Death from drowning usually occurs in from two to three minutes after submersion, although people have been revived after a period of five or six minutes under water.
In treating cases of apparent death from drowning, the points to be aimed at are:—
First and immediately, the restoration of the breathing.
Secondly, and after breathing is restored, the promotion of warmth and circulation.
1. To restore the breathing.
Roll the patient on to his face for a few seconds, placing one of his arms under the forehead; wipe away all weeds, mud, etc., from the mouth. (In this position water will more easily escape from the mouth, whilst at the same time the tongue will fall forward, and leave the entrance to the windpipe clear.)
Turn the patient on his back, on a flat surface, with the head a little higher than the feet.
Place a small hard pillow (or a rolled-up coat) under the shoulder-blades.
Draw the patient’s tongue forward, and keep it projecting beyond the lips.
Remove all tight clothing from about the patient’s neck and chest; also braces, belt, etc.