Pediatric Submersion Injuries: Emergency Care and Resuscitation - Trauma EXTRA Supplement

Points & Pearls Excerpt

• Drowning may be defined by the type of water (eg, freshwater, saltwater) and the temperature of the water. In general, warm-water drowning refers to temperatures >20°C (68°F). Cold-water drowning is defined as occurring in water temperatures <20°C (68°F).
• It is estimated that children can only struggle for 20 to 30 seconds before final submersion.
• The primary objective of prehospital management is to restore normal ventilation and circulation as quickly as possible after prompt removal from the water. Initial evaluation should include assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation. If the assessment is unclear or if there is no response from the victim, then the person should be assumed to be in cardiac arrest and CPR should be initiated immediately.