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Drowning is defined as death within 24 hours of suffocation by submersion in a liquid, normally fresh or seawater. Near drowning implies successful resuscitation from suffocation caused by immersion. Secondary drowning refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs following what appears to be a successful recovery from a near-drowning event. If someone suffocates while submerged underwater and they're revived, they can suffer from a near drowning event or secondary drowning can still occur even after they're revived. This can occur in someone that's become tired while swimming or have a secondary problem that prevents them from swimming appropriately or aspirating fluid while in the water. If you find someone submerged in the water, immediately remove them from the water, ensuring that you keep yourself safe. Place them on their back and assess for breathing. If they're breathing place them in a recovery position and call emergency medical services. If they're not breathing, start CPR as we discussed in the drowning video. People that do not lose consciousness but may have ingested a large amount of water should still be assessed by a doctor as they may have secondary drowning. Lung injury and potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbances may occur from aspiration or ingestion of large amounts of water whether it's from a pool, salt or freshwater. Secondary drowning happens when the airway opens up letting water into the lungs where it builds up causing a condition called pulmonary oedema. This causes trouble with breathing. Symptoms of secondary drowning generally start within one to 24 hours of the incident. Secondary drowning symptoms include coughing, chest pain, trouble breathing, or feeling extremely tired. If you have oxygen available, it should be given to keep their oxygen levels at the required level and to compensate for any lack of performance in the respiratory system.
Drowning: Types, Symptoms, and First Aid
Understanding Drowning
Definition: Drowning refers to death within 24 hours due to suffocation in a liquid, typically freshwater or seawater.
Near Drowning: Successful resuscitation following suffocation by immersion.
Secondary Drowning: Accumulation of fluid in the lungs after apparent recovery from near-drowning.
Risk Factors
Persistent Risk: Near-drowning and secondary drowning can occur even after revival.
Cause: Fatigue, swimming difficulties, or fluid aspiration.
Immediate Response
Rescue: Safely remove the submerged person from the water.
Assessment: Check for breathing. If breathing, place in the recovery position and call EMS.
No Breathing: Begin CPR (as discussed in the drowning video).
Medical Evaluation
Medical Assessment: Even for those who don't lose consciousness but ingest substantial water, consult a doctor.
Risks: Lung injury and life-threatening electrolyte imbalances can result from water ingestion, be it from a pool or natural body of water.
Secondary Drowning Symptoms
- Coughing
- Chest Pain
- Difficulty Breathing
- Severe Fatigue
First Aid
Oxygen Administration: If available, administer oxygen to maintain proper oxygen levels and compensate for respiratory system impairment.