Exams and Tests

A drowning victim may be without symptoms, with no vital signs (no breathing or heartbeat), or somewhere in between these extremes.

• Medical history and physical exam
  
  
• Observation of symptoms and complications
  
  
• Laboratory tests
  
  
  • Blood gas to determine blood acid-base balance and oxygenation
    
    
  • Blood chemistry tests to evaluate electrolytes, blood sugar, and kidney function
    
    
  • Toxicology to determine alcohol or illicit drug use

Imaging

• Chest x-ray to look for fluid in the lungs
  
  
• Neck x-ray to look for fractures
  
  
• Head CT to look for structural damage to the brain

Monitors

• ECG to look for irregular heart activity
  
  
• Monitor for oxygenation