Rationale

Drowning is defined as the process of experiencing a respiratory impairment resulting from being in or submerged in liquid. The termdrowningincludes both death and nonfatal submersion injury. Drowning is a common cause of death, especially in children younger than 10 years. Men and members of some racial or ethnic groups are at increased risk of drowning.

Causal Conditions

(list not exhaustive)

1. Inability to swim effectively

2. Missing or inadequate fencing of pools and bodies of water

3. Improper or absent use of approved personal flotation devices

4. Risk-taking behavior

5. Alcohol and substance use

6. Use of prescription medication (e.g., those that cause drowsiness)

7. Inadequate supervision

8. Acute medical issues (e.g., seizures)

9. Occupational and recreational water-related activities

Key Objectives

Given a patient with a history of recent submersion, the candidate will make the appropriate diagnosis of submersion injury, assess the severity and complications, initiate an appropriate management plan, and provide education about preventive strategies.

Enabling Objectives

Given circumstances where there is risk of a drowning/submersion injury, the candidate will recommend effective risk reduction measures.