The Grief and Mourning Quiz

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Prevention

As with any accident, prevention is the key. If in doubt, then stay out of the water.

• Avoid drinking alcohol prior to swimming or boating.
  
  
• Avoid contact with marine life such as jellyfish and coral.
  
  
• Cover or empty all large containers of water to prevent a small child from falling in.
  
  
• Check the depth of the water before diving. The Red Cross recommends a depth of 9 feet for a10 ft high diving board. Increasing depths are needed for platform and cliff diving. The higher the dive, the deeper the water needs to be.
  
  
• Do not have older children watch younger children because they are not trained enough or mature enough for this responsibility.
  
  
• Make sure the ice is thick enough to avoid falling through.
  
  
• Fence all pools and spas.
  
  
• Keep electrical appliances and toys away from the water.
  
  
• Know the weather conditions and location of underwater hazards before entering the water.
  
  
• Learn and observe water and boating safety rules.
  
  
• Always wear life jackets especially on open water.
  
  
• Never allow yourself or children to swim alone or unsupervised.
  
  
• Carry a cordless or cellular phone outdoors so you can call for help.
  
  
• Take CPR and water life-saving classes.
  
  
• Watch for dangerous waves and rip currents (choppy foamy water). If you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until you get out of it, then swim toward shore.
  
  
• Someone with underlying medical illnesses such as seizures, diabetes, heart disease, severe arthritis, and dementia should be cautious about entering the water without supervision.