Students are having an end of the semester party, which includes drinking alcohol, having snacks, and swimming. a student was found floating in the pool. which action by first responders is most important? immobilizing the cervical spine establishing iv access and infusing warmed fluids evacuating water from the lungs securing the airway and providing ventilation

The correct answer is "securing the airway and providing ventilation".

It has been proven that the first priority when dealing with drowning victims is to try and resuscitate the victim. This is done by securing the airway and providing ventilation. Especially, in this prehospital stage, the first responders should assess the airway, breathing, circulation and cervical spine. After securing that the victim has normal breathing and circulation, the healthcare professional should focus on correcting any abnormal physiological functions, such as hypoxia and hypothermia.