Finnish expert highlights crucial response times in drowning emergencies

If the brain is deprived of oxygen for more than ten minutes, there is a high probability of brain damage. However, the extent of the damage varies significantly among individuals, according to Anne Hiltunen, an expert in water safety at the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation.

Hiltunen explains that lifeguards are trained to act within a “two-minute window,” meaning that even if the brain has been without oxygen for two minutes, the chances of survival remain relatively good. In this timeframe, many drowning victims may lose consciousness. Between the four- to six-minute mark, cellular damage in the brain may begin to occur.

Interestingly, children can tolerate lack of oxygen longer than adults. There have been cases where a child has been submerged for up to 40 minutes and still survived. Cold water and subsequent hypothermia can protect the brain, though such conditions may not be present during the summer months.

Hiltunen emphasizes that drowning, particularly among small children, can be difficult to detect. Prompt action is crucial when someone is in distress. Often, children lacking swimming skills will struggle at the surface before going under, which may appear as splashing. A lifeguard must be cautious when attempting a rescue; direct approach to a panicking victim can lead to the rescuer being submerged as well. It’s important to place something buoyant between the rescuer and the drowning person for safety.

In Finland, the search for drowning victims is complicated by the dark waters of its lakes, which hampers visibility. Searching from several meters deep presents challenges for rescuers. Trained lifeguards can safely search for victims up to five meters underwater.

Hiltunen offers clear guidance on responding when someone is drowning: first, call for help at 112, make the rescue visible to others, then reassure the victim while retrieving a buoy or any available flotation device. Once found, the buoy should be extended to the drowning individual without getting too close, after which the rescuer should guide the victim back to shore.