The dynamics of drowning: Clarifying terminologies and response strategies

Abstract

Drowning is the process of respiratory impairment from immersion or submersion in a liquid. Worldwide, approximately 360,000 deaths annually can be attributed to drowning. Morbidity and mortality are a result of hypoxia, so the focus during resuscitation should be on airway management and optimizing oxygenation. This article describes several drowning scenarios and discusses appropriate response and treatment algorithms.