DROWNING

According to the World Health Organization, "Drowning is the process of

experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid." The possible
outcomes of drowning are classified as death, morbidity (the development of disability
or injury), and no morbidity.

Drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death worldwide,

accounting for 7% of all injury related deaths. Almost 400,000 people die every year
from drowning. Almost half of all drowning in the world occur in China and India.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING DROWNING?

Drowning occurs when water comes into contact with the larynx (voice box).

After an initial gasp, there is an initial voluntary breath holding.

This is followed by spasm of the larynx and the development of hypoxemia

(decreased levels of oxygen in the bloodstream)

Lack of oxygen causes aerobic metabolism to stop, and the body becomes
acidotic. If not corrected quickly, the lack of oxygen in combination with too much
acid may lead to problems with the electrical conduction system of the heart
(cardiac arrest) and lack of blood supply to the brain.

As body function declines, aspiration may occur as the larynx relaxes allowing
water to enter the lungs.

RISK FACTORS
There are two peak ages for drowning: children aged younger than 4 and young
adults aged 15 to 25.

Infants less than one year old most often drown in bathtubs.

Children younger than age 5 most commonly drown in residential swimming

pools.

Young adults tend to drown in larger bodies of water. Neck fractures caused by
diving into shallow water are associated with drowning in this age group.

Medical emergencies that occur in the water can lead to drowning. These may
include, among others, seizures, heart attack, sudden cardiac death,
and hypoglycemia.

PREVENTION

Learn how to swim.

When in the water, use the buddy system.

Do not use alcohol or drugs when swimming or boating.

Supervise children closely around water and make certain they are the focus of
your attention. Even bathtubs and buckets full of water can be dangerous.

Swimming pools should have barriers (fences, gates, alarms) to prevent children
from entering unattended.

Learn CPR.

The key to the treatment of drowning is PREVENTION.

TREATMENT
Treatment begins at the water's edge. The American Heart Association
recommends that if possible, one person is sent to activate Emergency Medical
Services and call 911. Another should be sent for an automatic external defibrillator
(AED).

First Aid for Drowning

1. Get Help

Notify a lifeguard, if one is close. If not, ask someone to call 911.

If you are alone, follow the steps below.

2. Move the Person

Take the person out of the water.

3. Check for Breathing

Place your ear next to the person's mouth and nose.

Look to see if the person's chest is moving.

4. If the Person is Not Breathing, Check Pulse

Check the person's pulse for 10 seconds.

5. If There is No Pulse, Start CPR

Carefully place person on his back.

For an adult or child, place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest at
the nipple line. You can also push with one hand on top of the other. For an

infant, place two fingers on the breastbone.

For an adult or child, press down about 2 inches. Make sure not to press on
ribs. For an infant, press down about 1 and 1/2 inches. Make sure not to

press on end of breastbone.

Do 30 chest compressions, at the rate of 100 per minute or more. Let the

chest rise completely between pushes.

Check to see if the person has started breathing.

6. Repeat if Person Is Still Not Breathing

If you've been trained in CPR, open the airway by tilting the head back and

lifting the chin.

Pinch the nose of the victim closed. Take a normal breath, cover the victim's
mouth with yours to create an airtight seal, and then give 2 one-second

breaths as you watch for the chest to rise.

Give 2 breaths followed by 30 chest compressions.
Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person starts
breathing or emergency help arrives.

Reference:
http://www.medicinenet.com/drowning/article.htm