The Pathology and Treatment of Drowning

There is no doubt whatever that this significant loss of life can be greatly reduced. Study of individual incidents emphasises the fact that at least 75% of them are due to lack of elementary precautions, disregard of safety factors or gross stupidity. To reduce them, which is the fundamental aim of any water safety campaign, a three-fold attack on the problem can be made. Firstly, the circumstances which lead up to the drowning incident must be studied. Secondly, the actual process of drowning should be examined and, thirdly, there is an urgent need for first aid workers and hospital medical staffs to appreciate and apply the new techniques of resuscitation and treatment to these emergencies.