Drowning Flashcards
What is drowning
Process resulting in primary respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in water
What is submersion?
The entire body including airway being under the water
Describe near drowning
A patient who is rescued before death or if there is temporary survival
Describe dry drowning
When a patient is submerged in water, the larynx and epiglottis shut off the trachea and divert weather to stomach. Asphyxia ensues long before water enters the lungs due to airway being shut off
Describe fresh water drowning
If enough water enters the lungs, it will affect the normal process of respiration by removing the surfactant lining of the alveoli which will prevent gaseous exchange and dilute the blood causing cardiac arrest.
Describe salt water drowning
If enough water enters the lungs, water will travel from bloodstream into alveoli and increase the viscosity of blood, causing bradycardia and cardiac arrest. An increase in fluid in the lungs causes patient to drown in fluid.
Describe secondary drowning
Blood becomes more salty and water in the stomach will continue to be absorbed into bloodstream causing a distortion of PH level of blood resulting in cardiac arrest
What are the additional complications of drownings?
Alcohol. Hypothermia. Prolonged immersion. Mammalian diving reflex.
Describe the management of drownings
Assess C ABCD. Correct A and B and transfer as time critical. High o2. Prevent heat loss. Clear airway. Risk of vomiting. Consider assisted ventilations if spo2 below 90, RR below 12 or above 30. Chest expansion is inadequate. O2 aim for 94-98. Heart rate, hypothermic patients may be Brady and may require CPR. Consider and treat other injuries. 12 lead. Manage pain manage in horizontal position. Transfer
Which two conditions can mimic cardiac arrest
Near drowning. Immersion hypothermia
What is immersion?
Being covered in water
