Near Drowning

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Attend to ABCs as first priority
    • Is the airway patent?
    • Is intubation needed for work of breathing, altered level of consciousness or hypoxemia?
    • What is the cardiac rhythm and is the patient perfusing?
  • Is the patient hypothermic?
  • Associated medical conditions, injuries or ingestions

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Last updated: May 7, 2010