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Near drowning

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Drowning rescue, throw assist
Drowning rescue, throw assist
Heimlich maneuver on adult
Heimlich maneuver on adult
Drowning rescue on ice, board assist
Drowning rescue on ice, board assist
Drowning rescue, reaching assist
Drowning rescue, reaching assist
Drowning rescue, board assist
Drowning rescue, board assist
Drowning rescue on the ice, human chain
Drowning rescue on the ice, human chain

Alternative Names    Return to top

Drowning - near

Definition    Return to top

"Near drowning" means a person almost died from not being able to breathe (suffocating) under water.

If a person has been rescued from a near-drowning situation, quick first aid and medical attention are very important.

Considerations    Return to top

Causes    Return to top

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms can vary, but may include:

First Aid    Return to top

When someone is drowning:

If the person's breathing has stopped, begin rescue breaths as soon as you can. This often means starting the breathing process while still in the water.

Continue to breathe for the person every few seconds while moving him or her to dry land. Once on land, give CPR if needed. For step-by-step instructions on rescue breathing, see the article on CPR.

Always use caution when moving a person who is drowning. Assume that the person may have a neck or spine injury, and avoid turning or bending their neck. Keep the head and neck very still during CPR and while moving the person. You can tape the head to a backboard or stretcher, or secure the neck by placing rolled towels or other objects around it.

Follow these additional steps:

DO NOT    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

If you cannot rescue the drowning person without endangering yourself, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. If you are trained and able to rescue the person, do so and then call for medical help.

All near-drowning patients should be checked by a doctor. Even though the person may revive quickly at the scene, lung complications are common. Fluid and body chemical (electrolyte) imbalances may develop, and other traumatic injuries may be present.

Prevention    Return to top

References    Return to top

Knaut AL. Feldhaus KM. Submersion. In: Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.

Update Date: 1/15/2009

Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.