Hands-Only CPR is NOT appropriate for drowning victims

HANDS-ONLY CPR is NOT appropriate or effective for use on submersion/drowning victims. Drowning is a HYPOXIC event in that the onset of CARDIAC ARREST resulted from RESPIRATORY ARREST. Performing Hands-Only CPR only circulates non-oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs. The proper response to a submersion victim in Cardiac Arrest is to provide AIRWAY management, POSITIVE-PRESSURE-VENTILATION (via mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask rescue breathing or a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator), and CHEST COMPRESSIONS.

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