Abstract des Autors

Every year between 6.000 and 7.000 Americans are known to drown. Statistics show that many victims are young, intoxicated, unsupervised nonswimmers who do not intend to enter the water. They are often males affected by cold. Recognizing the four main categories of typical drowning situations (immediate disappearance syndrome, distressed nonswimmer, sudden disappearance syndrome, and hypothermia-induced debility) can help prevent many mishaps and suggest ways to improve rescue procedures. The incidence of drowing can be reduced by improved education that stresses the effects of alcohol and hypothermia and focuses on prevention as well as rescue procedures. In addition, all medical personel must be aware of protocols for reviving victims of cold-water drowning. Verf.-Referat