This document defines near drowning and summarizes its symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Near drowning occurs when someone submerges in water and may or may not breathe in water, resulting in confusion, lack of breathing or heartbeat, and pale skin. Proper treatment includes CPR and encouraging swimming safety. With early rescue and medical care, full recovery is possible, but complications like infection or brain damage can occur without treatment.

1. Prepared By
Neeraj Kumar Mehra
Lecturer, Health and Physical Education
DIET Daryaganj, New Delhi

2. Definition
The immediate aftereffects of prolonged
submersion underwater. This may occur with
or without aspiring water into the lungs.
Approximately 10% to 15% of all drownings or
near drownings occur without aspiration.
Drowning accounts for approximately 10,000
deaths in North America each year.
3/16/2012 2

3.  Confusion or unconsciousness.
 Little or no breathing or heartbeat.
 Bluish-white paleness.
3/16/2012 3

4.  Submersion under water, resulting water in
the lungs, causing life threatening changes in
the circulating blood.
3/16/2012 4

5.  Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR).
 Encourage all family members-including
infants-to learn to swim, alone near the
water.
 Never swim alone.
 Don’t drink alcohol and swim.
3/16/2012 5

6.  Diagnostic Measures
 Your own observation of symptoms.
 Medical history and physical exam by a
doctor.
 Laboratory Blood tests.
3/16/2012 6

7.  Not necessary nor useful for this disorder.
3/16/2012 7

8. Depends on the length of time under water.
With early rescue and treatment ,full
recovery is possible. Special body
mechanisms may permit full recovery from
near drowning in icy water.
3/16/2012 8

9.  Body Fluid in the lungs.
 Permanent brain damage.
 Lung infection.
 Heart irregularities, including cardiac arrest
and death.
3/16/2012 9

10. Note:
Follow your doctor’s instructions. These
instructions are just supplemental.
3/16/2012 10

11.  If the victim is unconscious and not breathing
yell for help. Don’t leave the victim.
 Begin mouth to mouth breathing
immediately.
 If there is no heartbeat, give external cardic
massage.
 Have someone call for ambulance and
medical help.
 Don’t stop CPR until help arrives.
3/16/2012 11

12.  The near drowning victim should be taken to
the nearest hospital fro intensive care –even
if the victim has regained consciousness.
 Complications due to heart-rhythm
disturbances may occur 24-28 hours after the
accident.
 Remain with a recovering patient to provide
support and reassurance. Near –drowning is a
traumatic experience.
3/16/2012 12

13.  Immediate cardiopulmonary
resuscitation(CPR)
 Hospitalization (sometimes)to lower body
temperature, to induce coma with
medicines.
 Hospitalization for observation for delayed
serious reactions
3/16/2012 13

14.  Not Appropriate
3/16/2012 14

15.  Your doctor may prescribe:
 Oxygen
 Drugs to prevent or treat lung inflammation.
 Antibiotics to prevent lung infection.
3/16/2012 15

16.  Complete bed rest is necessary until activity
is permitted by the doctor.
3/16/2012 16

17.  Intravenousnutrients, if the victim is
unconscious upon hospitalisation.After
recovery, no special diet is necessary.
3/16/2012 17

18.  Someone appear to have drowned. Call for
emergency help immediately.
 Signs of infection (fever, cough,fatigues)
appear after recovery.
3/16/2012 18

19. 3/16/2012 19