Neurological Aspect of Drowning

Drowning is an event of submersion or immersion in liquid which results in respiratory impairment. In 1970, drowning was the third leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., resulting in 7,860 deaths in the U.S. alone and roughly 15,000 mortality worldwide. When someone is in a drowning process, there is a limit in which he can’t longer hold their airway clear. Eventually, water will pour into the mouth, which will be either spat out or swallowed. Initial resuscitation involves placing the victim in a supine position with trunk and head at the same level. If the victim still actively breathe in the absence of consciousness, they should place in a lateral decubitus position. The cardiopulmonary rescue should be initiation immediately. Clinical outcomes depend on the early onset of resuscitation. KEYWORDS drowning, immersion, swallowed, airway, resuscitation