Survival after prolonged submersion in cold water without neurologic sequelae. Report of two cases
Sekar, T.S.; MacDonnell, K.F.; Namsirikul, P.; Herman, R.S.
Archives of Internal Medicine 140(6): 775-779
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9926 PMID: 7387271 Document Number: 159565
We describe two patients who suffered prolonged (greater than four minutes) submersion in cold water (25 minutes, 32 s, and six minutes, respectively), with complete neurologic recovery. We postulate that hypothermia served to protect the brain from hypoxic injury. These cases also serve to emphasize the need for vigorous one-the-scene resuscitative efforts. We review the problems associated with the treatment of hypothermia and drowning.