What is the main purpose of delivering oxygen quickly during a drowning incident?

Delivering oxygen quickly during a drowning incident is crucial primarily to prevent the brain from suffering damage. The brain is highly sensitive to a lack of oxygen, and prolonged periods without adequate oxygen supply can lead to irreversible damage or death. When a person drowns, their airway is typically obstructed, which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs and subsequently the bloodstream. Administering oxygen rapidly can help restore the oxygen levels in the brain, mitigating the risk of hypoxia, which is the deficiency of oxygen in the body.

This is essential because brain cells begin to die within minutes without oxygen, and the longer the brain is deprived, the higher the likelihood of serious, long-term consequences, including cognitive impairments or death. Therefore, timely oxygen delivery is vital in preserving brain function and enhancing the chances of recovery for the victim.