Contents:
Medical Video: Top 5 Sinking Ship (Scary Footage)
- Definition
Did it sink?
People will drown when they breathe too much water into their lungs. You can even sink in 3 or 5 cm high water. Babies can sink in a sink or bathtub. Preschoolers have the possibility to sink in a swimming pool. People who have seizure disorders also run the risk of drowning in the water. Sinking can occur quickly and quietly.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The symptom of drowning is when the victim does not flap his feet in the water. When the victim sinks, he tends not to move so that other people sometimes do not realize that the victim drowned. Victims tend to appear on the surface of the water in a rigid state or are found to be unresponsive while floating on water, or sinking to the bottom of the water.
The sinking victim often looks like floating with a nodded head and mouth wide open. They are usually still breathing but shallow. The victim's eyes tend to be wide open and resist panic. If there is an attempt to swim, it is usually weak and uncoordinated
- How to handle
What should I do?
Give artificial breath from mouth to mouth as soon as possible. Giving artificial breath must be done as soon as possible, either on a boat, in a float, or in a shallow part of the water. This method must be continued until the victim is taken to a medical facility, especially if the victim is a child, because children need a long time to recover, especially if they are drowning in cold water.
If there is a possibility of neck injury, for example if the accident victim while diving, make sure the neck does not bend or twist. If the victim is still in the water, help him stay afloat on the surface of the water until the neck support is paired or until some people can lift it from the water and hold his head back.
Vomiting often occurs because the stomach usually enters water when the victim sinks. If the victim vomits, quickly tilt his body, or face him down, and prevent water from entering the lungs. The lungs usually don't get water because they are protected by spasm of the vocal cords. Avoid pressure on the abdomen as long as you try to resuscitate the victim because this can trigger vomiting.
When do I have to see a doctor?
Immediately call the emergency number or run to the hospital whenever there is a sinking incident.
- Prevention
Never leave children less than 3 years old unattended when they are in a bathtub or wading pool. Toddlers can sink even in water as deep as 3 cm.
Never leave a child unsupervised when near a large bucket, especially those with contents. If they peek inside, there is a possibility that they will fall and sink because the bucket is easily reversed. Never leave children who cannot swim properly without supervision.
Never leave children unattended when they are near a spa or hot tub. The risks include being trapped in the flow of hot steam and being exposed to hot water, not just drowning anymore.
Try to teach your child to swim before the age of 8 years. Tell the children to check the depth of the water before entering or jumping into the pool. Also tell them not to jump into the pool if the pool is shallow.
Teach your child not to hold their breath for too long while under water. This can cause fainting under water.
Make it a habit to swim with friends, don't swim alone.
