What is the initial management for a non-breathing drowning victim during removal to shore?

What is the initial management for a non-breathing drowning victim during removal to shore?

• A. Provide CPR immediately without rescue breaths during extraction.
• B. Provide rescue breaths as you extract, then perform CPR according to protocol.
• C. Delay ventilation until on shore.
• D. Use an AED during extraction.

Answer: (B)

Drowning is driven by a lack of oxygen, so ventilation must come first. During the move from water to shore, provide rescue breaths to begin delivering oxygen as soon as possible, even while you’re extracting the victim. Once you’re on shore and can safely manage the patient, switch to full CPR per protocol, which combines compressions with ventilations. Apply an AED when available once the chest is ready on a dry, firm surface. This sequence—ventilate during extraction, then start CPR on shore—addresses the immediate hypoxia and sets up the patient for effective resuscitation.

Drowning is driven by a lack of oxygen, so ventilation must come first. During the move from water to shore, provide rescue breaths to begin delivering oxygen as soon as possible, even while you’re extracting the victim. Once you’re on shore and can safely manage the patient, switch to full CPR per protocol, which combines compressions with ventilations. Apply an AED when available once the chest is ready on a dry, firm surface. This sequence—ventilate during extraction, then start CPR on shore—addresses the immediate hypoxia and sets up the patient for effective resuscitation.