Drowning and near-drowning incidents are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in both children 1 and adults 2. Over the past 30 years, there has been considerable interest in cold-water immersion incidents, particularly the reasons for the survival of some victims under seemingly fatal conditions. Research suggests that both hypothermia and a “mammalian diving reflex” (MDR) may account for survival in many near-drowning episodes 3.
However, the extent to which these two processes interact is not
Hypothermia and Diving Reflex 2
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Controversy also exists regarding the effect of the victim's age on the physiological responses to cold-water immersion. In this paper, I provide an overview of recent research on the protective value of hypothermia and the MDR in cold-water immersions. I also examine hypotheses concerning the effects of age on these processes and conclude with suggestions about future lines of research that may lead to improved patient care.
Hypoxia during drowning and near-drowning incidents
The major physiological problem facing drowning victims is hypoxia, or lack of adequate oxygen perfusion to body cells 1,4.
Hypoxia results in damage to many organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines 4. Generally, the length of time the body has been deprived of oxygen is closely related to patient prognosis. Only 6-7 s of hypoxia may cause unconsciousness; if hypoxia lasts longer than 5 min at relatively warm temperatures, death or irreversible brain damage may result 5. However, some victims of cold-water immersion have survived after periods of oxygen deprivation lasting up to 2 h 4.
. . .
[The student goes on to highlight the major controversies and to add interpretation and analysis.]
However, the extent to which these two processes interact is not
Hypothermia and Diving Reflex 2
Page header contains abbreviated title and the page number.
Headings, centered, help readers follow the organization.
The abstract indicates the writer’s purpose and scope and summarizes the research cited.
Statistics are cited …show more content…
Controversy also exists regarding the effect of the victim's age on the physiological responses to cold-water immersion. In this paper, I provide an overview of recent research on the protective value of hypothermia and the MDR in cold-water immersions. I also examine hypotheses concerning the effects of age on these processes and conclude with suggestions about future lines of research that may lead to improved patient care.
Hypoxia during drowning and near-drowning incidents
The major physiological problem facing drowning victims is hypoxia, or lack of adequate oxygen perfusion to body cells 1,4.
Hypoxia results in damage to many organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines 4. Generally, the length of time the body has been deprived of oxygen is closely related to patient prognosis. Only 6-7 s of hypoxia may cause unconsciousness; if hypoxia lasts longer than 5 min at relatively warm temperatures, death or irreversible brain damage may result 5. However, some victims of cold-water immersion have survived after periods of oxygen deprivation lasting up to 2 h 4.
. . .
[The student goes on to highlight the major controversies and to add interpretation and analysis.]