Why Emergency Care Is Important After a Near Drowning Incident

Understand the Symptoms and Complications That Can Follow Near Drowning

As summer begins and families start planning their water activities and outdoor fun, prioritizing water safety is essential. While the emphasis is often on preventing drowning, it is equally important to recognize the serious and potentially long-term complications that can arise from a near-drowning incident.

What is Near Drowning?

Near drowning refers to an incident where a person experiences suffocation underwater but survives, either through rescue or revival before death occurs.

Near drowning is more common than many people realize. While it can happen to anyone, children are most frequently affected. According to the CDC, there are approximately 8,000 non-fatal drownings each year in the United States, which translates to around 22 incidents per day. These numbers significantly increase during the spring and summer months when water-related activities are at their peak.

Drowning can occur in any setting, whether it’s a pool, lake, beach, or while boating. It can happen to anyone, including strong swimmers. Many water incidents occur quickly and silently, often in situations where supervision is limited or safety protocols are not followed.

What Happens During Near Drowning?

When someone experiences near drowning, their body is deprived of oxygen for an extended period. Even if the person is revived, the lack of oxygen and the influx of water can lead to serious health complications that may develop immediately or over the next several hours or days.

Signs and Symptoms of Near Drowning

A person who has nearly drowned may show a range of symptoms, including:

• Alertness or unresponsiveness
• Cold skin
• Bluish skin
• Chest pain
• Persistent, deep cough
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting

If you notice any of these signs after an incident, seek emergency care immediately.

Why Emergency Care is Important After Near Drowning

Even if someone appears to be fine after drowning, medical evaluation is important to ensure long-term health. Serious complications can develop later, hours or even days after a drowning incident, depending on factors such as how long the person was without oxygen, how much water was inhaled, and whether other injuries occurred.

Some delayed complications include:

• Pneumonia
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Brain damage
• Chemical imbalance
• Disorientation or confusion

24/7 Emergency Care

If you or a loved one experiences near drowning, don’t wait to get care. At Topeka ER & Hospital, our dedicated team is available 24/7, all summer long, to provide fast and advanced treatment. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with on-site imaging and laboratory services, as well as emergency care and observation capabilities, allowing us to treat everything from breathing difficulties to monitoring for potential complications quickly and effectively.

Open 24/7/365, we’re here when you need us to get you and your family back to enjoy a safe and healthy summer.

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Topeka ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.