What is the second stage of the drowning process?

The second stage of the drowning process is respiratory arrest. In this phase, the person is unable to breathe effectively due to water obstructing the airway. The initial response to drowning typically involves struggling for breath, leading to a panic response, which may result in inhaling water. Once the airway is compromised, respiratory arrest occurs, meaning that the individual can no longer take in air, but cardiac function may still be intact for a moment.

Understanding this concept is critical for lifeguards and responders, as recognizing respiratory arrest is essential for initiating appropriate rescue techniques such as providing rescue breaths and initiating CPR if necessary. This stage underscores the importance of acting quickly to restore breathing to prevent further complications, including loss of consciousness and eventual cardiac arrest. Each stage of drowning progresses rapidly, making timely intervention crucial for survival.