In an Emergency – In real life, drowning may not be the violent, splashing call for help that people often imagine. Drowning is deceptively quiet. Although seeing a person shouting and thrashing is likely to mean distress, the waving, splashing and yelling for help that we see on dramatic television shows is rarely seen in real life. In many cases, there are a number of crisis situations that unfold in the lead up to tragedy: • You may be unable to shout because your respiratory system is primarily designed for breathing. As you gasp for air, breathing comes first and speech is secondary. • When your mouth is above the surface, you may only have time to exhale and inhale, without enough time to call for help. • You may not be able to wave because you will instead instinctively extend your arms to attempt remaining above the surface. • Struggling to remain at the surface will prevent you from waving or moving towards land and you may struggle for no more than 60 seconds before submersion. Your ABC to prevent drownings: A - Ask: “Are you alright?” If they can answer, they probably are but never take it for granted. B - Blank Stare – Beware: If they do not answer and instead look blankly or panicked, encourage them to shore, reach with clothing or throw them a floating object or ringbuoy. C – Children playing in water make noise. If they are quiet, then get to them fast - ask questions later. Don’t Delay - Call 112 and ask for Coast Guard. Irish Water Safety, The Long Walk, Galway LoCall 1890-420.202 iws.ie Tel: 1890-420.202
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 19:51:56 +0000