Nonfatal Drowning

Joseph L. Steele, APA-C and Natasha J. Pyzocha, DO, FAWM Reviewed 06/2018

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Drowning defined as respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid (1)
System(s) affected: cardiovascular, nervous, pulmonary, renal
Synonym(s): submersion injury; terms su...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

The Utstein approach to the evaluation of drowning victims standardizes reporting data and provides guidance for the history, physical exam, and appropriate management.

Gender, age, b...

TREATMENT

Early resuscitation and reversal of hypoxemia optimizes outcome.

GENERAL MEASURES

Prehospital
- Never approach a struggling victim alone.
- Initial basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiovas...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Appropriate follow-up with primary care provider, orthopedic, neurologic, cardiac, pulmonary, and additional specialists as indicated

Patient Monitoring

ABG monito...

REFERENCES

Szpilman D, Bierens J, Handley AJ, et al. Drowning. N Engl J Med. 2012;362(22):2102–2110. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unintentional dr...

CODES

ICD10

T75.1XXA Unsp effects of drowning and nonfatal submersion, init
T75.1XXD Unsp effects of drowning and nonfatal submersion, subs
T75.1XXS Unsp effects of drowning and nonfatal submersion, sequ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

The single most important treatment for near-drowning victims is prompt reversal of any hypoxia.
Water safety education combining physical and behavioral techniques has the greatest eff...

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