A 30-year-old male is found submerged face-down in a cold river by passers-by. Submersion time is estimated at 8 minutes. He is pulled out, is unrespo...

Question

A 30-year-old male is found submerged face-down in a cold river by passers-by. Submersion time is estimated at 8 minutes. He is pulled out, is unresponsive, and has no pulse. Bystanders have commenced CPR. The updated JRCALC 2024 drowning guidelines apply. What is the key principle that differentiates drowning resuscitation from standard cardiac arrest management?

Accepted Answer

Early and effective ventilation is the priority as drowning is a hypoxic cardiac arrest

Answer

Standard ALS without modification is appropriate

Answer

Chest compressions should be withheld until 5 minutes of ventilation have been provided

Answer

The patient should be placed prone for postural drainage before commencing CPR

Answer

Defibrillation should not be attempted in drowning victims

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Drowning Resuscitation Priority