After removing a drowning child from the water, if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, what should you do next?

After removing a drowning child from the water, if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, what should you do next?

• A. Open the airway and give 2 breaths
• B. Start chest compressions
• C. Check for a pulse
• D. Continue to monitor the patient

Answer: (A)

In drowning, restoring ventilation to fix hypoxia is the immediate priority. After removing the child from the water, open the airway and give two rescue breaths, watching to see the chest rise with each breath. This first step directly supplies oxygen to the lungs, which is crucial because lack of oxygen is the primary danger in drowning. If the chest rises and the child shows signs of life, continue with breaths and reassess for pulse to determine the need for full CPR. If the chest does not rise after the first or second breath, reposition and try again; if there is still no breath or life signs, proceed with chest compressions plus ventilations as indicated.

In drowning, restoring ventilation to fix hypoxia is the immediate priority. After removing the child from the water, open the airway and give two rescue breaths, watching to see the chest rise with each breath. This first step directly supplies oxygen to the lungs, which is crucial because lack of oxygen is the primary danger in drowning. If the chest rises and the child shows signs of life, continue with breaths and reassess for pulse to determine the need for full CPR. If the chest does not rise after the first or second breath, reposition and try again; if there is still no breath or life signs, proceed with chest compressions plus ventilations as indicated.