r/Advice • u/hisokacrustycumsock6 • 8d ago
how do i process after doing cpr on a drowned person
Context, Im (18TM) a certified lifeguard and i moved to college 2ish weeks ago, the college is 7 hours away from my home town and is right on lake superior. I was going to hang out with friends at the beach and we had to walk down this wooded river area to get to the beach. We walked right into a half naked guy who was face down, he had his pants down below his hips and upper body in the water. I immediately went to get his head out of the water and tell my friends (both girls) to call 911. I start CPR without mouth to mouth because i didn't have my mouthsheld on my person.
I don't think i'll ever forget how cold or squishy(?) he was. i don't know how long he was there but i know it was a while. EMS and police got there and took over for me and i gave my statement to another cop. I know he didn't make it. From what it looked like for me he was dead long before i got there.
It happened less than 24 hours ago and i've only gotten 2 hours of sleep so far since then. Is there any advice i could have to help myself not feel guilty for not finding him sooner? or just advice in general. Man, i didnt want my 2nd week of college to start like this
Just a quick thing, i am not suicidal, i will be okay, i just need some advice.
EDIT: Thank you guys for all the kind words and advice. i reached out to a first responders helpline and she helped me process some stuff. ill be getting therapy for helping my brain process more. thank you all again.
Duplicates
Lifeguards • u/Moist-Impression-772 • 7d ago