We have all heard the horror stories. Mom walks away for a second to answer the ringing phone and she comes back to her child's lifeless body in the bathtub. Children are drowning from playing in the pool, the creek, the pond or the canals. After 5 minutes of submersion and 10 minutes of unsuccessful resuscitation attempts, it is likely the child will die or be brain damaged. Here is how you can give your child an increased chance of complete recovery if they should ever be drowning.

A CPR refresher guide to renew our confidence about helping in a drowning event.

CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Drowning Victims

STEP 1: Pull the victim out of the water. If the water is turbulent and you are not trained in water rescue, cannot swim, or otherwise feel you will put yourself in danger, call for help.

STEP 2: Rescue breaths in 5 second intervals. While you are pulling the victim to land, provide a rescue breath every 5 seconds to the victim.

STEP 3: Lay victim on their back, begin CPR.
* With one hand flat, grasp your dominant hand over the top (palm down). And lace fingers. (“E.R.” fans know.) Place between victim’s nipples.
* Begin compressions. 1 ½ - 2inches deep. 100 compressions per minute. (So you You want them to be less than a second apart. After 30, stop compressions and give rescue breaths.
* Rescue breaths. Give 2 rescue breaths, holding nose and sealing the victim’s entire mouth with yours.
* Resume compressions. 30 compressions, 2 rescue breaths.

STEP 4: Heimlich maneuver. Use the Heimlich only if it seems there is gross blockage obstructing the victim’s airway and CPR has been unsuccessful.

STEP 5: Performing the Heimlich. Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around her belly. Make a fist with one hand and wrap the other hand around, thumb up. Place just above the navel (belly button). Thrust up. Repeat until the blockage is released.

NOTES:
* If you cannot be helpful, move out of the way. You may be worried and scared, but you will need to let the people who know what they are doing help your loved one.
* Use of the Heimlich maneuver with drowning victims is agreed be some, disagreed by others. The American Heart Association says “No”. Other credible sources say “Yes”. You will have to use your judgment.
* Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. The operator will be able to help you with CPR until the medics arrive.
* Keep an eye out for dry drowning. Dry drowning is drowning that can happen over the course of 24 hours. Water has gotten into the victim’s lungs. They will show these signs:
1) Feeling sleepy
2) Feeling out of breath
3) Possible drastic mood change

Initially, the victim has ingested water and would have coughed quite violently. The victim will then appear to be fine. They are mobile, can talk and seem otherwise normal. Be on the look-out for the above symptoms. If on the way home your child starts to complain about feeling really tired and being out of breath don’t take chances. Drive straight to the emergency room. Some dry drowning cases are not noticed right away. They may admit the victim to see if symptoms appear later. Immediate medical care is needed for dry drowning.

* Competitive swimmers, don’t hyperventilate before swimming. It does more harm than good. Research “Shallow Water Blackout”

* Teens and competitive types. Don’t “See who can hold his breath the longest and who can swim underwater the farthest” Also see “Shallow Water Blackout”

Have a safe a healthy summer.