emergencyfirst-aidsafetycpr
What do I do if someone collapses at a splash pad?
Quick answer
Call 911 immediately, send someone for the AED if available, check responsiveness and breathing, and start CPR if there is no normal breathing. Move them off wet ground to a dry surface, do not give fluids if unresponsive, and keep bystanders back to give fresh air.
An adult or child collapse at a splash pad is most often caused by heat illness, low blood sugar, fainting, cardiac arrest, severe allergic reaction, or seizure. The first step is always 911 — do not try to diagnose. While someone calls, check the person: tap shoulders, shout, look for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If they are breathing, place them in the recovery position on their side on a dry surface, loosen tight clothing, and shade them. If they are not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR immediately: 30 hard chest compressions at 100-120 per minute followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeating until help arrives. If an AED is on site, attach it as soon as you have it; modern AEDs talk you through the process and will not shock unless needed. Wet skin is fine for AED pads — just dry the chest area where the pads stick. Send someone to flag down arriving paramedics so they can find the pad fast.