Drowning (cont.)
When should one seek medical care for drowning?
All patients who are victims of drowning, even if they have no symptoms,
should seek medical care. Sometimes, subtle information will be revealed that
may help prevent future complications when the healthcare provider takes a
history or conducts a physical examination.
How is drowning diagnosed?
The initial evaluation of any drowning victim will begin with a history of
the events.
- How old is the patient?
- Are there any underlying medical problems?
- Does the patient take any prescription or non-prescription medications? Is
there a history of drug or alcohol use?
- How long was the person unattended prior to being found?
- Was there any potential trauma associated with the drowning (diving/falling
into the water/falling out of a boat)?
- Was there loss of consciousness before, during, or after the drowning
episode?
- Has there been any change in behavior?
- Has the person had vomiting or
diarrhea?
Physical examination will begin with taking and monitoring the vital signs (the ABCs will be
evaluated - airway, breathing, and circulation). Careful examination of the whole
body will be required, especially focusing on the neurological examination to
assess brain function and examination of the heart and lungs.
If trauma or a diving injury is a consideration, the neck and spine may be
immobilized to protect against potential spinal cord damage.
Laboratory and x-ray testing will be utilized depending upon the situation
and potential injuries.
How is drowning treated?
Treatment begins at the water's edge. The American Heart Association
recommends that if possible, one person is sent to activate Emergency Medical
Services and call 911. Another should be sent for an
automatic external
defibrillator (AED).
If no pulse can be identified and the patient is not breathing, CPR should be
started. If there is a potential for a neck injury, special care needs to be
taken to prevent further injury to the victim.
If the patient is breathing but not awake, they should be placed on their
side in the rescue position to prevent aspiration if vomiting should occur.
- Further treatment by EMTs, paramedics, and staff at the hospital will depend
upon the severity of the symptoms. Those patients who have no symptoms may
require nothing more than observation.
- Those who are in cardiopulmonary arrest will likely undergo CPR with attempts
to restore a regular heart rhythm and heart beat.
- Those patients who have symptoms related to the function of their heart,
lung, or brain will need further evaluation and treatment tailored to their
specific circumstances and situation.
- And unfortunately, for those who are found dead, no further treatment or
evaluation may be indicated.
Next: How can drowning be prevented? »
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