The Canary Islands Emergency Service reminds key steps to assist a person rescued from water, focusing on unconsciousness and CPR.
The Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) has taken advantage of the commemoration of World Drowning Prevention Day, which takes place in July, to disseminate a series of recommendations aimed at the public. The goal is for anyone to know how to react to the rescue of a struggling swimmer while waiting for medical teams to arrive.
This initiative is part of the SUC's summer campaign, under the slogan "When you need it, the SUC acts." This time, the advice has been prepared by the medical team of the air ambulance based in Gran Canaria, composed of doctor Inma Paz and nurse Roque Sosa.
First steps after pulling someone from the water
The first thing a rescuer should do is check the level of consciousness of the rescued person, as this will determine the subsequent actions. If the person is conscious, breathing, coughing, or showing other signs of life, it is advisable to place them in the recovery position, that is, on their side, and wait for the SUC resources to arrive.
On the other hand, if the person is unconscious, not breathing, not moving, or showing no signs of life, the approach changes completely. In that case, they should be laid on their back, in a supine position, paying special attention to the neck to avoid any cervical movement, as a spinal injury should always be suspected.
After this positioning, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers should be initiated. The SUC emphasises that chest compressions take priority over mouth-to-mouth, a guideline that follows the latest international recommendations on the subject.
One of the messages the SUC wants to convey is that you do not need to be an expert to help. If the person providing first aid does not know how to perform chest compressions, there is always a medical coordinator—doctor or nurse—on the other end of the phone who will guide them on how to perform resuscitation maneuvers while emergency resources are on their way.
A recurring problem in the islands
Drownings and accidents in aquatic environments are one of the leading causes of unintentional death in the archipelago during the summer months. The beaches, pools, and natural bathing areas in the Canary Islands record incidents each year that could be avoided with greater prevention and a quick and appropriate response.
The SUC's campaign specifically highlights the importance of prevention and early action. The difference between life and death can be the minutes that pass until medical services arrive, and a correct intervention by a witness can be decisive.
In this context, the professionals from the air ambulance in Gran Canaria have emphasised the need to quickly identify if the victim is unconscious, as this will determine the sequence of maneuvers to be applied. They also remind that CPR should be maintained until professional help arrives, without unnecessary interruptions.
What to do and what to avoid
The SUC warns that, in the event of a possible spinal injury, the person should not be moved abruptly or shaken to check for a response. The priority is to keep the airway clear and perform chest compressions if there are no signs of life.
Another point highlighted by the medical staff is that time should not be wasted looking for a lifeguard if they are not in sight. The person at the scene must act immediately, following the instructions of the medical coordinator over the phone. The call to 112 should be made as soon as possible, but it should not delay the start of resuscitation maneuvers if the victim is not breathing.
The SUC's campaign is part of a broader effort to reduce drownings in the islands, which have shown worrying figures in recent years. Health authorities insist that prevention is the best tool, but also that the population must be prepared to act in case of emergency.
For this summer, the SUC has strengthened its care devices in the busiest bathing areas, with special attention to the beaches of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. The campaign also includes recommendations for young children, who must always be supervised by an adult.
The advice disseminated by the SUC is generally applicable but takes on special relevance in a territory like the Canary Islands, where the sea and pools are part of the daily life of residents and tourists. Knowing how to react in time can save lives, and information is the first step.
With this initiative, the SUC joins the international commemoration of this day, which aims to raise awareness among the population about the risks of aquatic environments and promote preventive measures. The campaign will be active throughout the summer season and will be disseminated through the official channels of the service.
The final recommendation from the professionals is clear: in case of any doubt, call 112 and follow the instructions of the medical coordinator. Help is just a phone call away, and every second counts.
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