After more than 30 minutes without a heartbeat or breathing, the boy arrived at the National Children's Hospital in a deep coma, facing the potential for brain death and a grim prognosis.
On 8/8, Dr. Nguyen Van Thang from the Intensive Care Unit at the National Children's Hospital expressed his deep regret over the case. He voiced concern over the common misconception of holding drowning victims upside down and carrying them around, which wastes crucial time for resuscitation. This delay can lead to organ damage and severe oxygen deprivation, resulting in brain death.
Holding a child upside down can also cause water, food, or stomach fluids to enter the airway, further damaging the lungs and complicating treatment.
The hospital is also treating a 6-year-old boy in critical condition due to similar incorrect first aid after a near-drowning incident. This child eventually received proper CPR, including chest compressions, rescue breaths, and an adrenaline injection at a local medical facility. Although his heartbeat returned, he remains in critical condition at the National Children's Hospital.
"For drowning victims without a heartbeat or breathing, CPR is the most important life-saving measure," Dr. Thang emphasized.
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The young drowning victim in critical condition at the National Children's Hospital. Photo provided by the hospital. |
The young drowning victim in critical condition at the National Children's Hospital. Photo provided by the hospital.
Summer, with its increased swimming and outdoor activities, brings a higher risk of drowning. If a child is drowning, they should be removed from the water immediately. Check for breathing and responsiveness. If the child isn't breathing, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) with rescue breaths and chest compressions.
Place the victim in a safe, recovery position, lying on their side with their head supported and tilted back. Loosen any tight clothing. Dry them, change their clothes, keep them warm, and transport them to the nearest medical facility as quickly as possible.
Le Nga
