EMS Timely Tips: Pediatric Drowning

Every summer children and families are drawn to oceans, pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams for entertainment and exercise. As prehospital providers know all too well, fun events and gatherings near bodies of water can turn into an emergency setting in an instant.
Although drowning injuries can affect anyone, according to the CDC, children ages 1-4 have the highest drowning rates, with most occurring in swimming pools. Fatal drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-14 with the 1st leading cause being motor vehicle crashes.

The risk for moderate to severe neurological complications and long-term disabilities are concerns for survivors of non-fatal drowning incidents. Whether in the hospital or prehospital setting, management of the pediatric drowning patient should aim to identify and treat complications, as well as prevent further anoxic injury.