professional, a CPR certification course can boost your career. Learn the difference between CPR training and CPR certification to build a safer community and workplace.

With Comfikare CPR, certified by the American Heart Association, in Frederick County, you can now be CPR-certified by the best medical experts right at your place. Get the best CPR certificate course at an affordable rate with our medical experts and take a step ahead. For more information on our CPR training, contact us!