Most of the people take bath in ponds, canals, tanks and rivers etc. At the time of bath there may be possible of accident of drowning. It is more common among the young­sters. When a person gets drowned the water is filled in the stomach as well as in the lungs.

In such cases, the victim is not only unconscious but also respiration stops, which leads to the premature death of the victim if first aid is not provided.

Treatment:

(i) All the tight-fitting clothes of the drowned man should be carefully loosened;

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(ii) His feet should be raised and the face should be put downwards for taking out water from stomach;

(iii) After laying the victim on the ground with the face downward, the waist should be pressed with both hands for sometimes;

(iv) Artificial respiration should be provided to restore normal breathing;

(v) After the restoration of regular breathing the wet clothes should be removed and dry clothes should be provided. Body should be covered with warm clothes; blankets rags etc. if neces­sary hot water bottle can also be used.

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(vi) Warm milk, tea or coffee should be given if the person is in a position to drink.

(vii) If there is difficulty in normal respiration the person should be removed to the hospital for further treatment.

Methods of Artificial Respiration:

(i) Through the years there have been many methods of artificial respira­tion developed and used. The following methods are the most effective.

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(ii)The mouth timothy method of artificial respiration is simple, effective and superior to all other methods. The basic steps should be used as follows:

Mouth to Mouth:

(i) The victim should be placed on his back;

(ii) Mouth and nostrils should be checked and clean­ed properly;

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(iii) The person administering the artificial respira­tion should kneel on the right side of the victim’s head;

(iv) Right hand should be placed beneath the victim’s neck and it is elevated gently;

(v) Left hand should be placed on victim’s forehead for closing the nostrils with fore finger and thumb;

(vi) After taking deep breath, the mouth should be placed over the victim’s mouth and air should be blown in to his mouth and lungs;

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(vii) Mouth should be removed after the chest of the victim is being expanded;

(viii) This process should be repeated 10 to 15 times per minute for adults and 15 to 20 times per minute for children.

Back-Pressure Arm Lift Method:

Nowadays this method is preferred by the first-aid instructors. The following are the steps to be used in this method:

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(i) The victim is placed in a face-down position. The arms are bent at the elbows with one hand placed on top of the other. Then the head is placed on top of his hands by turning to one side.

(ii) The first-aider should be knelt down by one or both knees. He should place his hands strai­ght on the victim’s back by spreading his fingers.

(iii) Then he should slowly put his body weight leaning forwards and pressing upon the loins of the victim.

(iv) Then the rescuer should release his hands and allow them to follow the victim’s upper-arm to keep his arms straight and replace the hands on the victim’s back.

(v) This method is recommended when the mouth to mouth method cannot be used the face and mouth are badly torn or there is repeated vomiting.