A 19-year-old is rescued from cold freshwater submersion and arrives coughing but awake. SpO2 is 89% on room air, RR is 30, temperature is 35.2°C,

Question

A 19-year-old is rescued from cold freshwater submersion and arrives coughing but awake. SpO2 is 89% on room air, RR is 30, temperature is 35.2°C, and chest auscultation reveals diffuse crackles. He vomited during rescue. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Give oxygen, ventilatory support if needed, rewarm, and observe

Answer

Start diuretics for pulmonary oedema

Answer

Discharge once clothes are dry

Answer

Give prophylactic antibiotics to prevent pneumonia

Answer

Induce vomiting to clear swallowed water

Non-fatal drowning — RCPSC EM MCQ

A 19-year-old is rescued from cold freshwater submersion and arrives coughing but awake. SpO2 is 89% on room air, RR is 30, temperature is 35.2°C, and chest auscultation reveals diffuse crackles. He vomited during rescue. What is the most appropriate initial management?