Med. praxi. 2025;22(1):30-34 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2025.007

Drowning in adults: First aid and subsequent management

MUDr. Jakub Jonáš, Ph.D.

Klinika anesteziologie, resuscitace a intenzivní medicíny, 2. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy a Fakultní nemocnice v Motole, Praha

Drowning is one of the preventable injuries. Its consequences are often serious or even fatal. For the quality of life after drowning, it is important to restore the oxygen supply to the body as quickly as possible. Early initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is therefore crucial. This article provides a basic overview of the causes and pathophysiology of drowning, emphasizes the early provision of first aid and the correct performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and also provides an overview of the important aspects of intensive and resuscitation care of the patient after drowning.

Keywords: circulatory arrest, hypothermia, hypoxia, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy.

Received: August 30, 2024; Revised: October 21, 2024; Accepted: January 30, 2025; Published: February 20, 2025  Show citation