Drowning

Question 1

What is a Submersion Incident?

Answer 1

To plunge in or into a liquid.

Question 2

What is an Immersion Incident?

Answer 2

To cover completely in liquid.

Question 3

What does dry drowning mean?

Answer 3

Dry refers to drowning secondary to airway.

Question 4

What does wet drowning mean?

Answer 4

Wet refers to drowning secondary to aspiration.

Question 5

What are the associated factors with drowning?

Answer 5

Medical Conditions(ie Epilepsy)
Head & Spinal Injuries (Trauma)
Drugs/Alcohol
Bravado
Water Temperature

Question 6

What is the bodies reaction to Submmersion?

Answer 6

Involutary Gasp
Laryngospasm
Dry(10-15%) and Wet(85-90%)
Cerebral Hypoxia/Acidosis/Arrest
Brain Injury/Death

Question 7

What is Immersion Syndrome?

Answer 7

Cold Shock Response.
Vagal Arrest.
Submersion leading to drowning.

Question 8

What is the Mammalian dive reflex?

Answer 8

Surviving after prolonged immersion.
Submersion > 5mins.
Cold water 21 degrees.

3 principle effects:

1. Bradycardia
2. Peripheral Vasoconstriction
3. Blood Shift

Question 9

Near Drowning

Answer 9

Patient rescued before the point of death or there is temporary survival.

Question 10

Dry Drowning

Answer 10

Laryngospasm occurs during drowning preventing aspiration of water. Trachea is protected but water is diverted to the stomach.

Question 11

Secondary Drowning

Answer 11

Patient is sucessfully rescued and may appear to have fully recovered. Absorption of water from the stomach into the blood creates a pH imbalance. Death can occur up to 72 hrs later.