Prehospital care of the child with a submersion incident

Abstract

The outcome is excellent for children having had a submersion incident who are quickly rescued and resuscitated. Delay in starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation adds further insult to the neuronal cells by allowing the progress of anoxia and ischemia. The institution of early resuscitation and transport to a pediatric facility will at least serve to maximize the best chance possible for normal survival. Although the ABCs are the hallmark of resuscitation, resuscitative efforts are most effective if one keeps in mind that ABC can also stand for "anticipate before complication."