Final answer:
Spinal backboarding is the method used to safely and quickly transport an unresponsive individual from water to land before administering CPR. Removing the person from the water is crucial as CPR is ineffective in water and must be performed on stable ground. Even in cases of unconsciousness, prompt CPR upon rescue can lead to recovery, challenging the myth that it may be too late to save someone.
Step-by-step explanation:
A spinal backboarding is the process of using a backboard and trained rescuers to quickly remove an unresponsive guest from the water. The importance of promptly removing a drowning individual from the water cannot be understated, as CPR is ineffective while the person is still submerged. Once on stable ground, it is crucial to start CPR immediately for any victim who is not breathing, as there is a chance of recovery if CPR is initiated quickly.
Myth: It's acceptable to perform CPR on someone who is drowning without removing them from the water first. Reality: CPR must be performed on stable ground, making the removal using a spinal backboarding step vital. Additionally, an unconscious person may still have a sealed airway, increasing the likelihood of successful resuscitation following prompt CPR.
Another myth is that it's too late to save a person who is unconscious in water. The reality challenges this belief, pointing out that an unconscious person, especially in cold water circumstances, may recover if CPR begins within minutes, even if they have been submerged for an extended period. This is due to the body's response in cold water and the protected airway from larynx spasms.
Finally, the myth that a drowning person will be noisy and flailing is false. The reality is that a drowning person often cannot call out for help due to the airway being sealed off, and their movements might be mistaken for normal swimming behavior.