Nonfatal Drowning

Joseph L. Steele, MPAS, APA-C and Natasha J. Pyzocha, DO, FAWM, FAAFP Reviewed 06/2019

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Respiratory impairment from submersion in liquid (1)
System(s) affected: cardiovascular, nervous, pulmonary, renal
Synonym(s): submersion injury; terms such as “near-drowning,” “second...

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 are key.

GENERAL MEASURES

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

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;366(22):2102–2110. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]

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

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 most important treatment for near-drowning victims is prompt reversal of any hypoxia.
Water safety education (combining physical and behavioral techniques) has the greatest impact o...

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