Diving First Aid for Professional Divers Practice Test

The protocol that should be used for a drowning victim is A-B-C, which stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This sequence is critical because drowning victims often experience hypoxia due to airway obstruction or lack of breathing.

In this protocol, the first step is to ensure that the airway is clear. This is crucial because any obstructions can prevent effective ventilation and oxygenation. Following this, immediate rescue breaths are provided if the victim is not breathing. Delivering breaths quickly is essential because it replenishes the oxygen in the victim's bloodstream, which is vital for survival.

Once breathing has been attempted and if there is still no pulse, the protocol shifts to circulation, which involves chest compressions to restore blood flow. In cardiopulmonary resuscitation, it’s imperative to follow the A-B-C order, as it effectively prioritizes the most urgent needs of a drowning victim—addressing airway issues first to facilitate breathing and then re-establishing circulation if necessary.

This approach is tailored specifically for drowning situations where airway clearance and ventilation are the immediate concerns, differentiating it from CPR protocols used in other scenarios.