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Drowning and near-drowning
Richard E Moon1, Robert J Long
1Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710, USA. moon0002@mc.duke.edu
Emergency Medicine (Fremantle, W.A.)
|January 22, 2003
Summary
Water immersion incidents, including drowning and near-drowning, are common causes of death and hospitalizations. This article details the causes, mechanisms, and treatment principles for these submersion injuries.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Water immersion incidents are a significant cause of accidental death and emergency room visits.
- Understanding the mechanisms of asphyxia due to submersion is crucial for effective medical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the pathogenesis of drowning and near-drowning.
- To describe the fundamental principles of treatment for water immersion injuries.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on drowning and near-drowning.
- Analysis of the physiological effects of submersion in a liquid medium.
Main Results:
- Drowning is defined as fatal asphyxia from submersion.
- Near-drowning involves survival after asphyxial submersion.
Conclusions:
- Prompt recognition and understanding of drowning/near-drowning pathogenesis are key.
- Effective treatment strategies are essential for improving outcomes in submersion incidents.