Child CPR vital amidst increased drowning

FOR South Africans summertime spells fun, sunshine and outdoor activities involving swimming. But according to one of the biggest hospital groups in the country it could also spell tragedy for those who are unable to swim.

David Stanton, Head of Clinical Leadership at Netcare 911, said emergency medical services providers received more calls related to drowning emergency incidents during December and January than any other months.

“Our statistics reveal that the greatest percentage of all drowning incidents occur during the peak holiday periods due to the high volumes of tourists who flock to the beaches during school holidays and over the festive season,” said Stanton. He said incidents of drowning were also significantly higher in the coastal areas than inland.

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“Looking at data from October 2016 to September 2017, as much as 62 per cent of all drowning incidents occurred during peak summer months. Statistics for the entire year, coastal areas reflect 55 per cent of all drowning incidents,” he said.

KwaZulu-Natal saw the highest percentage of drowning incidents during that period, possibly because of the warm weather all year round and influx of holiday makers in coastal regions. Gauteng surprisingly came a close second with 31.37 per cent.

Netcare 911 advised that parents should be vigilant where small children are concerned and keep an eye on them at all times when around water. They said people should swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty.

“It is important to signal for a lifeguard as soon as possible. The best way is to raise your arm as far out of the water as you can and to wave it around. The lifeguards will be with you as soon as they can. In the interim, stay calm and try to tread water, or if possible float on your back, until they reach you.

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Stanton said when someone drowns, people need to get the victim out of the water as soon as possible. If they are not breathing, immediately start CPR, beginning with chest compressions at a ratio of 30 chest compressions, and then two breaths.

“CPR is vital, keep on doing it until someone who is trained arrives and can take over. All parents should learn how to administer child CPR as it differs from adult CPR. All people can benefit from CPR training – it is not a difficult skill to learn,” he concluded.

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