Drowning
SAQ. An 18-year-old woman presented with near drowning for 15 minutes. How will you treat her?
Treatment of near drowning:
Pre-hospital Rx:
- Patient should be kept horizontal and warm
- Use cervical collar
- Postural drainage to clear fluid from lungs may be tried but no proven benefit
In-hospital Rx:
- Rewarming
- IV fluid
- Organ support:
- NIV: CPAP;
- lung protective ventilation if ARDS is already developed.
- IV antibiotic if contaminated water
- CPR if in shockable rhythm
- Defibrillation
Follow up:
- ABG, CXR, S. electrolytes