Drowning does not look like drowning - reminder

[NH_boater]

Been posted here before but may be a good reminder as swimming season approaches. If it helps just one person, its is worth posting again.

http://mobile.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/family/2013/06/rescuing_drowning_children_how_to_know_when_someon e_is_in_trouble_in_the.html?original_referrer=http %3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2Fl.php%3Fu%3Dhttp%253A%25 2F%252Fwww.slate.com%252Farticles%252Fhealth_and_s cience%252Ffamily%252F2013%252F06%252Frescuing_dro wning_children_how_to_know_when_someone_is_in_trou ble_in_the.html%26h%3D0AQEaVe4f%26s%3D1

I hope the link works OK. Sorry for those who have seen this before.

[Par Four]

Thanks for posting this important reminder. In my opinion his could be re-posted monthly and it would not be too often.

Regular readers will recognize it, remember it, and easily move on to the next posting with zero inconvenience. But the value in regular posting might be the catching the eye of occasional readers,and seasonal folks who are gearing up for their relatively few days in and around the water.

Safety is important for all of us.

[SAMIAM]

Very helpful post.....everyone that spends time around water should read it

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

I'm not trying to be "Mr. Medic" here but there's another situation I used to instruct my fellow first responders when dealing with, not just drowning victims, but any person who becomes unresponsive while outdoors during the summer months.
We have all walked on the street or other surfaces while barefoot and got the inevitable super "hot foot". Imagine a very common scenario where a person collapses, for whatever reason, and is carried to or found lying unconscious on the street or sidewalk. They could lie there for 10 minutes plus before EMS arrives. During that time they may be lying on a 120+ degree hard top. They may survive the initial problem but end up with severe burns to their body. There are many documented cases of this and it's more common than you think. You should do one of two things for the person down on a hot surface. If they have any chance of head injury avoid moving them but cool the surface with some water if possible. If they can be moved safely put them on grass or something that is cooler than the frying pan they currently occupy. During an emergency this problem is overlooked and could end up being a much bigger problem than the original medical emergency.
Keep them cool!!! ;)

[Barney Bear]

Thank you PBFF for your valuable advice!!!