Modern concepts about drowning
Segarra, F.; Redding, R.A.
Canadian Medical Association Journal 110(9): 1057 Passim
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-4409 PMID: 4595852 Document Number: 74558
Drowning remains one of the three leading causes of accidental death in the world, yet few textbooks deal with its evaluation and treatment. Because of overemphasis placed upon distinguishing between fresh- and sea-water drowning, the importance of immediate attention to simple and effective resuscitative procedures has been bypassed. We have outlined a continuum of evaluation and treatment in four stages: (1) emergency care at the scene and during transportation, (2) hospital admission resuscitation, (3) intensive care, and (4) return to normal. Four representative cases are presented in order to review pathophysiological concepts in this serious problem.