Final answer:
When attempting to rescue someone who is drowning, remove them from the water first before beginning CPR. Recognizing the actual signs of drowning can aid in timely rescue, and individuals should not assume it's too late to save someone who appears unconscious in water as prompt CPR can lead to full recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Your initial attempt to rescue a man who has panicked while swimming in a small lake should prioritize removing the person from the water before starting CPR. It is a common misconception that CPR should be administered immediately, even in the water, but in reality, CPR is ineffective while the person is submerged.
Once the individual is on stable ground, you should then commence CPR if necessary. This approach greatly increases the chances of recovery, particularly if the airway has been protected from water by a muscular spasm, which often happens in drowning situations.
It's important to note that signs of drowning may not be as obvious as one might expect. While one might think that a drowning person would shout for help and wave their arms, the reality is that they are usually unable to vocalize, and their instincts lead to behaviors that might not signal distress to an untrained observer.
Understanding these signs, such as a tilted head with the mouth open and uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs, is crucial for a timely rescue.
Additionally, even if a person appears unconscious in the water, you should not assume it is too late to attempt a rescue.
A quick response and administering CPR can still result in a full recovery, especially in cases where the individual has not inhaled water into the lungs and cardiac arrest has not caused prolonged oxygen deprivation to the brain.