Review Note

Management of Water Emergencies

Assessment
• Rapid Assessment - visualize, palpate & auscultate where appropriate.
• Intervene at each injury as per Intervention List.
• Ensure patient is moved to a warm environment, in position of comfort.

Note the following:
• Note the location where the patient was found (e.g. in a lake, fresh or salt water, in a pool, near a stream, etc.).
• Note the position the patient was found in.
• Note any evidence or history of trauma.
• Note the length of time the patient was submerged (if known).
• Note the temperature of the water.
• Note the initial condition and presentation of the patient. • Note the resuscitation efforts performed before your arrival.
• Note events leading up to near-drowning.