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DROWNING & PREVENTION. Lora E Fleming MD PhD MPH MSc University of Miami School of Medicine . Outline. Definitions Statistics Risks Causes Prevention. Drowning: Definitions. Drowning A suffocation resulting in death < 24 hours of being submerged in water Near Drowning
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DROWNING & PREVENTION Lora E Fleming MD PhD MPH MSc University of Miami School of Medicine
Outline • Definitions • Statistics • Risks • Causes • Prevention
Drowning: Definitions • Drowning • A suffocation resulting in death < 24 hours of being submerged in water • Near Drowning • An incident resulting in survival > 24 hours after being submerged in water
Drowning Statistics • In 2000, there were 3482 unintentional drownings in the United States, an average of 9/day. • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • It is estimated that for each drowning death, there are 1 to 4 nonfatal submersions serious enough to result in hospitalization……..with at least half of survivors suffering significant neurologic impairment. • American Academy of Pediatrics
Drowning Statistics • Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of injury-related death among children < 15 years. • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • 19% drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present. • Drowning Prevention Foundation
Why Should We Care? • The State of Florida averages 400 deaths/yr • California, Arizona & Florida • Leading cause of injury related death for children < 5 years • Cost of Drowning & Near Drowning • $400,000,000/year
Who is Affected? Vulnerable Populations • Geography: Southern States • Gender: Males > 81% of drowning victims • Age: Children are the most vulnerable
Differences by Race Vulnerable Populations • Race • Blacks: age adjusted drowning rate > 1.5 times • Difference dependent on age range: < 4 yrs: Whites have a higher rates > 4 yrs: Black children 2.5 times
Differences by Race Vulnerable Populations • Race • American Indians & Alaska Native children 2x • Unlike white children, they tend to drown in natural bodies of water
Why do people drown? "(She) was left unattended for about one or two minutes when she drowned Monday, police said." (AP) Jacksonville was the location of the tragedy, the victim aged 18 months, the setting a bathtub. But 15 times in 1998 similar stories were repeated in Lee County. Six (6) of the dead were < 18 years.
Why do people drown? Causes • Access • Ethanol • > 50% for Adolescents & Adults • Adult Supervision • Children • Lack of Education
Where: Pools pool
Prevention: Education & Warnings Buckets
Conclusions Drowning is preventable • Warnings • Supervision • Targeted Education • Age etc • Access • Intervention
Thank you Gina Mena (2001)