The most important and detrimenta l consequence of submersion
is hypoxia; therefore, oxygenation, ventilation, and
perfusion should be restored as rapidly as possible. This will
require immediate bystander CPR plus activation of the EMS
system. With the 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC,
CPR now begins with chest compressions in a C-A-B
sequence. However, the guidelines recommend that healthcare
providers tailor the sequence based upon the presumed
etiology of the arrest. Healthcare provider CPR for drowning
victims should use the traditional A-B-C approach in view of
the hypoxic nature of the arrest. Victims with only respiratory
arrest usually respond after a few artificial breaths are given.