How to Spot Signs, Symptoms of Dry Drowning

There are some basic signs and symptoms that may suggest a person is at risk for a dry drowning episode.
The following is a description of how to appropriately spot red flags for dry drowning.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seconds hand watch.

1. The first step in preventing a dry drowning episode is close observation. Observing the person immediately following the negative incident or accident with water is crucial. Remember, dry drowning need only a small amount of water or liquid, so it doesn't necessarily have to be from a pool.

2. Monitor the person's breathing. Difficulty breathing, painful breathing or shallow breathing are all red flags that may indicate a person is at risk for a dry drowning episode. Count the number of respirations for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Over 20 respirations per minute could be a red flag for dry drowning.

3. Check for persistent cough, pain in chest and mood or mental status change. Lethargy or increased agitation when lying flat, sweaty skin or color changes such as pale, or blue/grayish color are signs of poorly oxygenated blood. Remember, children can not compensate for very long like adults. They tend to "crash" quickly once these signs are present, so act quickly.

4. Dry drowning usually occurs within 1 hour and 24 hours after incident.
   * If it is caught early, dry drowning can be treated.
   * Treatment involves supplying oxygen to the lungs.
   * Call 911 or take the child or person immediately to the emergency room if there are signs or symptoms indicating risk of a dry drowning episode.

Tips & Warnings

• Call 911 or take the child or person immediately to the emergency room if there are signs or symptoms indicating risk of a dry drowning episode.

[rescue1122]

on 11/14/2009 i myself an instructor but even i was unaware of the dry drowning.
this will really help to save many lives

[rescue1122]

on 11/14/2009 WONDERFUL article it is really a new information
most of the people dont know

[breber1]

on 6/21/2009 Thanks for writing this article, my 2 year old went swimming for the first time today and got a nose full of water. I first heard of dry drowning last year and of course, I have been worried about it since he got a nose full. Thanks for the tips!

[pushkina]

on 3/2/2009 what is dry drowning?

[mrsrussell]

on 2/28/2009 Great info. A lot of people have no idea that this could actually happen! While it is a rare case it can happen. It is good to be aware of the signs. 5*