Should someone who is drowning be turned upside down for first aid?

Many people still turn drowning victims upside down during first aid, unaware that this is a dangerous mistake that slows down cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and hinders the patient's life.

The most important thing to save someone from drowning is proper first aid and timely cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene (illustrative image).

Summer is the time when the risk of drowning accidents increases, especially among children. However, many people still maintain the habit of turning the victim upside down with the thought that it helps "drain the water out" when providing first aid for drowning.

This is the wrong approach and can cause the victim to lose valuable "golden time" for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In drowning cases, even a few minutes of oxygen deprivation can cause serious brain damage, directly affecting the victim's chances of survival.

When a person is found drowning, it is necessary to quickly remove the victim from the water using safe means such as a lifebuoy, pole, or rescue rope. Then, check the victim's responsiveness, breathing, and pulse.

If the victim stops breathing, lay them on their back on a hard surface, tilt their head back and lift their chin to open the airway, and immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

First responders perform chest compressions at the center of the chest, below the sternum, at a rate of approximately 100-120 compressions per minute; the compression depth should be about 5-6 cm for adults. After 30 compressions, perform two breaths, observe the chest rising, and continue repeating the cycle of 30 compressions - 2 breaths until the victim breathes spontaneously or is received by medical personnel.

After first aid, it is important to keep the body warm and quickly transport the victim to a medical facility for monitoring, even if they are conscious, as there is still a risk of late respiratory complications.

People should absolutely not turn the victim upside down, not wait for water to "drain" before providing first aid, and not give them food or drink immediately after they are rescued.

The most important thing to save someone who is drowning is proper first aid and timely cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene.

(According to Hai Duong Lung Hospital)

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/nguoi-bi-duoi-nuoc-co-nen-doc-nguoc-de-so-cuu-544018.html