Wednesday, June 24, 2015

What is dry drowning...?

A 10-year-old died from “dry drowning,” or “secondary drowning”: a freak accident that is quite rare, but usually deadly. It happens when a person, usually someone small like a child, ingests too much water and it gets into their lungs, causing a delayed pneumonia.

Dry drowning or secondary drowning is something most parents dont know about. It is rare, BUT its real. Just because something is rare doesnt mean that it wont or cant happen to you or someone you know... Dont be "that" person. Educate yourself enough to know the warning signs and to know what to do.

Warning Signs

Because you might not witness your child inhale and swallow pool, ocean or even bath water it's important to know the signs. You need to watch for distressful breathing, consistent coughing, vomiting, unusual behavior or extreme sleepiness.

Seek Professional Help

If you witness an event in the water, the lifeguard can and will perform initial lifesaving measures, but further observation should be in a medical facility.
Go to the ER! Treatment of dry drowning includes obtaining a chest X-ray, having an IV and being monitored for signs of respiratory distress or compromise.

Don't Be Fooled

Most importantly, parents need to know that dry drowning is very sneaky.
Drowning conjures images of someone thrashing around in the water, not a child who went swimming several hours ago, Think of your child at home resting on the couch, worn out by sun and swimming. Your child is only tired, right? Not dry drowning. Or is she? The scary part is the timing of the drowning, up to 24 hours after an event in the water, Even more scary: Dry drowning can occur while the child is napping or down for the night. Why? Water in the lungs can induce vomiting, followed by choking.

Prevention Is Key

Dry drowning can be prevented by taking appropriate precautions around water.
Children over the age of 4 years should have swim lessons and be supervised by at least one adult at all times while near a body of water, including bathtubsIn addition, parents and caregivers should know CPR. Proper fencing around swimming pools is an important safeguard, too. Don't forget about boat safety: Passengers of all ages on a boat need to wear a life jacket."My No. 1 piece of advice when it comes to safety involving large bodies of water is to have someone with your child at all times. Incidents leading to dry drowning can occur in a matter of seconds," Dr. Fisher a medical practitioner says.

Share this information with your friends & loved ones.. it could save a life!

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