Drowning - Not for just in the water

[flareless]

I recently completed my PADI Rescue Diver course and learned an interesting tidbit I didn't realize; We learned that if a victim has suffered "near drowning" where they were revived after injesting water into the lungs, they must be taken for medical treatment even though they may seem "ok now". We were taught that a person could drown hours later. I had never known that.

This morning I read a news item which, although not directly Scuba related, hits the point home. Here is the article

I have to say that I'm extremely happy to have done the course as I learned a great deal that can help in both everyday life (the EFR stuff for example) and in diving emergencies. The day we did our open water tests was probably the most physically grueling day I can recall in my life but it was also one of the most fun.

I highly recommend the Rescue Diver course to everyone!

 

[mavdog]

There are actually three types of drowning although drowning is defined as suffocation in a liquid. 10-15% are Dry Drowning where little to no water enter the lungs. Wet Drowning - aspiration where the lungs flood and Secondary Drowning which you know about.

 

[flareless]

Can you provide some details on "Dry Drowning"? I've never heard of that one.

 

[ScubaTexan]

The day we did our open water tests was probably the most physically grueling day I can recall in my life but it was also one of the most fun.

I highly recommend the Rescue Diver course to everyone!

Rescue is the most rewarding certification I've ever completed. I couldn't agree with you more.

 

[SteveAD]

Dry drowning happens when water enters the larynx and causes laryngospasm. the throat basically locks shut and nothing passes thru (including air).

 

[ScubaTexan]

Dry drowning happens when water enters the larynx and causes laryngospasm. the throat basically locks shut and nothing passes thru (including air).

I'm not sure it even has to be water. I had phlegm do that to me a few weeks ago (via acid reflux) and I was fighting for air. And that was when I was in bed asleep. :11:

 

[AbyssalPlains]

A physician recently told me that the notion of the lungs flooding is actually a myth. According to him, in pretty much all near drownings laryngospam occurs, preventing the lung from further flooding. Anybody know more on this?

 

[Saltwater Junky]

I recently completed my PADI Rescue Diver course and learned an interesting tidbit I didn't realize;

I have to say that I'm extremely happy to have done the course as I learned a great deal that can help in both everyday life (the EFR stuff for example) and in diving emergencies. The day we did our open water tests was probably the most physically grueling day I can recall in my life but it was also one of the most fun.

I highly recommend the Rescue Diver course to everyone!

I'm glad to have read your comments regarding the class as I will be taking the Rescue Dive class at the end of June.

I am working on a medical diploma from the "University of TV". I first began my studies when I was 9 watching Quincy M.D. During one of the eisodes , oh I mean one class. Doctor quincy said that one can drown in the shower if the water stream hit the back of the throat just right causing it constrict thus depriving the body of air.

 

[horsediver1]

Another term associated with dry drowning is the triggering of the "Mamillian Effect", this protects organs from damage and usually occurs in colder water temps. This results in the best prognosis for a victim. Cold water is considered under 70 degrees farenheit and I am lucky to live in the area where we have medical staff trained for just this type of rescue. A local team revived a 10 year old after a 55 minute submersion under the ice, the first and longest which occurred about 15 years ago. I have personally brought up a 4 year old after 20 minutes bringing him back after substantial CPR. The doctors in my area due to several other successes now use this rule in determining death "They do NOT discontinue CPR on a cold body they warm the victim and continue life support until normal range is met" only then discontinuing life support.

The vast majority of drowning victims we recover have less than a table spoon of water in the lungs associated with which the M. E. confirms drowning

Bottom line is life support should be attempted on any recoveries made before 90 minutes of submersion

TG

 

[horsediver1]

Pteranadon

Your physician was right on the mark the "Mamillian Effect" is an auto response, The easiest way to explain is it works the same as when you drink water it don't go to your lungs, only the response continues even after a victim becomes unconcious. This is why there is so little water in the lungs, if you want a first hand experience fill up your bathtub with ice water and jump in it will probably take a few seconds to force yourself to even get a breath.

TG