subject: Preparing For Child Drowning Emergencies [print this page] In America, between six and eight thousand individuals drown each year. Many of these people are children who are capable of drowning in any body of water. Such bodies of water can include anything from pools, bathtubs and even pails of water. In order to prevent accidents or death, make sure to always supervise children when they are around water. It's best to prepare yourself with first aid practices so that you understand what to do in case of an accident.
Keep your eyes constantly on children around water because a drowning can happen suddenly and without notice. Don't rush to jump to someone's rescue if you yourself are not strong enough of a swimmer to do so. Instead, attempt to use a pole or safety device to help reach the victim. Without subjecting others to danger, you can try to reach the child with a device or rope in order to bring them to safety.
Remember the letters A, B and C whenever you are faced with a drowning accident. This will help remind you of: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Finding a child unresponsive means that you should immediately call for help. Remove the child and place them on a firm, flat surface until help has arrived.
To open the airway, tilt the child's head back slightly and lift his jaw. Check if the child is breathing and determine whether something is blocking his airway. In the absence of breathing, start rescue breathing immediately. Pinch the child's nose shut (unless he or she is younger than one year of age) and close your lips around his mouth. Breathe into the child's mouth twice. Do this gently and slowly.
If you have followed the steps correctly this will cause the child's chest to rise. If this does not happen, the child's tongue could be blocking the flow of air or your lips aren't covering the mouth correctly. If needed, repeat the process and the steps. For the most protection, make sure to get a quality spa cover.
by: Karen Reader
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