Despite research and some good media around previous posts about what drowning really looks like, it is a sad reality that most people simply don’t know.
It is easy to talk about what drowning looks like from an observers point of view. However, one journalist recently experienced her own scare while at a public pool with her child.
She called the Samuel Morris Foundation and spoke to Jo-ann as part of her research, and Jo-ann is quoted in the article.
I would encourage you all to have a read of the article, it is a good reminder that drowning is silent, that it can and does happen even in busy places with lots of people looking on, that the victims are rendered unable to assist themselves and of the things to look out for.
You can find the Essential Kids article here What drowning really looks like.
Hi Jo-Ann & family,
I just watched Backyard Blitz which was on late tonight & it featured you guys. Who were definitely well deserving.
Firstly my condolences on Samuels passing away, in some ways it must feel like losing your son twice. First when he drowned then it must have been like you had a different boy who you loved & then have to say goodbye to him.My heart goes out to you all.
I am a Registered Nurse & worked in Qld’s busiest ED. One patient I’ll never forget was flown in by chopper from his parents farm in Western Qld. All we knew was he was a five year old who had drowned and been revived at the site. We were expecting the worst.
I wasn’t nursing him personally & was flat out with my patients but went to the doctor in charge & asked how he got on, he pointed to a man walking with his son holding his hand, then told me that’s the boy! I was in shock as so many other cases don’t end like that but what really hit me was what he said next.- his 10 year old daughter had been taught CPR out there in remote Australia & she found her brother floating in their pool, got him out & commenced CPR, in effect she saved his life. All because someone took the time to teach a child CPR.
After that I have been a big advocate for every person no matter how old to learn CPR….as a matter of fact ice recently married & my husband’s 8 year old daughter lives with us & we have a pool. I haven’t taught her first aid nor have we checked our pool fences etc as we have just moved into this property, I know what we will be doing tomorrow after school now before her swim.
Thank you for all the hard & important work you do, now I know somewhere I can point people to if they or a loved one have experienced a near drowning.
Thank you, Sharon.