YouDive educational guide · References checked 30 September 2026 · Independent instructor and medical review pending. This library does not provide certification, individual medical clearance or a dive plan.
Understand the risk
An unresponsive person who is not breathing normally needs emergency resuscitation. Drowning resuscitation includes rescue breaths as well as compressions; practical CPR training is important. Gasping is not normal breathing.
Drowning and resuscitation awareness: what connects
Scene
Avoid another casualty
- Use a safe rescue approach
Breathing
Not normal
- Begin dispatcher-guided resuscitation
AED
Available equipment
- Follow its prompts
Concept relationships from this lesson. These are discussion points, not a dive profile or emergency treatment sequence. Read the cited sources; qualified review is pending.
Put the knowledge into practice
Call 000 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Ensure the rescue scene is safe, get help and provide CPR/AED care according to current training and guidance. Do not delay resuscitation to try to drain water from the lungs.
What to notice and discuss
| Consider | Why it matters | Planning or learning response |
|---|---|---|
| Scene | Avoid another casualty | Use a safe rescue approach |
| Breathing | Not normal | Begin dispatcher-guided resuscitation |
| AED | Available equipment | Follow its prompts |
PAUSE & THINK
What would you do?
An unresponsive rescued diver is making occasional gasps.
Reveal the discussion answer
Tell the dispatcher immediately and follow resuscitation instructions; do not interpret gasps as normal breathing.
Frequently asked questions
Can this page replace a CPR course?
No. Attend a practical course and refresh it. In an emergency, call 000 and follow real-time instructions.
Sources & further reading
ANZCOR: Resuscitation in drowning ↗Healthdirect Australia: Calling Triple Zero ↗These sources inform this guide; their organisations have not reviewed or endorsed YouDive.
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