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Pediatric submersion injuries: emergency care and resuscitation

Janet Semple-Hess, Rashida Campwala

    Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice
    |August 6, 2014
    PubMed

    Insights

    Drowning is a major cause of child death, but it is preventable. This review covers risk factors, prehospital care, diagnostics, and rewarming techniques for pediatric drowning victims.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Toxicology

    Background:

    • Drowning and submersion injuries are significant causes of preventable childhood mortality and morbidity.
    • Specific risk factors for drowning victims include epilepsy, cardiac dysrhythmias, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and substance use.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the specific treatment considerations for pediatric drowning victims.
    • To outline diagnostic testing and rewarming techniques for hypothermic patients.
    • To provide a systematic approach and clinical pathways for managing pediatric drowning cases.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing literature on pediatric drowning and submersion injuries.
    • Discussion of prehospital care focusing on ventilation and circulation.
    • Analysis of diagnostic tests including blood glucose, arterial blood gas, and radiography.
    • Evaluation of rewarming techniques: passive external, active external, and active internal.

    Main Results:

    • Prehospital care is critical for restoring ventilation and circulation to minimize hypoxic injury.
    • Diagnostic workup may include blood glucose, arterial blood gas, CBC, electrolytes, chest X-ray, and cardiorespiratory monitoring.
    • Various rewarming techniques are available for hypothermic pediatric drowning victims.

    Conclusions:

    • Prompt restoration of ventilation and circulation is key in prehospital care.
    • A systematic approach to diagnosis, treatment, and disposition is essential for pediatric drowning victims.
    • Clinical pathways can facilitate efficient management and improve outcomes.

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