-
Is Dry Drowning Real? Facts vs. Fiction
Date Published: July 1, 2024
Watch as Dr. Joshua M. Tobin, Chief, Division of Trauma Anesthesiology Los Angeles County Hospital/Keck School of Medicine, Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, discusses dry drowning – and separates fact from fiction. With a dry drowning definition and information on what to do after a drowning incident, we can help you understand when to seek medical attention and keep your child safe.
So, there's this whole spectrum of drowning from patients who sadly die to those who live. And so, we want to be sure that people understand that if you've had a drowning incident, if you've had some trouble in the water, and you're coughing and sputtering, you need to seek medical attention.
The idea, however, that several days later you can sort of spontaneously die because you've had a drowning incident probably is not accurate. What's more accurate is to say that the drowning incident initiated a process that would merit more careful medical evaluation.
Now as a parent, okay, well, what the heck does this mean to me? What do I do if I'm at the pool and my kid's playing underwater tag and someone holds him under for a second too long, and then he's coughing and sputtering? What should I do?
Well, the thing that I would do is to watch my child at home and if I had any concerns whatsoever that they're having trouble breathing, that they are continuing to cough, if they just didn't seem like themselves, I would take them to the emergency department and get a more thorough medical evaluation.
Sign up for a CPR class as well as the free American Red Cross course, Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers.
If you observe any of the signs below, please seek medical attention:
- Coughing
- Chest pains
- Trouble Breathing
- Irritable Behavior
Information provided by a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.
Dr. Joshua M. Tobin, Chief, Division of Trauma Anesthesiology Los Angeles County Hospital/Keck School of Medicine, Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
What to Read Next
Learn how to help a person experiencing respiratory distress (trouble breathing).Teaches parents and caregivers about the concepts of the circle of drowning prevention water competency and the chain of drowning survival.Learn about the team of experts who ensure that what's taught is based on the latest and best in emergency science.Take a Course and Refresh Your First Aid Skills
About Red Cross Training Services
Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.