Based on an article by Jill Carlson, RMA (AMT), BS (HCA) from the AMT Pulse.
Drowning, often depicted dramatically in movies, is far more insidious. It can happen quietly and swiftly, with tragic consequences. Children, in particular, are vulnerable, and drowning incidents can occur even in small bodies of water. Recognizing the signs of drowning— subtle struggles or a relaxed body floating—can mean the difference between life and death.
For this article, I collaborated with Lauren Ramirez, MPH, RMA (AMT), RPT (AMT), owner of Salus Medical Training, and Brielle Goldberg, owner of WaterSafe Inc., to discuss the importance of summertime safety. As registered medical assistants, we should be able to provide patients with information and resources so they have the skills that could potentially save a life.
General Drowning Facts:
- Drowning doesn’t discriminate— no one is drown-proof.
- Drowning occurs swiftly and silently, often within 20-60 seconds, and may not resemble typical depictions.
- Due to the lack of a central database, drowning incidents are underreported globally.
- Formal swim lessons can prevent drowning by up to 88% for young children, according to data from America’s National Institutes of Health.
Worldwide Drowning Statistics:
- Approximately 320,000 individuals drown annually worldwide.
- Drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of allinjury-related deaths.
- Globally, the highest drowning rates are among children 1-4 years old, followed by children 5-9 years old.
- Children between the ages of 5 to 17 are more likely to drown in natural water, such as ponds or lakes.
In such emergencies, seconds matter. This underscores the importance of widespread cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. Immediate intervention through CPR significantly improves survival, buying precious time until professional medical help arrives. Equally crucial are AEDs, which can deliver essential shocks to the heart, further increasing survival rates.
Reputable organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross offer courses aligned with the latest scientific guidelines for CPR. It’s essential to foster early training for children and teenagers, embedding lifesaving skills from a young age.
Preventing drowning requires multifaceted approaches. Formal swimming lessons can significantly reduce drowning risks, particularly for young children. Alongside lessons, pool safety barriers such as fences and alarms provide additional protection. However, constant supervision remains the most effective prevention tool. Even children who have received swim lessons should be closely monitored, as swift action can be the difference between tragedy and safety.
In the event of a drowning incident, immediate CPR is imperative to save a life. Waiting for emergency services can take precious minutes, and CPR initiated by a bystander can greatly improve the victim’s chances of survival. AEDs further enhance these efforts, providing timely intervention in critical moments.
As we all gear up for summer activities, we must prioritize safety alongside fun. Knowing how to prevent drownings, recognizing the signs of distress and being prepared to administer CPR and utilize AEDs can turn potentially tragic situations into stories of survival. By equipping ourselves and our patients with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively, we can ensure that every summer memory is a safe and enjoyable one.
This article is dedicated to Braiden Manning, who lost his life many years ago at the tender age of three to a drowning accident. Braiden is the grandson of one of my dearest friends, Kerry. My heart goes out to her family every day. In his memory, please have a safe and happy summer.
Lauren Ramirez is a Florida-based entrepreneur and mother of four, and provides emergency medical training with her business in Palm Coast. As a Registered Medical Assistant and Registered Phlebotomy Technician certified through AMT, her expertise and personal experiences have fueled her commitment to teaching life-saving skills. Through her work, she aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies, making a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.
Brielle Goldberg is a lifelong water safety advocate, engaging in a variety of community service water safety projects before incorporating WaterSafe Inc. in Flagler County, Florida, in 2019. WaterSafe provides swim lesson scholarships to families who are unable to pay for lessons independently. She is also the Facility Director at the Flagler Beach AQUAfin Swim School. AQUAfin provides swimming lessons for all ages, led by a two-time Olympic swimmer. Goldberg has been a swim instructor teaching survival and group based swim lessons since 2018—following in her mother’s footsteps, who’s been an instructor for over 25 years.
Resources
- watersafefl.org
- salusmedtraining.com
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4151293
- stopdrowningnow.org
- cprcertificationnow.com/blogs/mycpr-now-blog/
- cpr-for-the-general-public-bystander-cpr