Emergency Response to Submersion Injury: Steps to Take Immediately

Submersion injuries, including drowning and near drowning, require swift and effective emergency response to minimize damage and improve outcomes. Understanding the immediate steps to take in the event of a submersion incident can be crucial in saving lives and reducing the risk of long-term complications. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the emergency response to submersion injuries, focusing on what to do immediately after an incident and how to manage the situation until professional help arrives.

Understanding Submersion Injuries


What Are Submersion Injuries?

Submersion injuries occur when a person is submerged in water, leading to potential harm. These injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the duration of submersion, water temperature, and the individual's health. Common types of submersion injuries include:
  • Drowning: The critical condition where water interferes with breathing, potentially leading to death if not addressed immediately.
  • Near Drowning: A survival scenario where the individual experiences significant health issues but survives the incident.
  • Dry Drowning: A condition where water inhaled into the airway causes breathing problems without entering the lungs.


The Impact of Submersion Injuries

The severity of submersion injuries can vary. Key effects include:
  • Respiratory Complications: Such as acute lung injury and pulmonary edema.
  • Neurological Issues: Including hypoxic-ischemic brain injury due to lack of oxygen.
  • Other Potential Injuries: Like cervical spine injuries and hypothermia from prolonged submersion.


Immediate Steps to Take After a Submersion Incident


Initial Assessment and Safety

  1. Ensure Safety: Before attempting any rescue, make sure the scene is safe for both you and the victim. If the situation is hazardous (e.g., strong currents, electrical hazards), wait for professional rescuers.
  2. Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap the person and shout to see if they respond. If the person is unresponsive, you need to act quickly.

Performing Rescue and First Aid

  1. Remove the Victim from Water: If you can safely do so, carefully remove the victim from the water. Use a reaching or throwing technique if you are unable to enter the water safely.
  2. Check for Breathing: Once the victim is out of the water, check for breathing. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR immediately.
    • CPR: Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute and provide rescue breaths if trained to do so. Continue CPR until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
  3. Position the Victim: If the victim is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position to keep their airway clear. This position helps prevent choking if they vomit.
  4. Monitor Vital Signs: Check the victim’s pulse and breathing regularly. Be prepared to resume CPR if necessary.

Managing Specific Situations

  1. Dry Drowning: If the victim shows signs of dry drowning (e.g., coughing, difficulty breathing), monitor them closely and seek medical attention immediately.
  2. Secondary Drowning: This occurs when water that has been inhaled causes delayed respiratory issues. Watch for symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain after the incident.
  3. Hypothermia: If the victim has been submerged in cold water, monitor for signs of hypothermia such as shivering, confusion, and weakness. Warm the person gradually with blankets and seek medical help.

Seeking Professional Help


Contact Emergency Services

  1. Call 911: Inform the dispatcher of the situation and provide details such as the location, the victim’s condition, and any actions already taken.
  2. Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the dispatcher and follow any instructions provided until help arrives.

Transporting the Victim

  1. Stabilize During Transport: If you need to transport the victim to a medical facility, ensure they are stabilized and monitor their condition during transport.
  2. Provide Information: When medical professionals arrive or you reach the hospital, provide them with detailed information about the incident, including the duration of submersion, water temperature, and any symptoms observed.

Emergency Care and Treatment


Immediate Medical Evaluation

  1. Emergency Department Care: Upon arrival at the hospital, the medical team will perform a thorough evaluation, including assessing respiratory function, neurological status, and potential injuries.
  2. Critical Interventions: Treatments may include oxygen therapy, medications to manage pulmonary edema, and other critical care measures depending on the severity of the submersion injuries.


Ongoing Monitoring and Support


  1. Continuous Monitoring: The patient will be monitored closely for any complications such as respiratory distress or neurological issues.
  2. Rehabilitation: Depending on the severity of the injuries, the patient may require rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, speech therapy, or cognitive therapy.

Long-Term Management and Recovery


Follow-Up Care

  1. Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any ongoing health issues.
  2. Adjusting Treatment Plans: Based on recovery progress, adjust treatment plans as needed to support long-term health and well-being.


Supporting Recovery

  1. Emotional and Psychological Support: Provide psychological support to help the victim cope with the trauma of the incident and any related emotional challenges.
  2. Family Support: Offer guidance and support to families to help them navigate the recovery process and provide appropriate care.

Preventive Measures and Education


Educating on Water Safety

  1. Water Safety Education: Educate families and communities about water safety, including the importance of supervision, swimming lessons, and emergency preparedness.
  2. Supervision: Emphasize the need for constant supervision of children and vulnerable individuals around water to prevent submersion injuries.

Implementing Safety Measures

  1. Safety Barriers: Install barriers around pools and other water bodies to restrict unsupervised access.
  2. Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that everyone knows how to perform CPR and respond to a submersion incident.

Conclusion

Emergency response to submersion injuries involves a series of critical steps that can significantly impact the outcome of the incident. By understanding what to do immediately after a submersion incident, managing symptoms effectively, and seeking professional help, you can improve the chances of a positive recovery. Educating yourself and others about water safety and preventive measures can also help reduce the risk of submersion injuries and ensure a safer  environment for everyone.


  • Published:
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  • Last Updated: Sep 11, 2024

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