Child Drowning Resuscitation Steps

Immediate Actions

1. Check for Breathing and Heartbeat:
   • If the child has purple or pale lips, slow or absent breathing, unresponsive to stimuli, no detectable pulse, and no heartbeats, they may have stopped breathing or their heart may have stopped.
2. Clear Airway:
   • Lay the child on their back and open their mouth to clear any obstructions (water, vomit, or foreign objects).
   • Ensure the airway is clear and unobstructed.

Artificial Respiration (Mouth-to-Mouth)

1. Position the Child:
   • Lay the child on their back.
   • Unbutton any tight clothing around the neck.
   • Tilt the child’s head back to open the airway, and lift the chin to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
2. Remove Obstructions:
   • Use your fingers to clear the child’s mouth and throat.
3. Blow Air:
   • Pinch the child’s nose shut, take a deep breath, and place your mouth over the child’s mouth to form a seal.
   • Blow into the child’s mouth, watching for the chest to rise.
   • If the chest rises, let the air escape naturally and repeat the process.
   • Continue giving breaths at a rate of about 20 breaths per minute. For younger children, increase the frequency slightly but do not exceed 40 breaths per minute.
4. Do Not Give Up:
   • Continue until the child starts breathing independently.
   • Monitor for signs of recovery like the return of a pulse or pupil contraction.

Chest Compressions (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – CPR)

1. Position for CPR:
   • Lay the child on a firm surface.
   • Place the heel of one hand (or both hands for larger children) on the center of the child’s chest, just below the nipple line.
2. Perform Compressions:
   • Keep your elbows straight and use your body weight to perform compressions.
   • Compress the chest about 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest.
   • Perform compressions at a rate of about 80 per minute.
3. Combine with Breaths:
   • If you are alone, perform 15 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths.
   • Continue this cycle (15:2 ratio) until help arrives or the child starts breathing.

If Multiple Rescuers are Present

• One person should perform mouth-to-mouth breaths while the other performs chest compressions.
• Coordination is crucial to ensure effectiveness.

If the Child is Breathing and Has a Pulse

1. Drain Water:
   • Hold the child with their head down and chest slightly elevated to help drain water from the lungs.
   • Gently shake or tap the child to stimulate breathing.
2. Warm the Child:
   • If the child regains consciousness, keep them warm and calm.
   • Offer warm drinks like ginger tea or strong tea.
   • Administer antibiotics for 5-7 days to prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Transport to Hospital

• Even if the child appears to recover, seek immediate medical attention to rule out complications.
• Continue resuscitation efforts while transporting the child to the hospital.

Key Points

• Act Quickly: Immediate action is crucial for survival.
• Ensure Airway is Clear: Proper airway management is the first step.
• Use Proper Techniques: Follow recommended methods for artificial respiration and chest compressions.
• Do Not Stop: Continue efforts until professional medical help takes over.
• Monitor and Support: Keep the child warm and calm after resuscitation.

By mastering these life-saving techniques, you can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery for a child experiencing drowning.