Lesson routeRecognising a CPR Emergency0/4 read
Lesson 1 of 4
Recognising a CPR Emergency
Under the Resuscitation Council UK's 2025 adult basic life-support sequence, call 999 immediately for an unresponsive person, then assess breathing while the call is connecting. Afloat, use the fastest effective emergency route for your position and follow the call handler or Coastguard instructions.
On a boat, the response must include a radio or phone call, boat control, an AED search if available, and a plan for evacuation or rendezvous.
- If the person is unresponsive, initiate the emergency call before assessing whether breathing is normal.
- Treat absent or abnormal breathing as an emergency.
- Start CPR promptly if trained and safe to do so.
- Get an AED if available and follow its voice prompts.
Lesson 2 of 4
Drowning Protocol Context
Drowning is primarily an oxygen problem. Resuscitation Council UK guidance says that, once on land or a rescue boat, a drowning casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing should receive five initial rescue breaths before standard CPR.
Only trained rescuers with effective flotation should attempt in-water breaths, and only when feasible and safe. If you cannot give breaths, start chest compressions and follow emergency call-handler guidance rather than doing nothing.
- Prioritise safe recovery from the water before treatment.
- Call for help and start CPR without waiting for perfect conditions.
- Give five initial rescue breaths after safe recovery if the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing, then begin standard CPR.
- Do not delay CPR while waiting for an AED.
| Situation | Revision response | Crew support |
|---|---|---|
| Unresponsive person | Initiate the emergency call, then assess breathing | Fetch AED, steer vessel, update Coastguard |
| Drowning casualty not breathing | Five initial rescue breaths, then standard CPR | Prepare a firm area, AED, and thermal protection |
| AED available | Attach and follow prompts | Keep people clear during analysis/shock |
| CPR in cramped space | Use the firmest safe position available | Rotate compressors if possible |
Lesson 3 of 4
AED Use Afloat
An AED is designed to guide the rescuer. Switch it on and follow the prompts. A wet boat adds practical issues: dry the chest enough for pads to stick, keep the casualty away from pooled water if possible, and make sure nobody is touching the casualty during analysis or shock.
Do not spend long searching for perfect conditions. The AED and CPR are part of the same response, while another crew member manages the call for help.
- Anyone can use an AED by following prompts.
- Dry the chest enough for pads to adhere.
- Keep clear when the AED analyses or advises shock.
- Continue CPR when the AED tells you to resume.
Lesson 4 of 4
After Breathing Returns
If the casualty starts breathing normally, the emergency is not over. Protect the airway, monitor breathing, keep the casualty warm, and follow medical advice. A drowning casualty can deteriorate after apparent recovery.
Prepare a handover: time recovered from water, whether CPR was given, number of AED shocks if any, temperature exposure, injuries, medication, and changes in response or breathing.
- Keep monitoring airway, breathing, responsiveness, and temperature.
- Use recovery position only when appropriate and safe for the casualty.
- Do not give food, drink, or medication unless advised by training or medical advice.
- Arrange assessment after any serious drowning or resuscitation event.