Conscious Victim - Water Intake

If water enters the airway of a conscious victim, he or she will often try to cough water up or swallow it, resulting in the intake of more water.

A drowning victim can also start to panic. This could result in rapid movements or struggling which uses more oxygen and produces more carbon dioxide.

A conscious victim usually tries to hold his or her breath as long as possible, until the breathing reflex kicks in and the victim can no longer voluntarily hold his or her breath. The buildup of carbon dioxide in the body leads to this reflex.

Conscious victims can black out in as little as three minutes. The larynx can eventually relax and let water into the lungs.

As the body is deprived of oxygen (and carbon dioxide builds), serious conditions such as cardiac arrest, irregular heartbeat, and brain damage can occur relatively quickly.

If emergency treatment is not started immediately, permanent damage can be done and even death can occur.

The effects of fresh versus salt water on the body during drowning are often debated. But most medical professionals agree that there are little noticeable differences between fresh water and salt water drownings.

To learn more about Water Safety & Drowning Hazards visit our Water Safety & Drowning Hazards Online Training web page.