Pre-hospital Management of Drowning Incidences

Drowning, in movies often portrayed as a dramatic struggle, is in reality a far graver and eerily silent event. Another lesser-known fact about drowning is that it could lead to a cardiac arrest. And, this occurrence is the second most common outcome of drowning cases in Singapore. This chilling reality underscores the critical importance of prompt and effective pre-hospital treatment, which when such cases happen, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) takes on.

At the National Life Saving Day 2024 symposium, Sergeant Andrea Wong, Paramedic Specialist at the SCDF shared that the SCDF was notified of approximately 30 drowning cases from Jan to Nov 2023. The victims were of different ages and the majority of the cases were accidents.

In her sharing, SGT Wong reiterated the frontliner’s role – to ensure the casualty’s highest chance of survival. However, drowning incidences present a set of complexities for first responders. Some of the complications following drowning are hypothermia, chest infections, spinal cord injuries and brain damage. Hence, it is vital for first responders to recognise the signs of complications and implement lifesaving intervention before the casualty requires definitive medical care.

SGT Wong emphasised that only trained personnel should intervene when drowning occurs. She shared that some of the challenges paramedics face when carrying out their duties include:

• Uncontrolled environment, e.g., large water body, canal (dark places)
• Crowds of people
• Other hazards
• Distress from the casualty’s next-of-kin
• Lack of reliable eyewitness history

What could we do as lay people at the scene of the accident to increase the victim’s chances of survival before the paramedics arrive?

• Carefully remove the casualty from the water.
• Call 995.
• If the casualty is conscious, help him/her vomit.
• If the casualty has no pulse, start mouth-to-mouth ventilation and chest compressions.
• Find an AED. Ensure that the casualty and the area are both dry if you use an AED.
• Dry the casualty with a towel and move the casualty to a dry area.
• Cover the casualty with extra towels to keep them warm, and to reduce the risk of hypothermia.

While emergency response plays a crucial role, remember: drowning prevention starts with you.

Tips for ensuring safety during water activities

• Avoid water activities if you
  • Are unwell or experiencing cold or flu like symptoms
  • Are on medication
  • Have pre-existing medical issues
• Avoid going for water activities on your own.
• Ensure that your skill level corresponds to the water activity you are about to participate in.
• Ensure that you wear safety gear which is in good condition; perform safety checks.

Watch SGT Wong’s full presentation here: