Michael CuetoEvery year, the world witnesses a heartbreaking statistic – 236,000 people die due to drowning, a tragedy especially prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. The toll of drowning is intolerably high, and what makes it even more heart-wrenching is that it is entirely preventable. On World Drowning Prevention Day, observed every July 25th, we are reminded that anyone can drown, but no one should.
In this blog, we explore the significance of using the 8E Multi-Emergency Early Response App System (8E MEERAS) with a 60-second response time, consisting of a call-for-help (CFH) app for people needing emergency assistance and a responder app for emergency responders in preventing or mitigating drowning incidents.
The Power of 8E MEERAS:
At the heart of 8E MEERAS lies a seamlessly integrated CFH app and a highly efficient responder app designed to ensure rapid and precise emergency responses where every second counts. What sets 8E MEERAS apart is its ability to gather and analyze real-time data from various sources, including sensors, monitoring devices, communication systems, and simulations. This data is then centralized in a Command Center, offering authorities a comprehensive overview of ongoing situations and response efforts. This innovative technology has revolutionized emergency response planning, making it more efficient and effective. It exemplifies a commitment to saving lives and transforming the emergency response landscape.
The Alarming Facts:
Before delving deeper into 8E MEERAS, let’s acknowledge the alarming facts related to drowning:
- Drowning has claimed over 2.5 million lives in the past decade.
- 90% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
- Globally, drowning ranks among the top ten causes of death for children and young people aged 1-24 years.
- Over 60% of all drowning deaths happen in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions.
- Drowning rates vary dramatically, with over a 68-fold difference between countries with the lowest and highest drowning rates.
The WHO’s Call to Action:
The World Health Organization (WHO) designated July 25th as World Drowning Prevention Day to address this global crisis, underscoring the need for urgent action. WHO’s call to action focuses on six evidence-based, low-cost drowning prevention interventions:
- TRAIN bystanders in SAFE RESCUE and RESUSCITATION.
- Set and enforce safe BOATING, SHIPPING, AND FERRY REGULATIONS.
- IMPROVE FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT locally and nationally.
- Install BARRIERS controlling access to water.
- Provide SAFE PLACES away from water for preschool children with capable child care.
- TEACH school-age children basic SWIMMING WATER SAFETY AND SAFE RESCUE SKILLS.
Individuals, groups, and governments are encouraged to take concrete steps in line with these interventions to reduce the risk of drowning.
How 8E MEERAS Fits In:
8E MEERAS aligns perfectly with these interventions by providing a rapid and precise response system. Here’s how it works in synergy with WHO’s drowning prevention strategies:
- TRAINING AND RESCUE: The CFH app allows individuals to call for help within seconds, ensuring a faster response from emergency responders.
- REGULATIONS AND FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT: The real-time data analysis capabilities of 8E MEERAS enable authorities to monitor and manage flood-related incidents more effectively.
- BARRIERS AND SAFE PLACES: By using the CFH app, parents and caregivers can immediately seek assistance in case of water-related emergencies involving children.
- SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY: The responder app equips emergency personnel with the tools and information to conduct safe and effective water rescues.
From World Drowning Prevention Day, we must remember that drowning doesn’t have to be an accident or fate. It is preventable through effective, cost-effective, and scalable solutions like 8E MEERAS. By using this innovative technology, we can significantly reduce drowning incidents and save countless lives. Let’s make every July 25th an opportunity to create change locally, nationally, regionally, and globally in the fight against this preventable cause of mortality. Anyone can drown, but with the right tools and systems like the 8E MEERAS in place, no one should.
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-drowning-prevention-day/2023/actions-for-technical-partners
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/world-drowning-prevention-day–guidance-for-organizations
