Nonfatal Drowning

Nergess T Taheri, DO, MSBI Reviewed 04/2024

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Respiratory impairment resulting from submersion or immersion in liquid. A drowning event in which the process of respiratory impairment is stopped before death, and the victim survi...

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 cardiovasc...

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

Girasek DC, Hargarten S. Prevention of and emergency response to drowning. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(14):1303–1308. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra2202392.

Mott T, Latimer K. Pr...

ADDITIONAL READING

Peri F, De Nardi L, Canuto A, et al. Drowning in children and predictive parameters: a 15-year multicenter retrospective analysis. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2023;39(...

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 poo...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

START 10-DAY FREE TRIAL

Subscribe Now

Forgot password?

Enter an Access Code

GET CME/CE