Drowning

On Scene

  • Put PT onto side
  • Pat their back to help them cough up water
  • Once PT coughs up water, place them back onto their back
  • Check Vitals
  • If no pulse, perform CPR
    • CPR (2 rounds of 30 compressions & 2 breaths)
    • Check for success
  • If still no pulse, perform AED
    • Cut PT shirt open (if they have one on)
    • Dry PT off with dry towel
    • Apply AED pads to PT in the dry area
    • Push the button on AED to find a shockable rhythm
    • Once a shockable rhythm is found, shock the PT.
    • If not revived after first shock, administer Epi
    • Can shock PT up to 3 times
    • Confirm stable pulse
  • Place O2 Mask
  • Start IV w/ Lasix (if salt water)
  • Transport PT to hospital

In the Hospital

  • Assess the patient’s ABC’s (Airway, breathing, circulation)
  • Stabilize the patient if needed
  • If patient loses breathing, intubate and ventilate
  • Administer high-flow oxygen to improve saturation
  • Perform a chest X-ray to see if there is any aspiration (fluid) or lung injury
    • If there is fluid in the windpipe, take a hollow needle to drain the fluid
    • If fluid is in the lungs, push a diuretic and antibiotic to reduce fluid and prevent infection
  • Once treated, move the patient to a recovery space