The management of drowning: a review of current evidence and guidelines

Abstract Drowning is responsible for 500,000 deaths each year and is estimated to be 200 times more frequent as a cause of death than road traffic collisions (per man hour at risk). The United Nations estimates that 5000 people drowned trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2016, the highest recorded annual total. The primary respiratory issues which are the clinical hallmark of drowning are often complicated by additional physiological consequences of the immersion, representing a considerable challenge for the deployed medical team. This article aims to examine recent evidence to provide guidance regarding resuscitation of the drowned casualty.