Fall into storm drain or manhole digital illustration

Fall into storm drain or manhole Save


ICD-10 code: W17.1

Chapter: External causes of morbidity and mortality

What to Do If You Fall into a Storm Drain or Manhole

Accidents can happen at any time, and falling into a storm drain or manhole is one of the most frightening ones. If you find yourself in this situation, there are certain steps you can take to minimize the risk of injury or harm.

  1. Stay Calm: The first thing you need to do is stay calm and avoid panicking. Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down and assess the situation.
  2. Call for Help: If you have your phone with you, call for help immediately. If not, try to attract someone's attention by shouting for help or banging on the walls of the drain or manhole.
  3. Check for Injuries: Once you've called for help, check yourself for injuries. If you're bleeding or have broken bones, try to stay as still as possible to avoid further injury.
  4. Try to Climb Out: If you're not injured, try to climb out of the drain or manhole. Look for any footholds or handholds that you can use to climb out. If there's nothing to hold onto, try to use your body strength to push yourself up.
  5. Wait for Help: If you're unable to climb out, wait for help to arrive. Keep yourself warm by huddling up and covering yourself with any clothes you have with you.

It's important to note that falling into a storm drain or manhole can be a serious situation, and it's always best to take precautions to avoid it in the first place. Be aware of your surroundings and watch where you're going, especially when walking near storm drains or manholes.

If you do fall, remember to stay calm and call for help. Follow the steps outlined above to minimize the risk of injury or harm.

By being prepared and knowing what to do in case of an emergency, you can help ensure your safety and well-being.