When drowning occurs, it is not advisable for people on the shore to directly enter the water. The best way to rescue is to throw lifebuoys or long poles tied with ropes, and never go into the water with bare hands to rescue people.
In the scorching summer heat, the beach and swimming pools are crowded with students who are on summer vacation, and a slight mistake can cause drowning. According to the Taiwan Health Bureau’s top ten causes of death in 1988, accidents rank second, with about 2 people drowning and dying every day, about 730 people a year. According to the Red Cross, about 80% of cases occur in summer (April to October), with more than 580 people, which means that nearly 600 people die in the sea every summer.
When a drowning person is not far from the shore and is still struggling, the best way to rescue is to throw a lifebuoy with a rope. If there is no one on site, tie an object or a long rod that can support the drowning person to float on the water surface. If it is far from the shore, it is best to row or drive the boat to rescue, and do not jump into the water with bare hands.
In the water, it is necessary to drag the head, neck, and upper back of the injured person in a straight line and try not to move as much as possible, while keeping their face up and exposed to the water. If the drowning person’s breathing is not ideal, even if they are still in the water, artificial respiration should be started. After landing, continue with first aid and quickly arrange for medical evacuation.
The first step in first aid is to notify 120, and the injured must be treated as a cervical spine injured person to avoid the injured becoming a vegetative person. In foreign literature reports, some people have suffered spinal damage due to improper first aid.
