DROWNING PROTOCOL

Version May 20, 2022

Safety rules — Responder

Remove the victim from the water only if safe
If impossible: call the appropriate authorities
Never put your own life at risk
Always suspect cervical trauma (diving)

🦺 Cervical trauma — Always suspectIn a drowning event, systematically suspect cervical trauma caused by diving. Maintain cervical spine stabilization at all times.

📋 Information to gatherDuration of submersion · Circumstances of the event · Diving or fall involved.

📟 Pulse oximetry — UnreliableCold extremities may skew the reading. Do not rely on this result in a drowning context.

❄ Associated hypothermiaIn some drowning cases, the victim may have hypothermia. Refer to the hypothermia protocol if applicable.

🫁 Secondary drowningEven if the victim appears to have recovered, always seek care at a hospital. Secondary drowning may occur several hours after the event.

📊 Continuous reassessmentFrequently reassess vital signs (ABC) until emergency services arrive.

PROTOCOL — DROWNING

⚠ Safety — Before any intervention

Safe

🏊 Remove the victim from the water

Not safe

📞 Call the appropriate authorities — Do not enter the water

📞 Call 911 — Emergency services + AED
Specify: duration of submersion · circumstances · diving?

🦺 Maintain cervical spine stabilization at all times
Systematically suspect cervical trauma

If the victim is not breathing:
→ Apply CPR C-A-B immediately + AED
Ventilation is strongly recommended in drowning victims

📟 Initial pulse oximetry if available
⚠ Cold extremities → unreliable reading

💨 Administer high-concentration O₂
100% O₂ mask if available

👕 Remove wet clothing
Maintain cervical spine stabilization

🧻 Dry the victim
Dry cloth or towel

🌡 Cover the victim — warm blanket or foil blanket
Prevent hypothermia · If hypothermia suspected → hypothermia protocol

📊 Frequently reassess vital signs (ABC)
Monitor for secondary drowning · Monitor for hypothermia

📞 Seek care at a hospital
by calling 911
Even if the victim appears to have recovered — risk of secondary drowning