Why it's not advised to give water to accident victims even if they feel thirsty? by Sherif Temiyemi Alao

When a person is injured, two major factors happen

They often lose a significant amount of blood, which triggers the sensation of thirst. Because the body is already depleted of blood volume, giving plain water can further upset the delicate balance of fluids in the circulatory system.

If water is administered, it becomes diluted within the remaining blood which is a condition known as HEMODILUTION.

This dilution reduces the concentration of red blood cells, decreasing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. As a result, the victim can progress more quickly into shock, because there are fewer oxygen‑carrying cells but more fluid in the vessels.

For this reason, first‑aid protocols advise against giving oral fluids to trauma patients until the bleeding is controlled.

Instead, medical responders focus on stopping the hemorrhage (bleeding) and, when appropriate, providing intravenous fluids or blood products to restore circulating volume and maintain adequate oxygen delivery.

Another reasons is that, nothing should pass the mouth of accident victims is Risk for Aspiration (choking) and Most accidents cases need immediate surgery which demands (NPO) nothing by mouth, because of Anesthesia Drugs.

Can you now see the reason why is water not given to accident victims even if they feel thirsty?

Sherif Temiyemi Alao (Scientific Officer)