Drowning
A person who does not know how swim can drown accidentally if he falls into water. It may also be homicidal. Persons who know how to swim may drown too, if under the influence of alcohol, or if there is head injury at the time of the fall and the person becomes unconscious. Water enters the airway so that asphyxia develop. A little amount of water enters the lungs too, and damages them.
First aid
- Put the victim on the ground, face down.
- Clear the airway of any foreign body.
- Elevate the middle part of his body with your hands under him to make any water in the lungs to drain out.
- Do not try to force the water out from the stomach.
- Give artificial ventilation until normal breathing is restored.
- Remove wet clothes and put on dry clothes. Keep him warm with blankets and not water bags.
- Do not allow him sit up.
- Give him hot tea or coffee to drink.
- Send him to a hospital as soon as possible.
