Newly released recommendations aimed at rescuing both adults and children who have experienced drowning incidents incorporate significant updates crucial for healthcare professionals, trained rescuers, and even untrained laypersons.
In a groundbreaking move, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have jointly unveiled important guidelines emphasizing the critical steps of delivering rescue breaths, calling 911, and administering chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when a person is recovered from water and suspected to be in cardiac arrest.
Marking a historic first collaboration between the AHA and AAP concerning drowning-related resuscitation, these recommendations were published on November 12 in leading medical journals, namely Circulation and Pediatrics.
The newly established recommendations highlight two essential principles:
- Any individual who is pulled from the water and shows no signs of normal breathing or consciousness should be presumed to be in cardiac arrest.
- Rescuers are encouraged to initiate CPR immediately, which should consist of rescue breaths along with chest compressions. Numerous comprehensive studies indicate a higher survival rate among drowning victims experiencing cardiac arrest when CPR includes rescue breaths, as opposed to hands-only CPR, which primarily focuses on rapid chest compressions.
The recommendations further clarify that if a bystander is untrained, unwilling, or unable to administer rescue breaths, they should proceed with chest compressions until professional help arrives.
Reasoning Behind the Update
“Therefore, resuscitation from cardiac arrest due to this specific circumstance must focus on restoring breathing as much as it does circulation,” the authors articulated, underlining the unique challenges posed by drowning scenarios.
Resuscitation efforts following drowning incidents may need to commence in the water itself with the provision of rescue breaths by trained rescuers before transitioning to chest compressions once both the victim and rescuer are safely on land or on a boat, according to the report authors.
McCallin states in a press release that “the focused update on drowning contains the most up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations on how to resuscitate someone who has drowned,” emphasizing the critical nature of these guidelines.
Pediatricians Can Help Spread the Word
Dr. Alexandra Stern, an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida in Gainesville and not directly involved in the update, notes the vital role pediatricians can play in promoting this significant information within communities.
“As pediatricians, discussions surrounding water safety are prevalent, often honing in on the fundamental prevention strategies to combat drowning,” she elaborates. “We emphasize the necessity of implementing multiple protective barriers, including close supervision (staying within arm’s length), secure fencing, providing appropriate life jackets, and teaching swimming skills.”
Dr. Stern further mentions that effectively updating these recommended procedures will necessitate revisions across educational programs and community outreach initiatives, encompassing basic life support courses and advanced lifeguard training. She highlights that the update offers tangible guidance not only for trained rescuers and healthcare professionals but also for concerned family members, equipping them with the knowledge needed in emergency situations.
Authors and Stern reported no relevant financial relationships.
Marcia Frellick is an independent medical journalist who writes about primary care and a vast array of diseases, alongside patient and physician experiences, as well as the business of medicine. With her degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Frellick has over a decade of experience reporting breaking news and developing enterprise features from US and European medical conferences. Before freelancing, she served as a news editor at the Chicago Sun-Times and has contributed to various prominent publications such as the Chicago Tribune, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Science News, Oncology News Central, MedCentral, and Northwestern magazine.
What are the main changes in drowning resuscitation guidelines that Dr. Alexandra Stern discusses in her interview?
**Interview with Dr. Alexandra Stern on New Drowning Resuscitation Guidelines**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Stern. The recent collaboration between the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics has released groundbreaking guidelines regarding drowning resuscitation. Can you tell us what these new recommendations entail?
**Dr. Stern:** Absolutely. These guidelines underscore the vital importance of rescue breaths, alongside chest compressions, when performing CPR on a drowning victim. The key takeaway is that anyone pulled from the water and showing no normal breathing or consciousness should be treated as if they are in cardiac arrest. It’s crucial that rescuers initiate CPR immediately.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant shift in focus. Why is the inclusion of rescue breaths in addition to chest compressions so critical, especially for drowning victims?
**Dr. Stern:** Research shows that drowning leads to a unique physiological state, where restoring breathing is just as important as restoring blood circulation. CPR that combines rescue breaths with chest compressions has been linked to higher survival rates for drowning victims. We emphasize the importance of starting rescue breaths right away, especially as drowning scenarios can significantly differ from other forms of cardiac arrest.
**Interviewer:** And for individuals who might feel uncomfortable giving rescue breaths, what should they do?
**Dr. Stern:** If someone is untrained, unwilling, or unable to provide rescue breaths, they are advised to focus on chest compressions. It’s better to keep that blood circulating until professional help arrives, rather than doing nothing at all.
**Interviewer:** This is certainly valuable guidance for laypersons and trained rescuers alike. What role do pediatricians specifically have in spreading awareness about these new recommendations?
**Dr. Stern:** Pediatricians are in a unique position to educate families about water safety and the importance of these resuscitation techniques. They can offer guidance during visits and encourage parents to learn CPR, so they are prepared in case of emergencies. It’s vital we all come together to increase awareness about drowning prevention and effective response strategies.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Stern, for sharing your insights on these critical and life-saving recommendations. Your work in education and advocacy is so important for our communities.
**Dr. Stern:** Thank you for having me! Together, we can help save lives by ensuring everyone knows how to respond effectively during drowning emergencies.
