Timing is critical when it comes to saving your baby from a near-drowning (submersion) experience. If enough oxygen is not being delivered to his brain, severe damage can occur within a few minutes. If his heart has stopped beating for more than eight to 10 minutes, his chances of surviving are greatly reduced.
How do you know your baby is drowning?
Drowning can happen in as little as 20 seconds, even in water that is only inches deep. Most infanthood drowning or near-drowning cases happen in backyard pools, bath tubs, and inflatable pools. Natural bodies of water, toilets, and drainage sites are other places where drowning can occur. Be sure to monitor your baby at all times when he is in, or near, water. Also, watch for signs of drowning because a baby in distress will not be able to yell for help. These signs may include:
- head tilted back with mouth open
- floating face down
- gasping for air
Putting yourself at risk trying to save your baby
It is important that you do not put your life in danger trying to rescue your baby. If your only option is to enter the water, bring a flotation device with you. This can be a life-jacket or even a pool noodle. When you are safely out of the water, begin CPR right away.
CPR
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is an emergency procedure that involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation).
Giving CPR to your baby
Check to see if your baby is responsive by gently rubbing his chest. If he does not move or make a sound, call 9-1-1 right away. If you are not alone, have someone call for you.
If he does respond to your touch, check to see if he has any injuries. If he needs medical attention, have someone call 9-1-1 right away. If you are alone, make sure your baby is breathing before you leave to call 9-1-1.
Check for breathing
Check for breathing by watching his chest for any movement. You can also place your ear over his mouth to listen and feel for breathing. If your baby is unconscious and not breathing, call 9-1-1 right away. If you are not alone, have someone call for you.
Chest compressions
Begin CPR by laying your baby down on a firm, flat surface. Place your two fingers on his breastbone, just below the nipple line. Give him 30 quick chest compressions, pressing hard enough so his chest moves approximately 1.5 inches down. This will get the blood flowing to his brain and other vital organs. |
|
Rescue breaths
Open the airway
After the first 30 chest compressions, place the palm of your hand on your baby’s forehead. Place two fingers under the tip of his chin and gently tilt his head back. This will open his airway. |
|
Begin rescue breathing
Place your mouth over his nose and mouth, forming a tight seal, and give two slow breaths. If your baby’s chest does not rise, reposition his head, form a tighter seal, and try again. |
|
Repeat
Repeat this cycle of 30 chest compressions and two breaths every two minutes until the ambulance arrives or your baby starts breathing again. |
|
For more information on how to give your baby CPR, please see CPR (Baby): First Aid.
Recovery position
It is common for your baby to vomit and find it difficult to breathe after CPR. Simply put your baby in a recovery position, with his face pointing slightly down. Make sure nothing is blocking or covering his mouth and nose. The recovery position will help keep his airway open. |
|
For more information on the recovery position, please see Recovery Position: First Aid at Home.
Delayed drowning
Delayed drowning happens when a baby dies from complications after a near-drowning experience. This can occur one to 24 hours after the rescue. Seek medical attention right away if you see any of these signs in your baby:
- persistent coughing
- difficulty breathing
- blue colouration on skin and lips
- loss of consciousness
Key points
- Drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds.
- Don’t put your life at risk trying to save your baby. If you must enter the water to perform a rescue, bring a flotation device with you.
- If your baby is unconscious and not breathing, call 9-1-1 right away.
- Delayed drowning can occur one to 24 hours after a near-drowning rescue. Be sure to monitor your baby, and seek medical attention right away if he loses consciousness or has difficulty breathing.