In cases of drowning, what alteration is recommended for initial CPR?

In the case of drowning, it is crucial to recognize that the primary issue is often respiratory compromise due to water in the airways, which can lead to asphyxia. Therefore, providing rescue breaths is especially important in drowning scenarios to ensure that oxygen is delivered to the lungs.

Starting with 5 initial rescue breaths helps to provide immediate oxygenation, which may help restore some level of respiratory function before compressions are started. This approach differs from typical adult CPR guidelines, where compressions are emphasized first. In the context of drowning victims, the initial focus is on ventilating the lungs before addressing circulation, acknowledging that the drowning event has directly impacted the breathing process.

This technique is specifically tailored for drowning prevention and response, reinforcing the need for early oxygen delivery while preparing for further interventions such as chest compressions and advanced care.