⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
EM-012
Drowning
Water-related emergencies require rescuer safety, rapid assessment, and professional assistance.
What should I do first?
- Ensure rescuer safety first
- Remove the person from immediate danger only when it is safe to do so
- Assess responsiveness and breathing
- Activate emergency assistance
- Provide appropriate first aid and resuscitation according to your training
- Protect from unnecessary heat loss
- Seek professional medical assistance
What this may look like
- Person recovered from water after submersion or near drowning
- Coughing, breathing difficulty, or unresponsiveness
- Cold exposure and reduced responsiveness in some cases
What should I check?
- Responsiveness and breathing
- Other injuries from the incident
- Signs of deterioration after recovery
- Need for warming and ongoing monitoring
What should I avoid?
- Entering the water without proper rescue capability or safety plan
- Assuming recovery means no further medical risk
- Delaying assistance after rescue
When should I get medical assistance?
- For all significant drowning or near-drowning incidents
- Contact your vessel's designated medical assistance/TMAS service according to vessel procedures
- Follow your vessel's emergency procedures
What information should I prepare for TMAS / medical assistance?
- Estimated time in water and circumstances of rescue
- Current responsiveness, breathing, and associated injuries
- Actions taken after rescue
- Vessel position and communications details required by procedure
Important safety note
- Do not attempt water rescue techniques that could endanger the rescuer
- Follow vessel man-overboard and emergency procedures
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
MEDDECK
Before you continue
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.