6 measures against drowning

• April 25, 2024

Drowning in Mexico is estimated as the second cause of death in children under five years of age and in adolescents between eight and 15 years of age; however, young adults and the elderly are also affected.

In accordance with Manuel Ángel Correa Flores , specialist in pediatric intensive care, member of the National Medical Center "La Raza" of the IMSS , drownings usually occur in pools and beaches, in holiday season, but also in sports clubs and other places where there is water, whether natural or artificial.

There is also the "almost drowning", and those who have it survive more than 24 hours, but they end up dying from complications: respiratory arrest and kidney failure.

In this sense, the risk factors in infants are due to the carelessness of the parents (in the different leisure centers or in the home), or due to inadequate instruction in swimming schools.

Similarly, poor management of aquatic sports such as diving or Snorkeling , and the consumption of drugs and alcohol (before swimming) are decisive.

Given this, specialists say that preventive and security actions are necessary to prevent brain damage, hypothermia , hypoxia and even the death .

1. Ask for help. It is essential to have the emergency telephone number of an expert in cardiopulmonary resuscitation available. He knows first aid.

2. Act on time. Sometimes you do not have a professional at hand. Therefore, you should start giving mouth-to-mouth ventilations to provide oxygenation to the injured.

3. Compress. In conjunction with the ventilations, the chest compressions are important; These are made at the level of the sternum: use the weight of your body, keep your back and arms straight. Perform 30 compressions for two ventilations every two minutes.

4. Do not move. If the accident victim fell into a pool, take it out carefully because you can present Cervical injuries at the level of the back or neck. Avoid moving it abruptly, give it the first aid and place it on its side so you can get the water out.

5. Embrace In cases of drowning by food or objects, perform the maneuver Heimlich : Stand up, stand back and place your arms around your waist . make compressions forming a J until the affected eject the object. Use this form of help only if the person is conscious.

6. Avoid the "sweep" . By no means insert a finger into the mouth of the semi-conscious patient.

There are several courses of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Mexico and that are endorsed by the American Heart Association. Instruct yourself!

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