The Itajaí Fire Department on the north coast of Santa Catarina responded to a drowning incident late Thursday morning (30). One person was rescued by a surfer, while another required medical attention after suffering cardiopulmonary arrest after a grade 6 drowning.

A drowning occurred on Jeremias beach in Itajaí – Photo: Illustrativa/Marcos Porto/Prefeitura de Itajaí/Disclosure.

There are no lifeguards on the beach

The drowning occurred at Jeremias beach, next to Atalaya beach, in Itajaí. The place is not guarded by rescue services. Therefore, the brigade on duty in Atalaya went to the site as soon as it learned about the incident.

One of the victims was pulled out of the water by a surfer without describing the degree of drowning, that is, without inhaling water. The second victim was pulled from the water by a rescuer after a 4th degree drowning, still breathing and with a pulse, but in decompensated shock.

Shortly thereafter, the victim’s condition progressed to stage 6 with cardiopulmonary arrest. Procedures for the recovery of those who drowned were initiated and additional resources were deployed, including the Arkhangelsk Advanced Life Support medical team.

Before the Arkhangelsk helicopter arrived, while rescuers were providing assistance, the victim again showed signs of breathing and a pulse in the carotid artery. She later received medical attention and was taken to hospital.