Will carrying a person over your shoulder from the shallow water to the beach empty the water from a person's lungs so that mouth-to-mouth will be more effective?
2007-10-08 11:57:52 · 8 answers · asked by sincere12_26 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
No? Why not?
2007-10-08 12:03:47 · update #1
If he's unconscious and has no gag reflex, I doubt it. Did you know that most people drown because of a natural reflex of the esophagus? When it senses water it automatically closes to prevent more from entering the lungs. Essentially this cuts of their airway and they fall unconscious. That's when they relax and water enters the lungs. I wouldn't worry about mouth-to-mouth unless he has a pulse. If he has no pulse, then start compressions, they'll force the water out far more easily and allow his lungs to take in Oxygen.
2007-10-08 16:46:11 · answer #1 · answered by thebattwoman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, for one, I'm a female EMT and I would not be able to carry someone over my shoulder out of the water to the beach (I'm small).
I would drag them out of the water or enlist the help of another person to help me carry them.
I would use the standard manner of using abdominal thrusts to ATTEMPT to force the water out of the lungs and use mouth-to-mouth or a BVM to force oxygen into the person's lungs. Usually, the act of forcing air into a person's lungs is enough to make them start coughing and in some cases, vomit. I would clear the airway and place the person in the recovery position.
Even if there is a small amount of water in the lungs, a person can still breathe. My main concern is to get them breathing and make sure they have a heartbeat and palpable blood pressure. I would call for assistance and transport to a hospital.
EMT
2007-10-09 02:32:29 · answer #2 · answered by emt_me911 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people who drown don't have significant water in their lungs - as the previous poster noted, when water is inhaled, the larynx typically responded by going into spasm to prevent the entry of water into the lungs.
On the other hand, even if there IS water in the lungs, there isn't anything you can do about it. Even in the ER, there isn't anything that can be done about it.
Focus on getting assistance (911) and doing effective CPR.
2007-10-08 23:21:07 · answer #3 · answered by Doxycycline 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My father is a fireman and he told me that recently they have changed recommendations on performing the 'fireman's carry' as it can aggravate any injuries sustained.
In relation to the question, I think it's a no. It will most probably vary, but in most situations I think that pressure on the chest should force out the majority of the water.
But I wouldn't recommend attempting anything out of your experience - leave it to the professionals.
I hope this helps.
Good luck :)
2007-10-09 12:15:42 · answer #4 · answered by Love Languages 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will empty the water from the lungs. It is a very good idea to do that. Otherwise, artificial respiration will be futile. It is that simple. That is a very astute observation. You must be in the medical field or just intelligent.
2007-10-09 12:06:21 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the carry is just that. the carry.
mouth to mouth is just that- and just a bit more- you are blowing air into their lungs to attempt to get oxygen into their body. not to get the water out. the victim will get the water out themselves when they are stimulated enough to wake up and breathe for themselves.
2007-10-08 14:55:17 · answer #6 · answered by *jordan* 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
possibly, but most of the time, the water has to be expelled through CPR
2007-10-12 11:33:24 · answer #7 · answered by autumlovr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
2007-10-08 11:59:54 · answer #8 · answered by emtd65 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋