Each weekend in the summer season brings more drowning victims. What are the most common causes of such incidents?
It is primarily bravado, overconfidence and lack of ability to anticipate danger. Unfortunately, alcohol also contributes to this bravado very often. Most drownings, such as the case from last weekend, when two men drowned in a city reservoir in Chorzow, have their origin in alcohol. If, on the other hand, we are talking about the Baltic Sea or rivers, the lack of recognition of the various currents is also one of these causes. In the Baltic Sea, the main problems are going under the breakwaters and back currents. The same goes for unknown currents on rivers, even those that seem shallow.
It is often said that we are sinking quietly....
That's right. A person who is drowning is unable to make any sounds. It does not look like in the movies, the drowning person does not shout: "rescue, help!". If a person once becomes swallowed by water, he or she is unable to call out or even say anything. There may be nervous movements, and then there is complete inertia and drifting.
If we already recognize that someone is drowning, how do we properly rescue him?
Safety always comes first. A good lifeguard is a lively lifeguard. It is discouraged to jump into the water if you do not know the reservoir and its bottom, do not know the currents , also when you are convinced that you know how to swim perfectly, but do not know the techniques to pick up a drowning person. A drowning person grabs onto anything and can pull someone who is rescuing him underwater. The person being rescued may then get choked by the water and drown himself as well. The golden rule is to throw something floating into the water that the drowning person can grab onto, if possible. At quays, for example, there are very often lifebuoys. If the situation takes place by the sea and we can control the psychology of the crowd, we can build the so-called chain of life. On the other hand, once the WOPR lifeguards arrive on the scene, they issue specific commands and you should strictly follow them.
And how to give first aid to a person who was drowning and was pulled to shore, but is not breathing?
Start with 5 rescue breaths and do what is known as reassessment. If there is still no circulation, then proceed with CPR: 30 compressions, 2 inhalations. Note, however, that this is a guideline to those who have taken first aid courses. If you have no idea how to do it, you should always listen to the medical dispatcher, who will instruct you in a clear and understandable way on how to properly conduct all these activities. In the first place, however, remember to call for help as soon as possible by calling the emergency number 112.
Thank you for the interview.
