How Can EMS Providers Reduce the Risk of Drowning?

Posted on by provident

Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s almost time for everyone to don their swimwear and head to the beach, swimming pool, or water spot of their choice. When the sun comes out, and the temperatures rise, few activities are as enjoyable as taking a dip in cool, refreshing waters.

Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when water-related mishaps take a sharp upturn. Drowning can cause severe and lasting injuries‒even death‒and is always a tragic occurrence.

But it might surprise you to know that drowning can be preventable. And more often than not, EMS providers play a crucial role in preventing such incidents from occurring.

In most communities, first responders are considered respected members of the community. As such, they can use their status to educate and inform the public on proper procedures and safety practices that can prevent drowning.

Drowning prevention suggestions

Here are some suggestions that EMS providers can share with other members of the community which they serve:

  1. Inspect public and private pool enclosures. Swimming pools should be inspected thoroughly for safety during non-critical periods. In particular, the people responsible for safety should ensure that the entire pool area is enclosed by a barrier or fence that prevents younger children from climbing over.
  1. Take swimming lessons. Knowing how to swim is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of drowning. Children should be encouraged to take swimming lessons as soon as they are comfortable in the water. Even older adults that have never learned to swim will benefit from taking swimming classes later in life.
  1. Use safety equipment. Young children who can’t swim very well should be taught to use life vests in potentially dangerous settings, such as the ocean or deep swimming pools. Water wings and inflatable rafts are recreational devices and should not be used as a replacement for proper safety equipment.
  1. Remove objects that can tempt young children to enter the water. Toys and other colorful objects should not be left in the pool or near the water. They could attract very young children who might be tempted to jump in or accidentally fall in the water if left unsupervised.
  1. Teach kids and inexperienced adults healthy respect for water bodies. The water can be a source of considerable fun and pleasure, but it can also be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken. Older adults and experienced swimmers should teach younger children and non-swimmers to have a healthy respect for the water and the harm that it could cause.
  1. Do not attempt to rescue victims if you are inexperienced. Many drowning incidents involving more than one person occur because of misguided attempts at a rescue. Although it can be difficult to stand by and do nothing when someone in the water needs help, the best thing you can do is call a trained rescue professional.

What to do if someone has drowned

In the worst-case scenario that a person has already drowned, certain procedures and protocols can prevent further harm. In some cases, these steps can even save someone’s life:

  1. Unresponsive drowning victims will require immediate resuscitation. This should be done by EMS providers in an emergency care facility.
  1. It is vital to act as quickly as possible. Most drowning victims have a slim chance of spinal or neck injuries, so it usually isn’t necessary to take the time to immobilize them. Of course, the exception is when a spine or neck injury is apparent.
  1. Most drowning victims will have hypoxia, a condition characterized by extremely low blood oxygen levels. The airways should be cleared immediately, and manual ventilation should be provided as soon as possible.
  1. Vomiting is also a common occurrence among drowning victims. First responders should be alert to this and be ready to reposition the patient to prevent the vomit from being inhaled into the lungs. Suction equipment will help clear away obstruction and encourage normal breathing.
  1. Emergency responders should immediately begin ventilating drowning victims that experience cardiac arrest. After placing the patient on a flat, stable surface, chest compression must be initiated quickly.
  1. If defibrillation is necessary, medical personnel should dry the skin to prevent arcs from the electric equipment used in the procedure.
  1. ACLS intervention should be performed by emergency medical personnel unless the patient has severe hypothermia.

Summer is a time of relaxation and enjoyment, and people should be able to have fun at the beach or in a swimming pool if they wish. However, it is also important to ensure the safety and well-being of our friends and family members. By keeping these tips in mind and with the help of your community’s EMS providers, you can hopefully enjoy the season without any untoward incidents.

About Provident Insurance Programs

With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.