Man

Medi Response paramedics treating the patient in Balito. Photo: Medi Response/ Facebook.

Man resuscitated after near-death drowning incident

A KwaZulu-Natal man can count himself lucky after a quick emergency response following his near-death experience in Balito

Man

Medi Response paramedics treating the patient in Balito. Photo: Medi Response/ Facebook.

A KwaZulu-Natal man can count himself lucky after a quick emergency response following his near-death drowning incident.

MAN SAVED BY LIFEGUARDS AFTER DROWNING

Earlier today, 6 November, Medi Response responded to a non-fatal drowning of a man in Ballito, north of the province.

“A short while ago, Medi Response search and rescue responded to Clarke Bay tidal pool for reports of a drowning. On arrival, a male was found to be unresponsive and lifeguards were performing CPR on him,” the company reported.

“The man was successfully resuscitated by lifeguards.”

Medi Response

ALSO READ: Netcare 911 responds to hotel and beach drownings

PATIENT FOUND IN A CRITICAL CONDITION

On arrival of Medi Response advanced life support paramedics, interventions were initiated as the man was in a critical condition.

“Reports indicate that the man had been swimming in the tidal pool when he became unresponsive and drowned. A member of the public noticed this and got the attention of a passing KDM lifeguard, who was on patrol. The lifeguard pulled the man from the water and initiated CPR,” Medi Response further reported.

“An excellent job done by the lifeguard resulted in a good outcome. Well done to all involved,” the company lauded the lifeguards.

EXERCISE SAFETY EVERYTIME YOU GO FOR A SWIM

Avoid Drowning by adhering to these simple rules, courtesy of wikiHow:

Don’t fall in!
Any body of water can have hazards associated with it, and it is important to keep track of your surroundings.

Swim with friends
One of the best ways to avoid getting into trouble is to swim with other people. This applies to all environments, either at home or in natural bodies of water. Swimming with companions allows for a much faster response rate if anyone gets into trouble.

Remain aware of your surroundings

Be sure to keep track of everyone you are swimming with. If someone disappears they may need assistance; you should be ready to help as effectively as possible.

Provide adult supervision to any children when around water

Children can easily get into a situation they cannot get out of, so be sure to keep close watch over children when near water

Be aware of your abilities, and the abilities of those you are swimming with

 Make sure that weak swimmers are provided with flotation devices. It is also important to know if any of your companions have a seizure disorder. A seizure while in the water can be very dangerous, and greatly increase the possibility of drowning.