Drowning management and prevention.
BACKGROUND
Accidental drowning causes over 300 deaths annually in Australia, and many more instances of 'near drowning'.


OBJECTIVE
This article outlines the management of near drowning and the general practitioner's role in drowning prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the mainstay of immediate management. Continuing CPR for 30 minutes if necessary is appropriate, particularly in hypothermic patients. Patients who have been successfully resuscitated and those with clinical features suggesting aspiration should be given 100% oxygen and transferred to hospital. Drowning prevention is a significant public health issue, and the GP's role in education and support of rescue services and public awareness campaigns is important.
Grenfell
Robert
R
University of Melbourne, Victoria. grenfell@wimmera.com.au
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004332:Drowning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000628:therapy; D010819:Physician's Role; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods