When drowning is the suspected cause of cardiac arrest, the responder should first ensure the scene is safe, then quickly check the victim for responsiveness by gently tapping and shouting. If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, the responder should immediately begin CPR with an emphasis on rescue breaths before chest compressions. Specifically, trained rescuers should give two rescue breaths followed by 30 chest compressions, repeating this cycle until emergency help arrives or the victim shows signs of life
. This approach is critical because cardiac arrest after drowning is usually due to severe hypoxia (lack of oxygen), so restoring oxygen through rescue breaths is vital alongside chest compressions to circulate oxygenated blood
. If the rescuer is untrained or unwilling to provide rescue breaths, chest compressions alone should be performed until help arrives
. Additionally, emergency services should be called immediately, and if an AED is available, it should be used once the victim is out of the water and CPR has started, without delaying CPR initiation
. In summary, the first action is to assess responsiveness and breathing, then start CPR with rescue breaths and chest compressions promptly, prioritizing oxygen delivery due to the drowning cause of cardiac arrest
