Medical Treatment

Someone with no symptoms after a drowning will be observed in the emergency department. Further evaluation will depend upon the clinical presentation.

• CPR if the patient is not breathing and there is no heartbeat.
  
  
• Oxygen for patients with low oxygenation in their blood.
  
  
• Intubation and an artificial ventilator should the patient be unable to breath adequately
  
  
• Immobilization of neck with a collar for suspected neck injury
  
  
• Bronchodilator medications to decrease airway spasm
  
  
• Antibiotics for lung infections
  
  
• Steroids to decrease lung inflammation
  
  
• Treatment for shock and hypothermia
  
  
• Hyperbaric chamber for divers with decompression sickness (the bends)
  
  
• Supportive care and counseling for the patient and his or her family