Drowning/Submersion Injury - Adult Pearls

Does submersion depth matter for drowning history?

No, submersion in water regardless of depth counts.

What injury history should be considered in drowning?

Possible history of trauma.

What is an example of trauma in drowning history?

Diving board injury.

What time history is obtained for drowning?

Duration of immersion.

What environmental history is obtained for drowning?

Temperature of water or possibility of hypothermia.

What water quality history is obtained for drowning?

Degree of water contamination.

Which submerged patients should be resuscitated?

All patients submerged in cold water unless there are signs clearly incompatible with life.

What injury should have a high index of suspicion in drowning?

Possible spinal injuries.

What condition is often associated with drowning and submersion injuries?

Hypothermia.

Which drowning victims should be transported for evaluation?

All victims.

Why should all drowning victims be transported?

Potential for worsening over the next several hours.

What may benefit an awake, cooperative post-drowning patient with respiratory distress?

CPAP.

When may pulmonary edema develop after drowning?

Minutes to hours.

What causes pulmonary edema after drowning?

Inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract from the submersion fluid.

What should the drowning patient be monitored for?

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema.

What should a drowning patient refusing transport be told about?

The symptoms that may develop.

What should a drowning patient refusing transport be told to do?

Call EMS immediately if symptoms develop.