Drowning is caused by suffocation from liquid entering the lungs. Most drownings occur in freshwater like lakes and pools. Males ages 18-24 and young children under 5 are most at risk. Risk factors include alcohol/drugs, medical conditions, lack of supervision, risky behavior near water, and poor swimming skills. Drowning prevents oxygen absorption, causing hypoxia and organ damage. Prevention strategies include pool fencing, education, swimming lessons, and CPR training. Prognosis is better for older victims, cold water submersions, and those receiving prompt resuscitation.

1. Drowning

2. • Drowning is death from suffocation caused by a liquid
entering the lungs and preventing the absorption of
oxygen leading to cerebral hypoxia and myocardial
infarction.
• Near drowning is the survival of the drowning event
involving unconsciousness or water inhalation and can
lead to serious secondary complication, including death,
after the event.
• Drowning: die within 24 hours of a submersion incident
• Near Drowning: survive at least 24 hrs. after a
submersion incident

3. Drowning Risk Situation:
• Most drownings occur in water, 90% in freshwater
(rivers,lakes and pools) 10% in seawater, drownings in
other fluids are rare and often industrial accidents.
• common conditions and risk factors that may lead to
drowning include but are not limited to:
• Males are more likely to drown than females, especially
in the 18-24 age.
• Risk taking behaviour
• Co morbidity: trauma, seizure, CVA, cardiac

4. • lack of supervision of young children (less than 5 years
old)
• water conditions exceed the swimmer's ability-turbulent
or fast water, water out of depth.
• Entrapment- physically unable to get out of the situation
because of a lack of an escape route, snagging or by
being hampered by clothing or equipment.
• misguided children's play.
• swimming after dark.
small children may drown in baths , buckets and toilets.

5. Predisposing Factors
• Coma, seizures
• Alcohol/Drugs
• Exhaustion
• Hyperventilation
• Rapidly moving water

6. Predisposing Factors
• Poor swimming ability
• Exhaustion
• Panic
• Hypothermia
• Trauma

7. Pathophysiology
Aspiration of 1-3 mL/kg destroys integrity
of pulmonary surfactant
( lung compliance)
Alveolar collapse, atelectasis,
Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ARDS),
Intrapulmonary shunting,
V/Q mismatch

8. Profound hypoxia
Respiratory acidosis, ARDS
Cardiovascular collapse
Neuronal injury
…. Death
End Organ Effect

9. Dry-drowning
• 10-20% of submersions
• Laryngospasm
• Hypoxia
• Loss of consciousness

10. Wet-drowning
• Aspiration of water
• Dilution of surfactant
• Diminished gas transfer
• Atelectasis
• Ventilation perfusion mismatch

11. Rescue and Treatment:
• Remove the victim from the water. Conscious victims
may panic and thus hinder rescue efforts.
Signs or behaviours associated with drowning and near
drowning:
• head low in the water , mouth at water level
• Head tilted back with mouth open
• Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus.
• Eyes open, with fear evident on the face.
• hair over forehead or eyes.
• hyperventilating or gasping.

12. Prevention
f

13. Prevention: Pool Fencing

14. Prevention: Education &
Warnings
Buckets

15. Prevention: Education &
Warnings

16. Prevention: Targeted
Education

17. Prevention: Swimming &
CPR

18. Good Prognostic Factors
• Older child or young adult
• Cold water
• Adequate CPR/on scene ACLS/BLS
• Conscious
• Short submersion
• Healthy