AHA

AHA, AAP release updated guidelines for resuscitating drowning victims

November 18, 2024

The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have updated their guidelines for untrained lay rescuers and trained rescuers resuscitating adults and children who have drowned. The updated guidance reaffirms recommendation for CPR and highlights the importance of compressions with rescue breaths as a first step in responding to cardiac arrest following drowning.

Key recommendations

• Immediate CPR: Anyone removed from the water without signs of normal breathing or consciousness should be presumed to be in cardiac arrest. Rescuers should immediately initiate CPR, including rescue breathing and chest compressions. If a person is untrained, unwilling, or unable to give breaths, they should provide chest compressions only, until help arrives.
• In-water rescue breathing: This should be performed only by rescuers trained in this special skill and only if it doesn’t compromise their own safety. Trained rescuers should also provide supplemental oxygen if available.
• Automated external defibrillators (AEDs): AEDs should be placed in public facilities where aquatic activities occur, such as swimming pools or beaches. They can be used once the person is removed from the water but should not delay initiation of CPR. If available, the AED should be connected to the patient to assess for shockable rhythms once CPR is ongoing.
• Hospital transport: All individuals requiring any level of resuscitation following drowning, including those who only need rescue breaths, should be transported to a hospital for evaluation, monitoring, and treatment.

Source:

American Heart Association. (2024, November 12). Updated guidance reaffirms CPR with breaths essential for cardiac arrest following drowning. [News release]. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/updated-guidance-reaffirms-cpr-with-breaths-essential-for-cardiac-arrest-following-drowning