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Childhood drowning and near-drowning in the United States
1Department of Family Practice, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento 95817.
Insights
Over 2000 children drown annually, with many survivors facing permanent neurologic disability. Primary prevention, like pool fencing, is crucial for reducing child drowning deaths and injuries.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children, with over 2000 child fatalities each year.
- Near-drowning incidents frequently result in severe, permanent neurological impairment among survivors.
- High-risk demographics include children under five and adolescent males (15-19 years).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical need for primary prevention strategies in child drowning.
- To identify key risk groups and common locations for drowning incidents.
- To evaluate potential interventions for reducing drowning-related mortality and morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of drowning statistics and outcomes for pediatric and adolescent populations.
- Review of clinical courses and prognoses for near-drowning survivors.
- Assessment of the efficacy of proposed prevention measures, such as pool fencing and CPR training.
Main Results:
- Drowning is a significant cause of death and disability in children, particularly those under five.
- Residential pools are a primary location for drownings in young children.
- Outcomes for near-drowning survivors are often bimodal: complete recovery or severe disability.
Conclusions:
- The outcome of drowning is determined rapidly, underscoring the importance of immediate prevention.
- Mandatory pool fencing presents a highly promising strategy for primary prevention.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and alcohol abuse prevention programs can serve as valuable adjuncts.
Abstract:
More than 2000 children drown each year; in some states drowning is considered the leading cause of death for children under the age of 5 years. Many survivors of near-drowning have permanent neurologic disability. There are two distinct high risk groups: children under 5 years of age and boys aged 15 to 19 years. Most drownings in the former group occur in residential pools. Among survivors, the clinical course is bimodal; intact survival and survival with severe permanent disability are the most likely outcomes. The outcome of an immersion event is determined within a few minutes of the onset of immersion, mandating an emphasis on primary prevention. A requirement for pool fencing is the most promising such strategy and could be implemented soon. Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and (for older children) alcohol abuse prevention programs may be valuable adjuncts.