How does CO2 build-up affect a drowning victim?

When a person is submerged in water and unable to breathe, carbon dioxide (CO2) starts to accumulate in their bloodstream. This buildup occurs because the body's metabolic processes continue to produce CO2, but the person is not able to exhale it due to the lack of airflow. As CO2 levels rise, this can lead to a number of physiological changes, including a decrease in blood pH, which triggers the body’s response to try to release the gas.

The rising level of CO2 can impact the brain, leading to confusion and disorientation. If the levels become excessively high, it can result in unconsciousness. This unconscious state is dangerous as it renders the person unable to respond or attempt to regain their breath, exacerbating the drowning situation. Thus, the impact of CO2 buildup directly ties to the critical nature of the victim’s condition during drowning, which makes recognizing and responding to these physiological effects vital for a lifeguard or rescuer.