Submersion Incidents: Drowning and Diving Emergencies Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering drowning definitions, rescue strategies, diving injuries, and physiological responses based on Chapter 25: Submersion Incidents.

What is the term for an incident in which someone is submerged or immersed under the surface of water resulting in a primary respiratory impairment?

Drowning

What is the specific term used to describe death that occurs 72 hours after a drowning incident?

Drowning-related death

According to the guidelines, what type of injury should an EMT suspect if a swimmer has been involved in a diving accident or struck by a surfboard?

Spinal injury

What condition is characterized by the stomach filling with water to the point that it interferes with the ability to inflate the lungs?

Gastric distention

What is the most important factor in determining whether EMTs should enter the water to rescue a patient?

Their training

What is the four-step strategy used for a responsive patient who is struggling in deep water and is close to the shore?

Reach, throw, row, and go

Which physiological reflex can prevent death even after prolonged submersion when a person dives into cold water?

Mammalian diving reflex

What is the term for the blocking of blood vessels by air bubbles if a diver ascends from a depth too quickly?

Arterial gas embolism

Symptoms of decompression sickness following a dive may occur up to how many hours later?

72 hours later

Divers with which two types of health conditions are at a greater risk of experiencing barotrauma?

Upper respiratory infections or allergies