Kamloops First Aid Course 250.878.6690 Red Cross Courses Standard First Aid, Emeregency First Aid, Child Care and CPR Training.
Near-drowning is when a person is in danger of drowning. Each year, almost 8,000 people die from drowning. Seventy percent of all near-drowning victims recover; 25% die, and 5% have brain damage.
A toddler can drown in as little as 2 inches of water in a bathtub, sink, etc. Toilet bowls are unsafe, too, if a small child falls into one head-first.
Signs & Symptoms
A person is in the water with signs of distress. He or she can’t stay above water, swims unevenly, signals for help, etc.
Blue lips or ears. The skin is cold and pale.
Bloated abdomen. Vomiting. Choking.
Confusion. Lethargy.
The person does not respond or can’t breathe.
Causes
Not being able to swim. Being in water too deep and too rough for one’s ability to swim.
Water sport and other accidents. Not following water safety rules. Not wearing a life preserver, etc. Unsupervised swimming.
Falling through ice while fishing, skating, etc.
Injury or problems that occur while swimming, boating, etc. Examples are leg or stomach cramps, fatigue, and alcohol or drug use. A heart attack, stroke, seizure, and a marine animal bite or sting may have occurred.
Treatment
Immediate medical care is needed for near-drowning.
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