Drowning Pathophysiology
The temperature with the least amount of expected survival time.
This position helps reduce aspiration risk post-rescue.
What is the recovery position?
This gender is at higher risk for SIPE.
What is female?
AMS usually begins this many hours after ascent.
What is 1–6 hours? BUT can be delayed up to 48 hours.
First-line pharmacologic prevention for AMS.
What is acetazolamide?
In “dry drowning,” this part of the body spasms.
What are the vocal cords?
The first step after rescue from water in drowning cases.
What is ABCs assessment?
Classic symptom involving coughing up pink frothy fluid.
What is hemoptysis?
AMS, Ataxia, and preceded by a headache.
What is HACE?
This steroid is reserved for high-risk or severe AMS cases.
What is dexamethasone?
These are the final two steps leading to cardiac arrest.
What are apnea and hypoxemia?
Why abdominal thrusts should be avoided.
What is risk of aspiration?
This diuretic is commonly used in SIPE treatment.
What is furosemide?
Primary and most effective treatment for any altitude illness.
What is descent?
This PDE inhibitor may help prevent HAPE.
What is sildenafil or tadalafil?
Cold water can trigger this specific response worsening hypoxia.
What is cold shock response?
Goal SpO2 saturation for rescued patients.
What is 92–96%?
A key management tool alongside diuretics and rest.
What is supplemental oxygen or CPAP?
This altitude emergency usually appears on the second night after altitude gain, and is rare after 4 days of stable altitude.
What is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)?
Most important treatment action in HAPE.
What is immediate descent?
Drowning leads to this type of metabolic state.
What is metabolic acidosis?
Recommended airway device for obtunded patients (only by experts).
What is early intubation (no supraglottic airways)?
Overhydration and these suits are SIPE risk factors.
What are tight wetsuits?
Minimum altitude typically needed to cause AMS.
What is ≥2500 meters?
This altitude has a high risk for severe HAI and requires acclimatization.
What is 4500-5500m (Very High)?