Mud or quicksand

●Critical

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Suction entrapment
Secondary drowning
Tidal return
Rescuer sinking

Quick summary

Lean back. Reach with rope or stick. Pull flat along ground. Call 112 if deep.

Do This Now

Step 1: Tell them to lean back and spread arms — slow sinking
Step 2: Reach with branch, rope, or clothing — do not walk out to them
Step 3: Pull horizontally along the surface, not straight up
Step 4: Call 112 if they are sinking past waist or cannot breathe
Step 5: After extraction — treat for hypothermia and check airway

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT pull straight up — suction increases and spine injury risk.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT walk directly to them — you may become the second victim.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if extraction fails in minutes or tide is rising.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Describe mud type, depth, and distance to firm ground.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Chest-deep entrapment, face in mud, or tidal water returning needs urgent rescue.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Mud in mouth or nose needs airway check even if conscious.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Prolonged immersion causes hypothermia in warm weather.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Horizontal pull rescue from stable ground. Heavy machinery extraction is for professionals.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

Learn more

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

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Draft guidance — professional review pending.

In a serious emergency, always call 112 for professional help. AidNow content is under active review and should not replace professional medical advice.

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Call 112