How to Identify If Someone Was Drowned

Image: Person Drowning

Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment due to submersion or immersion in a liquid, typically water. It’s important to note that drowning doesn’t always result in death; there are non-fatal drownings as well. Here are some signs that someone may have drowned or is experiencing the effects of drowning:

1. Unresponsiveness: A drowned person is typically unconscious or unresponsive when pulled out of the water.
2. Absent or Labored Breathing: They might not be breathing, or their breathing might be shallow, laboured, or infrequent. It’s a sign of respiratory arrest, and the person will be unresponsive. Absent breathing is a critical situation that demands immediate intervention, usually in the form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if it’s accompanied by a lack of pulse.
3. Coughing: A person who has been rescued from drowning might cough persistently, sometimes producing frothy sputum which can be tinged with blood. In such situations stay with the victim, help the victim sit up, avoid giving food or drink, monitor breathing
4. Vomiting: The person may vomit water or stomach contents.
5. Cold or Bluish Skin: The skin might be cool to touch and may appear blue or pale, especially around the lips and fingertips.
6. Chest Pain: They may experience chest discomfort or pain.
7. Altered Mental State: A person who has nearly drowned might seem confused, disoriented, or agitated.
8. Absence of Movement: If the victim displays no signs of life, such as movement, breathing, or a detectable pulse, promptly remove them from the water and assess their responsiveness. If they remain unresponsive and lack a pulse, initiate CPR immediately.
9. Water in the Airway: If you attempt to give rescue breaths, you may find resistance due to water in the airway.
10. Dilated Pupils: In more severe cases, the person’s pupils might be dilated and not responsive to light. Dilated pupils in a drowning victim can be a concerning sign, often indicating a lack of adequate oxygen to the brain or other serious conditions.

If someone displays any of these signs after being in the water, it’s essential to call emergency services immediately and start CPR if they are unresponsive and not breathing. Even if the person seems okay after being rescued, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Secondary drowning, where water in the lungs can cause complications hours after the initial incident, although rare, is a potential risk.

CPR is a basic life skill technique that can be taught during training, which basically is a requirement for healthcare providers. Before you enroll on a BLS class, know these 4 things of BLS training center:

1. Trainer Background
2. Certification Validity
3. Same Day Certification
4. Availability

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Also, learn how to revive a drowning victim.