Drowning victims are generally in a state of panic unless they are unconscious. If you must rescue a drowning victim who is still coherent, you must be careful not to put yourself in harm's way while attempting a rescue.
Instructions
Unconscious Victims
1. If there is someone with you, send them for help or have them call 911.
2. Get to the victim as quickly as you can. The quicker you can get to the victim, the greater chance he has at survival.
3. Once you have the victim to a dry spot, lay him on his back and try not to move his head or neck excessively.
4. Listen and look for breathing. If the victim has a pulse, begin rescue breathing. You will administer one breath every 6 to 8 seconds. If he does not have a pulse and isn't breathing, immediately begin CPR.
5. Re-assess the victim every few minutes until emergency help arrives.
Conscious Victims
6. Rescuing a conscious, panicking victim may prove to be challenging. Take precautions for your own safety if you have to do this. If you have a second person with you, send him to get help or call 911.
7. Get to the drowning victim as soon and safely as possible. If the victim has a suspected spinal or neck injury, keep him in the water as long as it isn't freezing or a dangerous situation. Carefully float the body on top of the water until further help arrives.
8. Let the victim know that you are trying to help him. If you don't suspect a spinal or neck injury, get the victim to dry land and assess the situation.
9. If the victim is trying to spit up water, turn him over on his left side, also known as the recovery position.
10. If you have the ability to transport the victim to the nearest emergency facility, do so. If not, wait until an emergency team gets out there to help you.
11. Re-assess the situation every couple of minutes until emergency help arrives.
12. If the victim goes into the cardiac arrest, begin CPR.
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