near drowning

Last reviewed 01/2018

Near drowning is defined as at least temporary recovery after submersion injury.

Immersion syndrome is delayed sudden death triggered by vagally-induced arrhythmias after cold water immersion Secondary drowning is the result of a pulmonary insult.

Consequences of near drowning are:

  • hypoxia
  • acidosis
  • pulmonary oedema - after both fresh and seawater

These are a result of the actual inhalation of fluid, but they are not necessarily due to the continued presence of fluid in the lungs.