Update on drowning

Drowning is defined as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from either submersion or immersion in liquid. Drowning morbidity and mortality are an under-recognised public health burden in southern Africa. Continuous concerted efforts are underway to improve awareness among recreational water users, but the prevention and management of drowning remain difficult to achieve owing to poor reporting and limited resources. Priorities for both prehospital and emergency department management of drowning victims include ensuring airway patency, adequate ventilation, supplemental oxygenation and rewarming for a pulsatile patient, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation with rewarming for a pulseless patient.