Nonfatal Drowning

Tauhid Mahmud, MPH, MD and Amoreena Ranck Howell, MSPH, MD Reviewed 06/2022

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

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

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

The Revised Utstein-style approach provides a standardized template for evaluating drowning incidents and provides guidance for the history, physical exam, and appropriate management ...

TREATMENT

Early resuscitation and reversal of hypoxemia/acidosis are key.

GENERAL MEASURES

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

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 Di...

ADDITIONAL READING

Conover K, Romero S. Drowning prevention in pediatrics. Pediatr Ann. 2018;47(3):e112-e117.

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 hypoxia.
Water safety education ( physical and behavioral modifications) helps prevent drowning.
Encourage po...

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