On 2/5, a representative from National Children's Hospital reported a typical case involving a 6-year-old boy who drowned in his family's pond. Upon discovery, family members inverted the victim, running around for about two minutes before initiating chest compressions.
After his heart restarted, the family took the child to a local medical facility before transferring him to National Children's Hospital. The prolonged submersion and the incorrect "inverting" action wasted critical "golden time," forcing doctors in the Department of Intensive Care to place the child on a ventilator and administer anti-brain swelling medication. His recovery prognosis remains unclear.
In contrast, correct first aid by adults saved the lives of many other children. An 8-year-old patient from Ninh Binh experienced near-drowning while swimming with family at the beach. Family members quickly performed chest compressions for about two minutes, helping his heart beat again, and then rushed him to the emergency room with a diagnosis of pneumonia.
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People swimming at Nha Trang beach during the 30/4 holiday. *Photo: Bui Toan*
A 3-year-old boy in Ha Noi also nearly drowned at a tourist swimming pool but survived thanks to prompt and correct first aid from bystanders. The health of both children is currently improving, but doctors continue to monitor them at the hospital.
Experts emphasize that the primary cause of death in drowning incidents is brain damage due to lack of oxygen. The human brain can only tolerate oxygen deprivation for a maximum of 4-5 minutes. Beyond this period, the brain sustains irreversible damage, leading to death or severe neurological sequelae. Therefore, if adults invert a child over their shoulder and run, the victim loses their chance of survival or suffers more severe harm.
Upon seeing a child submerged, individuals must quickly bring the victim ashore and shake them to check for a response. If the child is not breathing and has no heartbeat, the first responder must immediately perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by giving rescue breaths and external chest compressions.
Once the victim shows signs of life, the first responder should place the child in a stable side position, elevate pillows under both shoulders, and loosen clothing to prevent re-asphyxiation. Finally, individuals should dry the child, dress them in warm clothes, and promptly transport the victim to the nearest medical facility.
Le Nga
