Pediatric Trauma: Module 5

Drowning and near drowning are the second leading cause of death and disability in children.

Drowning - death due to suffocation within 24 hours after submersion event.
Near drowning - patient survival beyond 24 hours after submersion event.
Formulate a treatment plan for near drowning patients.
Highest risk groups: children < 5 years old and adolescent males.
Bathtub submersion injuries are most common in children < 1 year old left with inappropriate supervision.

Adolescent drowning is often associated with the use of alcohol or other drugs.
Explain the management priorities for pediatric patient triage for multiple patients.
Pathophysiology or submersion incidents begins with:
- Submersion event → child panics → holds breath → loss of consciousness → loss of airway reflexes cough / gag → liquid aspiration → anoxia → arrhythmias → if left untreated, asystole.