Pail immersion accidents.
An unusual type of immersion accident is that involving a pail or bucket of water in the home. We describe four cases of drownings or near drownings in pails and summarize the literature. A review of this type of submersion resulted in a morbidity of 15.4% and mortality of 6.5%. Stable vital signs and normal neurologic examination initially are good prognostic indicators. A number of questions remain to be answered about the pathophysiological effect of these pail contents to the lungs. This hazard must now be included as a part of every discussion of poison prevention by pediatricians.
D000061:Accidents, Home; D004332:Drowning; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male