Drowning

Question 1

How many people die per hour of drowning?

Answer 1

40

Question 2

How quickly does asphyxia and cardiac arrect occur after submersion?

Answer 2

Minutes

Question 3

What is the difference between immersion and submersion?

Answer 3

Immersion is the body in the water but face above water, submersion is complete coverage

Question 4

What is the pathophysiology of drowning?

Answer 4

1. initial breath holds by reflex, frequently swallows water
2. hypoxia and hypercapnia develop
3. reflex laryngospasm temporarily prevents water from entering the lungs
4. reflexes abate and water aspiration occurs
5. ** bradycardia as a consequence of hypoxia occurs before cardiac arrest**

Question 5

Which submersion duration is associated with a very good outcome?

Answer 5

5-10 minutes

Question 6

When someone is apnoeic after being pulled from water, what is the first step?

Answer 6

5 rescue breaths

Question 7

What often occurs during CPR in a person who has drowned?

Answer 7

Large volumes of swallowed water mixes with surfactant and causes foam at the patients mouth

Question 8

What PEEP should be used?

Answer 8

At least 5-10cm H20

Question 9

When should CPR be continued until after drowning?

Answer 9

Continued unless there is clear evidence that attempts are futile (massive traumatic injuries, rigor mortis, putrefaction)
or
timely evacuation to a medical facility is not possible

Question 10

Should prophylactic antibiotics be used after drowning?

Answer 10

No- unless in grossly contaminated water

Question 11

What determines neurological outcome?

Answer 11

Duration of hypoxia