Submersion injuries and drowning
Robert Lowe
Search for more papers by this authorRobert Lowe
Search for more papers by this authorDavid C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death. There is an increased incidence in two population subsets: children younger than 4 years of age and people 15–20 years old. Here we review the incidence of drowning and situations including trauma and hypothermia that may pose special considerations for prehospital management. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition and classification of drowning will be reviewed.
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