Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Prehospital Basic Life Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

433 DROWNING OR NEAR DROWNING

Remove the patient from the water.

Observe spinal injury precautions, if appropriate. (See Protocol #421.)

Monitor the airway.

Assist ventilations, if appropriate. (See Protocol #401.)

Begin Basic Cardiac Life Support procedures, if appropriate. (See Protocol #403.)

NOTE:HTPOTHERMIC PATIENTS REMAIN VIABLE FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. THEREFORE CPR SHOULD BE INITIATED ON ALL PULSELESS AND APNEIC HYPOTHERMIC PATIENTS.

Administer oxygen.

Monitor breathing for adequacy.

Assess for shock and treat, if appropriate. (See Protocol #415.)

Transport.

NOTE:IN CASES OF COLD WATER DROWNING (WATER TEMPERATURE BELOW 70 F), TREAT FOR HYPOTHERMIA. (SEE PROTOCOL #432)


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