Children under 5 years presenting to paediatricians with near-drowning

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F I Ross1, E J Elliott, L T Lam

  • 1Trauma Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia. FrankR@CHW.edu.au

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Most near-drowning incidents involving children under 5 occur at home, with toddlers and males at higher risk. This national study highlights the need for improved supervision and community education to prevent these severe events.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Public Health Surveillance
  • Child Safety

Background:

  • Near-drowning incidents in children under 5 years old represent a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding the demographics and circumstances surrounding these events is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize children under 5 presenting with near-drowning.
  • To identify high-risk groups and circumstances.
  • To document short-term outcomes of near-drowning events.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized monthly notifications to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) from 1994-1996.
  • Collected additional case data via postal questionnaires from reporting pediatricians.
  • Analyzed data from 169 reported cases of near-drowning.

Main Results:

  • All 169 cases required hospitalization, with 15% needing intensive care.
  • The average age was 26 months; 22% were 12-18 months old. Males predominated (1.6:1).
  • Most incidents (82%) occurred at home (pools/baths), with younger children at higher risk in home environments. 7% experienced neurological damage.

Conclusions:

  • Near-drowning cases presenting to pediatricians represent severe incidents with significant hospitalization and adverse neurological outcomes.
  • Home environments, particularly swimming pools and baths, are the primary locations for near-drownings.
  • Males and toddlers are at increased risk, emphasizing the need for enhanced supervision and community education on prevention.
Abstract

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