Question

How can I remove water from a drowned person?

Community Answer

First, check to see if the person is breathing. Place your ear next to his mouth to listen for breathing. Look at the chest to see if it is rising and falling due to breathing. If you cannot see or hear breathing, check the person's pulse. Place your two first fingers on the wrist or neck to find a pulse. Hold there for 10 seconds. If you cannot detect a pulse, begin CPR. Place the heel of your hand in the center of the person's chest, in line with the nipples. Make sure not to press on the ribs. Begin chest compression by pressing down at the rate of at least 100 pulses per minute. Complete 30 compressions, and allow several seconds between pulses to allow the chest to rise. Check for breathing. If the person is not breathing, start CPR again. It is a good idea to take CPR classes through your local Red Cross so that you can practice this technique.