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Emergency
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Management of Drowning
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Rescue breaths come FIRST in drowning arrest. Observe asymptomatic patients ≥8 h.
Decision
Outcome
Decision
Prehospital care for drowning victim. First priority?
✓
Rescue breaths first, then chest compressions if no pulse
✗
Heimlich maneuver
✗
Chest compressions first (standard ACLS C-A-B)
Decision
In the ED, what determines disposition?
✓
Symptomatic
✓
Asymptomatic
Outcome
Maintain oxygenation (NIV or intubation), bronchodilators, evaluate with CXR, ECG, ABG, CBC, electrolytes, drug screen
Outcome
Observe ≥8 hours with continuous pulse oximetry and serial exams; CXR at end of observation
Discharge if no respiratory deterioration in 8 h.