resuscitation in the field
Last reviewed 01/2018
Field resuscitation after near-drowning follows these principles:
- rescuer safety is of paramount importance
- reach and remove the victim from the water
- protect the cervical spine; chin lift or jaw thrust without head tilt. Collar and backboard.
- mouth-to-mouth ventilation
- Heimlich manoeuvres only used for particulate matter
- turn on side to evacuate water from upper airway
- check for pulse
- commence CPR if it is needed