Emergency Water Removal from Lungs after Near Drowning: Key Steps and Expert Advice
Emergency Water Removal from Lungs after Near Drowning: Key Steps and Expert Advice
The incident of near drowning can be a life-threatening situation, especially when water is present in the lungs. If you or someone else has experienced near drowning, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, here are some steps you can take to manage the situation effectively:
Steps to Take After Near Drowning
Call for Help
Immediately call emergency services or have someone else do so. Time is critical in these situations.Perform CPR
If the injured person is unresponsive and not breathing, begin CPR if you are trained to do so. CPR can help expel water from the lungs and restore breathing.Positioning
Help the person sit up or lean forward. This position can facilitate the drainage of water from the lungs.Encourage Coughing
Encourage the person to cough if they are able. Coughing can help clear the airways and expel any water.Monitor Breathing
Keep a close watch on their breathing. If they are having difficulty breathing or showing signs of distress, continue to provide support until help arrives.Avoid Forceful Techniques
Avoid attempting any forceful techniques to remove water from the lungs as this can cause further injury.Follow Up
Even if the person seems fine after the incident, they should still seek medical evaluation. Complications such as pulmonary edema can occur even hours after the incident.Expert Advice for Emergency Situations
While the above steps are important, it is also worth considering some other techniques that experts recommend in emergencies. Here is a detailed approach:
Get Your Feet Above Your Head
Placing your feet higher than your head can help with fluid drainage.
Immediate action: Lie on a plank, face down, with your feet about 3 inches higher than your head. Stay in this position for 15 minutes to half an hour until the urge to cough subsides.Lie Face Down Flat with Mouth Down or to One Side
This position allows water to drain out of the lungs before any attempts to introduce air through resuscitation.
Lie face down flat with your mouth down or to one side. Cough vigorously to expel any water that may be present in the lungs.It is essential to do this before any attempt to introduce air by resuscitation, as no air will be received by the lungs if they are full of water.
Conclusion
Immediate and appropriate action is critical in the case of near drowning with water in the lungs. Always seek professional medical help as soon as possible. The steps outlined here can provide temporary relief and prevent further complications, but they should not replace professional medical intervention.