Drowning victim after rescue: immediate management?

• A. Wait for EMS to arrive.
• B. Begin rescue breaths and CPR immediately.
• C. Check pulse.
• D. Begin chest compressions only.

Answer: (B)

In drowning, the immediate threat is hypoxia, so restoring ventilation is the top priority. Starting rescue breaths right away supplies oxygen to the lungs and bloodstream, which is crucial for survival. If there’s no pulse, you continue with chest compressions to circulate that oxygenated blood, and you do both ventilation and chest compressions without delay. If there is a pulse but no breathing, provide rescue breaths alone and monitor. Waiting for EMS or delaying ventilation worsens brain and heart injury, whereas providing breaths immediately keeps oxygen moving through the body and supports circulation. Chest compressions alone won’t fix the underlying lack of oxygen.