As summer approaches, drowning events across Australia will be more prevalent. Last year with the hottest summer on record, saw an increase of 17% drowning deaths compared to the previous 10-year average. Healthcare professionals can assist in the community during these stressful emergencies, and use their skills to help manage drowning events. We can initiate immediate treatment by directing bystanders to call for assistance and position the person into a safe place to start emergency care. Below is a quick reminder if you are ever in the situation of needing to assist someone who has had a near drowning event.
Steps in managing a near drowning event:
If you are looking for further updates on drowning and other emergencies, consider:
References:
Australian Resuscitation Council (2014) Guideline 9.3.2 Resuscitation of the Drowning Victim, March, Melbourne, accessed October 219 at https://resus.org.au/glossary/drowning-guideline-9-3-2/
Emergency Care Institute New South Wales (2017) Drowning, September, Chatswood, accessed October 2019 at https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/networks/eci/clinical/clinical-resources/clinical-tools/environmental-health/submersion
Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (2019) Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2019, Sydney Australia, accessed October 2019 at https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/facts-and-figures/research-and-reports/drowning-reports
Crystal Smith is a Senior Education Consultant for Critical Care Education Services (part of the Medcast Group). She has a clinical background in critical care, paediatrics and education.
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn moreDiabetic emergencies typically arise from extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels. The two most common emergencies are hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.
Join Dr Kate Annear as she discusses Gout with Professor Ric Day, a highly experienced rheumatologist and clinical pharmacologist. This podcast will cover why gout is important, and will also address some of the common misconceptions surrounding this condition as well as providing some practical advice on supporting better outcomes in the management of this condition.
This useful tool shows the aspects of the Veteran Health Check to incorporate into all relevant consultations with Veterans at any time after transition, including a useful autofill template.