In near-drowning, what is the recommended immediate action?

• A. Offer them food and fluids
• B. Check for a pulse only and do nothing else
• C. Monitor breathing, seek medical care
• D. Pull them from water as fast as possible, then wait

Answer: (C)

After near-drowning, the priority action is to monitor breathing and seek medical care promptly. Submersion can injure the airway and lungs, and problems can develop or worsen even if the person initially seems fine. Keep them breathing under observation, support their head and airway as needed, warm them, and call for medical help or take them to a hospital for evaluation. If breathing ceases, start CPR right away.

Giving food or fluids isn’t helpful here and can cause choking or aspiration. Checking for a pulse alone doesn’t address breathing issues and can miss a life-threatening problem. Simply pulling them from the water and waiting ignores the critical need to assess and ensure proper breathing and professional evaluation.