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Davis CA, Lareau S. Drowning. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2024; 42:541-550. [PMID: 38925773 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Drowning is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it is estimated that 90% of drownings are preventable. Drowning is defined as "the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid." Emergency providers should focus on airway management and rapid delivery of oxygen to interrupt the drowning process and improve patient outcomes. Patients with minimal or no symptoms do not require any specific diagnostic workup, aside from physical examination and 4 to 6 hours of observation prior to discharge. Patients with more severe symptoms may present with rales and foamy secretions, and should be managed with high-concentration oxygen and positive airway pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Davis
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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2
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Moreland B, Clemens T, Idaikkadar N. Syndromic Surveillance of Emergency Department Visits Related to Unintentional Drowning, United States, 2019-2022. Public Health Rep 2024:333549241249675. [PMID: 38780017 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241249675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To improve national drowning surveillance efforts, we developed and evaluated a definition for unintentional drowning for use in the National Syndromic Surveillance Program's ESSENCE platform (Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics) and described drowning-related emergency department (ED) visits from 2019 through 2022 using the new definition. METHODS We adapted an unintentional drowning definition from a previous version, which included all drowning-related ED visits regardless of intent (including drowning related to assault and suicide, as well as unintentional drowning). We reviewed a random sample of 1000 visits captured by the new definition of unintentional drowning and categorized visits as likely, possibly, and unlikely to be related to unintentional drowning. We compared monthly drowning-related ED visits from 2020, 2021, and 2022 with monthly drowning ED visits from 2019, overall and by sex and age group. RESULTS A total of 35 431 ED visits related to unintentional drowning (10.71 per 100 000 ED visits) occurred from 2019 through 2022. Most visits (86%) captured by the new definition and manually reviewed were likely related to unintentional drowning. Rates were highest among males (14.04 per 100 000 ED visits) and children aged <1 to 4 years (65.61 per 100 000 ED visits). The number of drowning-related ED visits was higher in May and August 2020, May and June 2021, and May 2022 as compared with the same months in 2019 among people aged 18 to 44 years. CONCLUSIONS The definition for unintentional drowning is available in the National Syndromic Surveillance Program's ESSENCE platform for state and local jurisdictions to use to monitor unintentional drowning-related ED visits in near-real time to inform prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Moreland
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tessa Clemens
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nimi Idaikkadar
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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3
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Berger S, Siekmeyer M, Petzold-Quinque S, Kiess W, Merkenschlager A. Drowning and Nonfatal Drowning in Children and Adolescents: A Subsequent Retrospective Data Analysis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:439. [PMID: 38671656 PMCID: PMC11049416 DOI: 10.3390/children11040439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Fatal and nonfatal drowning are among the leading causes of death and lifelong severe neurological impairment among children and adolescents. This study aimed to complement research from Leipzig 1994-2008 to seek trends within risk factors, treatments, and outcomes throughout the last decade. We retrospectively investigated data of 47 inpatients aged 0-18 admitted to Leipzig University Department of Pediatrics who matched ICD-10 code T75.1 from 2008 to 2020 and compared them to a preceding study at the same institution. We also examined the prognostic value of parameters regarding the patients' outcomes. There were three median incidents per annum. The median age was 2.75 years; 76% of incidents happened in males. An accumulation was seen during the summer months and weekends. Most drowning incidents occurred in private ponds or pools (48.9%). Thirty-nine children were discharged without resulting morbidity, four showed neurological impairment, and three died. Risk factors concerning age, sex, and incident characteristics were confirmed. Special supervision needs still apply to 1-3-year-old male children or children with pre-existing health conditions around private pools and ponds. Hospitalization duration shortened, and morbidity and lethality decreased since the previous study. There was structural improvement in primary care and medical documentation. Parameters suggesting good outcomes include a submersion time < 5 min, GCS > 3 points, spontaneous movement upon admission, remaining pupillary light response, the absence of cardiovascular arrest, body temperature ≥ 32 °C, pH > 7, blood glucose < 15 mmol/L, lactate < 14 mmol/L, base excess ≥ -15 mmol/L, and the absence of ARDS. Clear legislation can contribute to improved private home water safety. Further studies should include a broad in- and outpatient spectrum and standardized incident documentation presupposing Utstein-style reporting. Regular reinvestigation of consistent geographical regions facilitates process evaluations of drowning epidemiology and therapy evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Berger
- Department of Women and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Division of Neuropediatrics, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Manuela Siekmeyer
- Department of Women and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Petzold-Quinque
- Department of Women and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Department of Women and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Merkenschlager
- Department of Women and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Division of Neuropediatrics, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
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Davis CA, Schmidt AC, Sempsrott JR, Hawkins SC, Arastu AS, Giesbrecht GG, Cushing TA. Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment and Prevention of Drowning: 2024 Update. Wilderness Environ Med 2024; 35:94S-111S. [PMID: 38379489 DOI: 10.1177/10806032241227460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The Wilderness Medical Society convened a panel to review available evidence supporting practices for acute management of drowning in out-of-hospital and emergency care settings. Literature about definitions and terminology, epidemiology, rescue, resuscitation, acute clinical management, disposition, and drowning prevention was reviewed. The panel graded available evidence supporting practices according to the American College of Chest Physicians criteria and then made recommendations based on that evidence. Recommendations were based on the panel's collective clinical experience and judgment when published evidence was lacking. This is the second update to the original practice guidelines published in 2016 and updated in 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Davis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Andrew C Schmidt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | - Seth C Hawkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Ali S Arastu
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Gordon G Giesbrecht
- Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Poulain C, Mathieu O, Gouetta V, Baccino É, Peyron PA. Influence of the toxicological status on the diagnosis of fatal drowning. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1471-1479. [PMID: 37433906 PMCID: PMC10421782 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Drowning is the leading cause of death by accident of everyday life in people under 25 years of age. Xenobiotics are frequently involved in drowning cases but their influence on the diagnosis of fatal drowning has not been studied so far. This preliminary study aimed to assess the influence of an alcohol and/or a drug intoxication on the autopsy signs of drowning, and on the results of diatom analyses in drowning deaths. Twenty-eight autopsy cases of drowning including 19 freshwater drownings, 6 seawater drownings, and 3 brackish water drownings were prospectively included. Toxicological and diatom tests were performed in each case. The influence of alcohol and other xenobiotics on drowning signs and diatom analyses was assessed separately then in combination through a global toxicological participation score (GTPS). Diatom analyses showed positive results in lung tissue in every case. No significant association was found between the degree of intoxication and the diatom concentration in the organs, even after considering freshwater drowning cases only. The vast majority of the traditional autopsy signs of drowning were not significantly affected by the individual toxicological status either, with the exception of lung weight which tended to raise in case of intoxication, probably due to the pulmonary edema and congestion increase. Further research on larger autopsy samples is needed to confirm the results of this exploratory study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Poulain
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Olivier Mathieu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Gouetta
- SNPS- Laboratoire de Police Scientifique de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Éric Baccino
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Montpellier Criminal Law and Forensic Sciences research team (EDPFM, UR-UM212), Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre-Antoine Peyron
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Liu Y, Dong X, Li Z, Zhu S, Lin Z, He G, Gong W, Hu J, Hou Z, Meng R, Zhou C, Yu M, Huang B, Lin L, Xiao J, Zhong J, Jin D, Xu Y, Lv L, Huang C, Liu T, Ma W. The Combined Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Multiple Meteorological Factors on Unintentional Drowning Mortality: Large Case-Crossover Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e46792. [PMID: 37471118 PMCID: PMC10401198 DOI: 10.2196/46792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drowning is a serious public health problem worldwide. Previous epidemiological studies on the association between meteorological factors and drowning mainly focused on individual weather factors, and the combined effect of mixed exposure to multiple meteorological factors on drowning is unclear. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the combined effects of multiple meteorological factors on unintentional drowning mortality in China and to identify the important meteorological factors contributing to drowning mortality. METHODS Unintentional drowning death data (based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, codes W65-74) from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, were collected from the Disease Surveillance Points System for Guangdong, Hunan, Zhejiang, Yunnan, and Jilin Provinces, China. Daily meteorological data, including daily mean temperature, relative humidity, sunlight duration, and rainfall in the same period were obtained from the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Science Data Center. We constructed a time-stratified case-crossover design and applied a generalized additive model to examine the effect of individual weather factors on drowning mortality, and then used quantile g-computation to estimate the joint effect of the mixed exposure to meteorological factors. RESULTS A total of 46,179 drowning deaths were reported in the 5 provinces in China from 2013 to 2018. In an effect analysis of individual exposure, we observed a positive effect for sunlight duration, a negative effect for relative humidity, and U-shaped associations for temperature and rainfall with drowning mortality. In a joint effect analysis of the above 4 meteorological factors, a 2.99% (95% CI 0.26%-5.80%) increase in drowning mortality was observed per quartile rise in exposure mixture. For the total population, sunlight duration was the most important weather factor for drowning mortality, with a 93.1% positive contribution to the overall effects, while rainfall was mainly a negative factor for drowning deaths (90.5%) and temperature and relative humidity contributed 6.9% and -9.5% to the overall effects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study found that mixed exposure to temperature, relative humidity, sunlight duration, and rainfall was positively associated with drowning mortality and that sunlight duration, rather than temperature, may be the most important meteorological factor for drowning mortality. These findings imply that it is necessary to incorporate sunshine hours and temperature into early warning systems for drowning prevention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyin Liu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Dong
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixing Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, Affiliated Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sui Zhu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanhao He
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Gong
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianxiong Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhulin Hou
- Jilin Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changchun, China
| | - Ruilin Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunliang Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Min Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biao Huang
- Jilin Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changchun, China
| | - Lifeng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianpeng Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieming Zhong
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Donghui Jin
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Yiqing Xu
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Lingshuang Lv
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Disease Control and Prevention Institute of Jinan University, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Pellegrino F, Raffaldi I, Rossi R, De Vito B, Pagano M, Garelli D, Bondone C. Epidemiology, clinical aspects, and management of pediatric drowning. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:74. [PMID: 37316902 PMCID: PMC10268379 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01464-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Drowning is the third leading cause of injury death in the pediatric population worldwide, with incidence peaking among those aged 1-4 years and again in adolescence.The purpose of this commentary is to review the basic pathophysiology of drowninginjury and factors that affect the outcome, such as submersion and hypothermia. We also discuss principles of prehospital and in-hospital management, comprising resuscitation and stabilization, administration of oxygen and intravenous liquids, and central reheating.Even though the mortality rate has decreased in recent years, further investments and safety measures are needed to prevent child drowning deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pellegrino
- Department of Pediatric and Public Health Sciences, Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Irene Raffaldi
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital - A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital - A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara De Vito
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital - A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Pagano
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital - A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Garelli
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital - A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Bondone
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital - A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
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8
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Brayne AB, Jones W, Lee A, Chatfield-Ball C, Kaye D, Ball M, Sacher G, Morgan P. Critical care drowning admissions in Southwest England 2009-2020, a retrospective study. J Intensive Care Soc 2023; 24:47-52. [PMID: 36874289 PMCID: PMC9975799 DOI: 10.1177/17511437221105774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim In the United Kingdom (UK), 600 deaths per annum are attributable to drowning. Despite this there is scarce critical care data on drowning patients globally. We describe drowning cases admitted to critical care units with a focus on functional outcomes. Materials and Methods Medical records for critical care admissions following a drowning event were retrospectively reviewed across six hospitals in Southwest England for cases presenting in the period between 2009 and 2020. Data was collected according to the Utstein international consensus guidelines on drowning. Results Forty-nine patients were included, 36 males and 13 females, including seven children. Median submersion duration was 2.5 min 20 cases were in cardiac arrest when rescued. At discharge 22 patients had preserved functional status, 10 patients had a reduced functional status. 17 patients died in hospital. Conclusion Admission to critical care following drowning is uncommon and associated with high rates of mortality and poor functional outcomes. We find that 31% of those who survived a drowning event subsequently required an increased level of assistance with their activities of daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adrienne Lee
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | | | | | | | - Gorki Sacher
- Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, Barnstaple, UK
| | | | - Patrick Morgan
- North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK.,HM Coastguard, Southampton, UK.,Surf Lifesaving Great Britain, Exeter, UK.,Medical Commission International Life Saving Federation, Leuven, Belgium.,Extreme Environments Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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9
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Stahl-Herz J, Pasquale-Styles M. Autopsy-Diagnosed Injury Deaths in Persons With Acute or Chronic Alcohol Use: A Review of 1000 Deaths With History of Alcohol Use. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2022; 43:334-339. [PMID: 35551133 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Acute and chronic alcohol use is associated with injury, and autopsies may be performed to ascertain injury deaths in persons with acute or chronic alcohol use. This study sought to determine how many decedents with a history of acute or chronic alcohol use had an internal physical injury diagnosed only at autopsy that caused or contributed to the death. The study reviewed medicolegal investigation and autopsy reports at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner between January 1 and October 11, 2018, to identify 1000 consecutive persons with suspected acute or chronic alcohol use who were autopsied to ascertain whether internal physical injury caused or contributed to the death. Of 1000 persons with known or suspected acute or chronic alcohol use, 390 (39.0%) had an external injury. Although 115 (11.5%) had an internal injury at autopsy, only 29 (2.9%) had an injury that caused or contributed to the death. Only 1 decedent had an internal injury that caused the death with no associated external evidence of injury (0.1%). This study demonstrates the rarity of occult lethal injury diagnosed at autopsy in persons with acute or chronic alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Stahl-Herz
- From the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, City of New York, New York, NY
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah C Girasek
- From the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD (D.C.G.); and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (S.H.)
| | - Stephen Hargarten
- From the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD (D.C.G.); and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (S.H.)
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The Status of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Alcohol Dependence: A Meta-Analysis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11101919. [PMID: 36290642 PMCID: PMC9598131 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-induced oxidative stress (OS) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence (AD). This meta-analysis was aimed at investigating the changes in the levels of OS biomarkers in AD patients. We included relevant literature published before 1 April 2022, from the PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases following PRISMA guidelines. Finally, 15 eligible articles were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 860 patients and 849 controls. Compared with healthy controls, AD patients had lower activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes, and lower levels of albumin, while levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin B12, homocysteine, and bilirubin were significantly increased in serum/plasma samples of AD subjects (all p < 0.05). In male patients, the activities of SOD and GPx were increased in serum/plasma but decreased in erythrocytes (all p < 0.05). The opposite trends in the level of SOD and GPx activities in serum/plasma and erythrocytes of male patients could be used as the biomarker of alcohol-induced OS injury, and the synergistic changes of MDA, vitamin B12, albumin, bilirubin, and homocysteine levels should also be considered.
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12
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Strasiotto L, Ellis A, Daw S, Lawes JC. The role of alcohol and drug intoxication in fatal drowning and other deaths that occur on the Australian coast. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2022; 82:207-220. [PMID: 36031248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol and drug (illicit or prescription) intoxication impairs motor skills, coordination, decision making abilities, hazard perception, and is known to increase the risk of death in coastal environments. Prior coastal safety research has focused largely on the impact of alcohol on drowning, with less research on the influence of drugs and leaving a significant number of other non-drowning fatalities largely excluded, despite being preventable with mitigation of injuries or medical factors. METHOD This retrospective cross-sectional study explored the impact of alcohol and drugs on unintentional Australian drowning deaths and other coastal fatalities over a 16-year period to identify higher-risk populations and coastal activity groups for which alcohol/drug use is increased. RESULTS It was found that alcohol, benzodiazepines/sedatives, and amphetamine usage was prevalent in coastal deaths. Of the 2,884 coastal deaths, 80.6% of decedents had known toxicological data. Alcohol and/or drug intoxication contributed to 23% of coastal drowning deaths and 19% of fatalities. For drowning and other fatalities combined, 8.7% were due to alcohol, 8.7% due to drugs, and 4.1% due to both alcohol and drugs. Australian-born decedents were more likely to involve alcohol (RR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.26-2.3, p < 0.001), drugs (RR = 2.62, 95%CI = 1.85-3.7, p < 0.001), or both alcohol and drugs (RR = 4.43, 95%CI = 2.51-7.82, p < 0.001) with an increased risk identified in Indigenous Australian populations (RR = 2.17, 95%CI = 1.12-4.24, p = 0.04). The impact of alcohol and drug intoxication varied by activity, with Personal Watercraft users more likely to die due to alcohol intoxication (RR = 2.67, 95%CI = 1.23-5.78, p = 0.035), while scuba divers (RR = 0, p < 0.001), snorkelers (RR = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.036-0.57, p < 0.001), and rock fishers (RR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.22-0.96, p = 0.03) were less likely. Recreational jumping and fall-related coastal deaths were more likely to involve alcohol and alcohol/drugs combined. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This study identifies factors to further investigate or target with prevention strategies to decrease the holistic burden of mortality due to alcohol and/or drug usage on the Australian coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Strasiotto
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026, Australia
| | - Annabel Ellis
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026, Australia
| | - Shane Daw
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026, Australia
| | - Jasmin C Lawes
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026, Australia
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13
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Atilgan M, Deveci C, Demircin S, Akman R. Deadly stays: A 10‐year autopsy study of deaths in hotels in Antalya, Turkey. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:1116-1123. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Atilgan
- Department of Forensic Medicine Faculty of Medicine Akdeniz University Antalya Turkey
| | - Cemyigit Deveci
- Department of Forensic Medicine Faculty of Medicine Akdeniz University Antalya Turkey
| | - Sema Demircin
- Department of Forensic Medicine Faculty of Medicine Akdeniz University Antalya Turkey
| | - Refik Akman
- Council of Forensic Medicine Antalya Group Administration Antalya Turkey
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14
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Houghton F, O'Mahony C. Ireland's inadequate alcohol warning labelling legislation. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 191:2263-2265. [PMID: 34713418 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02831-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Houghton
- Social Sciences ConneXions Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick, Ireland.
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Chikritzhs T, Livingston M. Alcohol and the Risk of Injury. Nutrients 2021; 13:2777. [PMID: 34444939 PMCID: PMC8401155 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, almost four and a half million people died from injury in 2019. Alcohol's contribution to injury-related premature loss of life, disability and ill-health is pervasive, touching individuals, families and societies throughout the world. We conducted a review of research evidence for alcohol's causal role in injury by focusing on previously published systematic reviews, meta-analyses and where indicated, key studies. The review summarises evidence for pharmacological and physiological effects that support postulated causal pathways, highlights findings and knowledge gaps relevant to specific forms of injury (i.e., violence, suicide and self-harm, road injury, falls, burns, workplace injuries) and lays out options for evidence-based prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Chikritzhs
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6008, Australia;
| | - Michael Livingston
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6008, Australia;
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
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16
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Denny SA, Quan L, Gilchrist J, McCallin T, Shenoi R, Yusuf S, Weiss J, Hoffman B. Prevention of Drowning. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2021-052227. [PMID: 34253571 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-052227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in children. In 2018, almost 900 US children younger than 20 years died of drowning. A number of strategies are available to prevent these tragedies. As educators and advocates, pediatricians can play an important role in prevention of drowning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Denny
- Nationwide Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio;
| | - Linda Quan
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Tracy McCallin
- Children's Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Rohit Shenoi
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shabana Yusuf
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey Weiss
- Phoenix Children's Hospital Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona.,University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona; and
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Lawes JC, Ellis A, Daw S, Strasiotto L. Risky business: a 15-year analysis of fatal coastal drowning of young male adults in Australia. Inj Prev 2020; 27:442-449. [PMID: 33239312 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2020-043969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death, especially for males. In Australian coastal waters, young male adults account for 25% of the burden of male drowning. This study aims to describe young male coastal drowning deaths and to examine the prevalence of risk factors, especially alcohol and drugs. METHODS Characteristics of unintentional fatal drowning involving males (15-34 years) were compared with other adults (15 years and older). Data were sourced from the National Coronial Information System (Australia) and Surf Life Saving incident reports (2004/2005-2018/2019). Relative risk was calculated and χ2 tests of independence were performed (p<0.05). Blood alcohol and drug concentrations were analysed with permutational analyses of variance. RESULTS Young males drowned more while jumping (9.85 times), swimming/wading (1.41 times), at rock/cliff locations (1.42 times) and on public holidays (1.8 times). Young males drowned less while boating (0.81 times), scuba diving (2.08 times), offshore (1.56 times) or due to medical factors (3.7 times). Young males drowned more (1.68 times) after consuming illicit drugs (amphetamines 2.26 times; cannabis 2.25 times) and less with prescription drugs (benzodiazepines 2.6 times; opiates 4.1 times; antidepressants 7.7 times). Blood serum concentrations of cannabis were higher in young males, while amphetamine and alcohol were lower. DISCUSSION Unsafe behaviours alongside certain activities or locations create deadly combinations of risk factors. A relationship between age, activity, attitude and affluence is proposed, where young males drown more in affordable activities with fewer regulations. Our results support multilevel strategies (spanning life stages) to reduce young male coastal drowning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin C Lawes
- Coastal Safety, Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annabel Ellis
- Coastal Safety, Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shane Daw
- Coastal Safety, Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke Strasiotto
- Coastal Safety, Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Calverley HLM, Petrass LA, Blitvich JD. Alcohol consumption in aquatic settings: a mixed-method study exploring young adults’ attitudes and knowledge. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2020.1832962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren. A. Petrass
- School of Education, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Jennifer. D. Blitvich
- School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia
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Koon W, Schmidt A, Queiroga AC, Sempsrott J, Szpilman D, Webber J, Brander R. Need for consistent beach lifeguard data collection: results from an international survey. Inj Prev 2020; 27:308-315. [PMID: 32737057 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2020-043793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifeguards are integral to beach safety and collect data which is used for a variety of purposes, although guidelines and best practice have yet to be established. This study served to identify and characterise existing beach lifeguard service provider (BLSP) data collection procedures in order to identify the degree of uniformity and areas for improvement. METHODS The 'International Beach Lifeguard Data Collection and Reporting' online survey was distributed via the International Drowning Researchers' Alliance to BLSP supervisors and managers. The survey included questions on beach conditions and lifeguard activity data collection practices, and respondent's opinions on their own BLSP's methods. RESULTS Variability in data collection practices was evident in surveys obtained from 55 lifeguard leaders in 12 countries. Discrepancies exist in definitions for 'rescue' among BLSPs, a significant amount of information related to beach conditions are recorded and beach visitation is primarily obtained by visual estimate. Respondents expressed challenges with getting frontline staff to collect information in the field and ensuring reporting consistency between recorders. They identified rescue victim demographic factors as key data they would like to collect in the future. CONCLUSIONS Inconsistencies in lifeguard data collection present challenges to operations, safety education and prevention efforts, research and policy relying on these data. Variation in definitions, methods and collected variables generally restricts analysis to a single BLSP with limited generalisability to other beach settings. Some gaps in lifeguard data collection may soon be addressed by technology, but developing uniform, internationally acceptable standards and definitions should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Koon
- School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia .,International Drowning Researchers' Alliance, Kuna, Idaho, USA
| | - Andrew Schmidt
- International Drowning Researchers' Alliance, Kuna, Idaho, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Lifeguards Without Borders, Kuna, Idaho, USA
| | - Ana Catarina Queiroga
- International Drowning Researchers' Alliance, Kuna, Idaho, USA.,EPIUnit, Universidade do Porto Instituto de Saúde Pública, Porto, Portugal
| | - Justin Sempsrott
- International Drowning Researchers' Alliance, Kuna, Idaho, USA.,Lifeguards Without Borders, Kuna, Idaho, USA
| | - David Szpilman
- International Drowning Researchers' Alliance, Kuna, Idaho, USA.,Brazilian Lifesaving Society-SOBRASA, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jonathon Webber
- International Drowning Researchers' Alliance, Kuna, Idaho, USA.,Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Robert Brander
- School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,International Drowning Researchers' Alliance, Kuna, Idaho, USA
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20
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Schmidt AC, Sempsrott JR, Hawkins SC, Arastu AS, Cushing TA, Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment and Prevention of Drowning: 2019 Update. Wilderness Environ Med 2019; 30:S70-S86. [PMID: 31668915 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The Wilderness Medical Society convened a panel to review available evidence supporting practices for acute management and treatment of drowning in out-of-hospital and emergency medical care settings. Literature about definitions and terminology, epidemiology, rescue, resuscitation, acute clinical management, disposition, and drowning prevention was reviewed. The panel graded available evidence supporting practices according to the American College of Chest Physicians criteria and then made recommendations based on that evidence. Recommendations were based on the panel's collective clinical experience and judgment when published evidence was lacking. This is the first update to the original practice guidelines published in 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Schmidt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL.
| | - Justin R Sempsrott
- Department of Emergency Medicine, TeamHealth, West Valley Medical Center, Caldwell, Idaho
| | - Seth C Hawkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC
| | - Ali S Arastu
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Tracy A Cushing
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO
| | - Paul S Auerbach
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
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21
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Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Measures for Preventing Drowning in Africa: A Systematic Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55100637. [PMID: 31557943 PMCID: PMC6843779 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55100637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury related mortality worldwide, and accounts for roughly 320,000 deaths yearly. Over 90% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries with inadequate prevention measures. The highest rates of drowning are observed in Africa. The aim of this review is to describe the epidemiology of drowning and identify the risk factors and strategies for prevention of drowning in Africa. Materials and Methods: A review of multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Emcare) was conducted from inception of the databases to the 1st of April 2019 to identify studies investigating drowning in Africa. The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) was utilised. Results: Forty-two articles from 15 countries were included. Twelve articles explored drowning, while in 30 articles, drowning was reported as part of a wider study. The data sources were coronial, central registry, hospital record, sea rescue and self-generated data. Measures used to describe drowning were proportions and rates. There was a huge variation in the proportion and incidence rate of drowning reported by the studies included in the review. The potential risk factors for drowning included young age, male gender, ethnicity, alcohol, access to bodies of water, age and carrying capacity of the boat, weather and summer season. No study evaluated prevention strategies, however, strategies proposed were education, increased supervision and community awareness. Conclusions: There is a need to address the high rate of drowning in Africa. Good epidemiological studies across all African countries are needed to describe the patterns of drowning and understand risk factors. Further research is needed to investigate the risk factors and to evaluate prevention strategies.
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Vincenzi FF. Sudden Unexpected Death and the Mammalian Dive Response: Catastrophic Failure of a Complex Tightly Coupled System. Front Physiol 2019; 10:97. [PMID: 30886584 PMCID: PMC6389676 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In tightly coupled complex systems, when two or more factors or events interact in unanticipated ways, catastrophic failures of high-risk technical systems happen rarely, but quickly. Safety features are commonly built into complex systems to avoid disasters but are often part of the problem. The human body may be considered as a complex tightly coupled system at risk of rare catastrophic failure (sudden unexpected death, SUD) when certain factors or events interact. The mammalian dive response (MDR) is a built-in safety feature of the body that normally conserves oxygen during acute hypoxia. Activation of the MDR is the final pathway to sudden cardiac (SCD) in some cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and sudden cardiac death in water (SCDIW, fatal drowning). There is no single cause in any of these death scenarios, but an array of, unanticipated, often unknown, factors or events that activate or interact with the mammalian dive reflex. In any particular case, the relevant risk factors or events might include a combination of genetic, developmental, metabolic, disease, environmental, or operational influences. Determination of a single cause in any of these death scenarios is unlikely. The common thread among these seemingly different death scenarios is activation of the mammalian dive response. The human body is a complex tightly coupled system at risk of rare catastrophic failure when that "safety feature" is activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank F. Vincenzi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Pharmacological Information and Consultation Service, Arlington, WA, United States
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23
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Abstract
Unintentional fatal drowning among older people is an issue as lifespans lengthen and older people embrace active retirement. While pre-existing medical conditions are a known risk factor for drowning among this age group, less is known about the role of alcohol and drugs. This 15-year (1 July 2002 to 30 June 2017) Australian study used coronial data to investigate the impact on older people (aged 65 years and older) of the obtundent effects of prescribed drugs which had been ingested by those with a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Of the closed coronial cases with toxicological information (N = 471), one quarter (24.6%; N = 116) had consumed alcohol prior to drowning (one in seven BAC ≥ 0.05%), of which a third also had obtundent drugs present (33.6%; N = 39). Rivers/creeks/streams and swimming pools were the locations with the highest number of drowning deaths. Bathtubs (36.8%) and rivers/creeks/streams (17.9%) recorded the highest proportion of cases with victims having a BAC ≥ 0.05%. Bathtubs (13.2%), lakes (7.0%), and rivers/creeks/streams (6.8%) recorded the highest proportion of drowning cases with obtundent drug involvement. Obtundent drug involvement was significantly more likely for activities where the person who drowned was alone (i.e., unknown activity) (X2 = 6.8; p = 0.009). Common obtundent drugs included Diazepam, Tempazepam, and Codeine. Advocacy to prevent drowning in older people is a complex challenge, due to the myriad of locations where drowning occurs, the consumption of alcohol, and polypharmacy required for treating illness and maintaining good health.
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Peden AE, Franklin RC, Leggat PA. Breathalysing and surveying river users in Australia to understand alcohol consumption and attitudes toward drowning risk. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1393. [PMID: 30567588 PMCID: PMC6300037 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6256-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about people's river usage, a leading drowning location. This study examines alcohol consumption patterns of river users and their attitudes to drowning risk. METHODS A convenience sample of adult (18+ years) river users were surveyed at four river locations. The survey covered eight domains: demographics; river attendance frequency; frequency of engaging in water activities; drinking patterns; alcohol and water safety knowledge; alcohol and water safety attitudes; alcohol consumption; and Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). For BAC, participants were asked to record time since their last alcoholic drink and were then breathalysed to record an estimate of their BAC. BAC was examined by BAC reading (negative, positive, ≥0.050%). Hazardous lifetime drinking levels were calculated and their impact on drowning risk evaluated. Univariate and chi square analysis (95% confidence interval) was conducted. RESULTS Six hundred eighty four people participated (51.6% female; 49.0% aged 18-34 years). Sixteen percent (15.9%) had a positive BAC (Mean + BAC = 0.068%; SD ± 0.08; Range = 0.001-0.334%), with 7.2% ≥0.050% (Mean BAC ≥0.050% =0.132%; SD ± 0.06). Those significantly more likely to record a BAC ≥0.050% at the river were: aged 18-34 years, resided in inner regional and low socio-economic areas, visited the river in the afternoon, with friends, on days with higher maximum air temperatures, frequent river users (11+ times in the last 30 days) and those who spend longer in the water (301+ minutes). River users who recorded a BAC ≥0.050% were more likely to self-report engaging in risky activities (i.e. diving into water of unknown depth and jumping into the river from height). River users on Australia day (a national public holiday) were significantly more likely to drink heavily (Mean BAC ≥0.05% = 0.175%; SD ± 0.09). CONCLUSIONS Despite males accounting for 85% of alcohol-related river drowning deaths, similar numbers of males and females were consuming alcohol at the river. This study has addressed a gap in knowledge by identifying river usage and alcohol consumption patterns among those at increased drowning risk. Implications for prevention include delivering alcohol-related river drowning prevention strategies to both males and females; at peak times including during hot weather, afternoons, public holidays and to river users who swim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Peden
- Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, PO Box 558, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Richard C. Franklin
- Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, PO Box 558, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Peter A. Leggat
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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26
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A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Cohort Study Examining the Risk of Unintentional Fatal Drowning during Public Holidays in Australia. SAFETY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/safety4040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Australia’s celebration of its public holidays often involves aquatic recreation, frequently mixed with consumption of alcohol, both of which are risk factors for drowning. This study examines how the demographics and circumstances of public holiday drownings compare to the average day drownings. A total population survey (1 July 2002 to 30 June 2017) of unintentional fatal drownings in Australia were extracted from the Royal Life Saving National Fatal Drowning Database. Date of drowning and state/territory of residence were used to determine if the drowning occurred on a public holiday in the person’s place of residence. 4175 persons drowned during the study period. There was a statistically significant difference between the incidence of fatal drowning on public holidays and the other days, with fatal drowning 1.73 times more likely to occur on public holidays (CI: 1.57–1.89). The increased risk of drowning on public holidays should inform the timing and the content of drowning prevention campaigns and strategies.
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27
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Peden AE, Franklin RC, Leggat PA. Exploring visitation at rivers to understand drowning risk. Inj Prev 2018; 25:392-399. [PMID: 29875291 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2018-042819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, rivers are a common drowning location. In Australia, rivers are the leading location for fatal drowning. Limited information exists on exposure and impact on river drowning risk. METHODS Australian unintentional fatal river drowning data (sourced from coronial records) and nationally representative survey data on river visitation were used to estimate river drowning risk based on exposure for adults (18 years and older). Differences in river drowning rates per 100 000 (population and exposed population) were examined by sex, age group, activity prior to drowning, alcohol presence and watercraft usage. RESULTS Between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016, 151 people drowned in Australian rivers; 86% male and 40% aged 18-34 years. Of survey respondents, 73% had visited a river within the last 12 months. After adjusting for exposure: males were 7.6 times more likely to drown at rivers; female drowning rate increased by 50% (0.06-0.09 per 100 000); males aged 75+ years and females aged 55-74 years were at highest risk of river drowning; and swimming and recreating pose a high risk to both males and females. After adjusting for exposure, males were more likely to drown with alcohol present (RR=8.5; 95% CI 2.6 to 27.4) and in a watercraft-related incident (RR=25.5; 95% CI 3.5 to 186.9). CONCLUSIONS Calculating exposure for river drowning is challenging due to diverse usage, time spent and number of visits. While males were more likely to drown, the differences between males and females narrow after adjusting for exposure. This is an important factor to consider when designing and implementing drowning prevention strategies to effectively target those at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Peden
- Royal Life Saving Society-Australia, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard C Franklin
- Royal Life Saving Society-Australia, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter A Leggat
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Hamilton K, Keech JJ, Peden AE, Hagger MS. Alcohol use, aquatic injury, and unintentional drowning: A systematic literature review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018; 37:752-773. [PMID: 29862582 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
ISSUES Drowning is a global public health issue, and there is a strong association between alcohol and risk of drowning. No previous systematic review known to date has identified factors associated with alcohol use and engagement in aquatic activities resulting in injury or drowning (fatal and non-fatal). APPROACH Literature published from inception until 31 January 2017 was reviewed. Included articles were divided into three categories: (i) prevalence and/or risk factors for alcohol-related fatal and non-fatal drowning and aquatic injury, (ii) understanding alcohol use and aquatic activities, and (iii) prevention strategies. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Level of Evidence and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scales. KEY FINDINGS In total, 74 studies were included (57 on prevalence and/or risk factors, 15 on understanding alcohol use, and two on prevention strategies). Prevalence rates for alcohol involvement in fatal and non-fatal drowning varied greatly. Males, boating, not wearing lifejackets, and swimming alone (at night, and at locations without lifeguards) were risk factors for alcohol-related drowning. No specific age groups were consistently identified as being at risk. Study quality was consistently low, and risk of bias was consistently high across studies. Only two studies evaluated prevention strategies. IMPLICATIONS There is a need for higher quality studies and behavioural basic and applied research to better understand and change this risky behaviour. CONCLUSION On average, 49.46% and 34.87% of fatal and non-fatal drownings, respectively, involved alcohol, with large variations among studies observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Hamilton
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Psychology and Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine Research Group, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Jacob J Keech
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy E Peden
- Royal Life Saving Society-Australia, Sydney, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Martin S Hagger
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Psychology and Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine Research Group, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.,Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Smidt DB, Dorn T, Reijnders UJL. A record linkage study on former police detainees who died in Amsterdam between 2013 and 2015. J Forensic Leg Med 2018; 57:28-32. [PMID: 29801948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Police detainees are known to have inferior health. This study identifies the number of former police detainees who received medical care among deaths examined by forensic physicians and presents their death characteristics. METHODS We included all deaths that were examined by forensic physicians of the Public Health Service Amsterdam from 2013 to 2015. Patient files of subjects were scanned for the presence of a prior medical consultation in the police cell and death characteristics were collected from post-mortem examination reports. We performed statistical analyses to discover what characteristics at post-mortem examination were associated with a prior consultation in the police cell. RESULTS We identified n = 2618 subjects that met the inclusion criteria. Eight percent of subjects had one or more medical consultation(s) in the police cell in a mean follow up time of 4.8 (±3.0) years. No difference was found in the share of unnatural deaths between subjects with and without a prior consultation (68%), but distribution of death causes differed significantly. Male gender OR 2.3 (p < 0.001), age OR 0.98 (p < 0.001), unspecified unnatural dead OR 1.8 (p = 0.002), crime related dead OR 2.2 (p = 0.012) and accidental drowning and submerging death OR 4.6 (p < 0.001) were independently associated with the presence of an earlier consultation in the police cell. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that a small percentage of police detainees seen by forensic physicians for provision of medical care are also examined after death by these physicians, typically young males who seem to display risk-taking and criminal behavior resulting in unnatural dead.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tina Dorn
- Amsterdam Public Health Service, Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Udo J L Reijnders
- Amsterdam Public Health Service, Department of Forensic Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Enkel S, Nimmo L, Jancey J, Leavy J. Alcohol and injury risk at a Western Australian school Leavers Festival. Health Promot J Austr 2018; 29:117-122. [DOI: 10.1002/hpja.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Enkel
- Health Promotion and Research; The Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia; Mount Claremont WA Australia
| | - Lauren Nimmo
- Health Promotion and Research; The Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia; Mount Claremont WA Australia
| | - Jonine Jancey
- Collaboration for Evidence; Research and Impact in Public Health; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Justine Leavy
- Collaboration for Evidence; Research and Impact in Public Health; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
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Murdoch J, Kelly LK. Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Deaths in Colorado: Increasing Preventative Measures by Understanding Risk Factors. Acad Forensic Pathol 2018; 8:44-49. [PMID: 31240024 PMCID: PMC6474452 DOI: 10.23907/2018.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular, adventurous excursions that are provided along various rivers throughout the United States. We expect that certain individuals' comorbid medical conditions may increase the risk of mortality by preventing them from being physically able to avoid inadvertently entering the water and subsequently rescue themselves. METHODS Retrospective data were collected from 11 El Paso County, Colorado coroner cases from 2014-2017 in which the individual was whitewater rafting or kayaking and drowning was determined to be the primary cause of death. RESULTS Health characteristics and autopsy findings of several of these individuals revealed that a significant number of these individuals were overweight or obese (90.9%), with 70% of these individuals also demonstrating cardiomegaly on examination. Of the cases studied, 81.8% of individuals had little to no experience with whitewater rafting or kayaking and 45% were under the influence of marijuana or alcohol based on toxicology studies. DISCUSSION While a major selling point for whitewater excursions are the perceived risks they offer, our review suggests that certain individuals demonstrate increased health risks, have little to no experience with whitewater rafting or kayaking, or practice unsafe behaviors that may increase chance of injury and death. Efforts have been made to reduce risks associated with whitewater rafting and kayaking; however, further risk can be mitigated by excluding those who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, implementing more stringent health requirements, and setting an upper limit of difficulty of rapids based on an individual's previous experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarod Murdoch
- Penrose Saint Francis Health Services - Pathology
Department
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McDonald EM, Mack K, Shields WC, Lee RP, Gielen AC. Primary Care Opportunities to Prevent Unintentional Home Injuries: A Focus on Children and Older Adults. Am J Lifestyle Med 2018; 12:96-106. [PMID: 27141210 PMCID: PMC4850836 DOI: 10.1177/1559827616629924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Unintentional injuries are a persistent public health problem in the United States. A new health care landscape has the potential to create a clinical environment that fosters greater involvement by health care providers in injury prevention. The aim of this article is to provide evidence supporting the need for engagement by primary care providers in unintentional home injury prevention along with examples of how this could be accomplished. We know a great deal about what population groups are at risk for certain types of injuries. We also know that many injuries can be prevented through policies, programs, and resources that ensure safe environments and promote safe behaviors. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative comprises clinical decision support tools and educational materials for health care providers. Two effective interventions that have demonstrated a reduction in falls among children are the redesign of baby walkers (engineering) and the mandated use of window guards (enforcement). Primary care clinicians can play a key role in promoting their patient's safety. Taken collectively, a focused attention on preventing unintentional home injuries by primary care providers can contribute to the reduction of injuries and result in optimal health for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M. McDonald
- Eileen M. McDonald, MS, Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Room 731, Baltimore, MD 21205; e-mail:
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Armstrong EJ, Erskine KL. Investigation of Drowning Deaths: A Practical Review. Acad Forensic Pathol 2018; 8:8-43. [PMID: 31240023 PMCID: PMC6474464 DOI: 10.23907/2018.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Drowning, which typically involves a watery environment, remains a serious public health concern claiming an estimated 362 000 lives per year worldwide across all socioeconomic classifications and has remained under close observation by the World Health Organization and its signatories. A significant number of water-related deaths are attributed to accidental drowning, while a smaller but still significant number represent suicidal or homicidal drowning. Others involve a combination of drowning precipitated by injury, intoxication, or environmental extremes. Still others involve victims that die from injury, intoxication, or a natural disease entity of such significance as to preclude the drowning process, while near or in water. While there may be an initial presumption that all water-related deaths are accidental drownings, other possibilities must be considered in the investigation of these types of deaths, as drowning as a cause of death is a diagnosis based on the exclusion of other potential causes. The coordinated investigative efforts of multiple agencies and disciplines are required not only for the designation as drowning as the cause of death but also for death certification. The ongoing analysis and dissemination of data generated from all levels of investigation augment our understanding of the impact on public health and safety, guiding allocation of monetary and educational resources in an effort to prevent further mortality and disability.
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Pajunen T, Vuori E, Vincenzi FF, Lillsunde P, Smith G, Lunetta P. Unintentional drowning: Role of medicinal drugs and alcohol. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:388. [PMID: 28521790 PMCID: PMC5437510 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is a well-known risk factor in unintentional drownings. Whereas psychotropic drugs, like alcohol, may cause psychomotor impairment and affect cognition, no detailed studies have focused on their association with drowning. Finland provides extensive post-mortem toxicological data for studies on drowning because of its high medico-legal autopsy rates. METHODS Drowning cases, 2000 through 2009, for which post-mortem toxicological analysis was performed, came from the database of the Toxicological Laboratory, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, using the ICD-10 nature-of-injury code T75.1. The data were narrowed to unintentional drowning, using the ICD-10 external-injury codes V90, V92, and W65-74. Each drowning case had its blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and concentrations of other drugs recorded. Evaluation of the contribution of psychotropic drugs to drowning was based on their blood concentration by means of a 6-grade scale. RESULTS Among victims ≥15 years old, unintentional drownings numbered 1697, of which, 303 (17.9%) were boating-related and 1394 (82.1%) non-boating-related. Among these, 65.0% of boating-related and 61.8% of non-boating-related victims were alcohol-positive (=BAC ≥ 50 mg/dL). The male-to-female ratio in alcohol-positive drownings was 7.3. At least one psychotropic drug appeared in 453 (26.7%) drowning cases, with some victims' bodies showing up to 7 different drugs. Overall 70 different psychotropic drugs were detectable, with 134 (7.9%) cases both alcohol-negative and psychotropic-drug-positive, of these, 59 (3.5%) were graded 4 to 6, indicating a possible to very probable contribution to drowning. Our findings suggest that psychotropic drugs may play a significant role in drowning, in up to 14.5% of cases, independently or in association with alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Psychotropic drugs alone or in association with alcohol may be an overlooked risk factor in drowning, due to their effects on psychomotor function and cognition. Future studies should also address other mechanisms-for instance drug-induced long-QT syndrome-by which drugs may contribute to drowning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuulia Pajunen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Erkki Vuori
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frank F Vincenzi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pirjo Lillsunde
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gordon Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland, Maryland, USA
| | - Philippe Lunetta
- Department of Biomedicine, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Peden AE, Franklin RC, Leggat PA. Alcohol and its contributory role in fatal drowning in Australian rivers, 2002-2012. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2017; 98:259-265. [PMID: 27771578 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Examine the prevalence of alcohol and its contributory role in unintentional fatal river drowning in Australia to inform strategies for prevention. METHODS Cases of unintentional fatal river drowning in Australia, 1-July-2002 to 30-June-2012, were extracted from the National Coronial Information System. Cases with positive alcohol readings found through autopsy or toxicology reports were retained for analysis. Discrete analysis was conducted on cases with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of ≥0.05% (0.05grams of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood). RESULTS Alcohol was known to be involved in 314 cases (40.8%), 279 recorded a positive BAC, 196 (70.3%) recorded a BAC of ≥0.05%. 40.3% of adult victims had a BAC of ≥0.20%. Known alcohol involvement was found to be more likely for victims who drowned as a result of jumping in (χ2=7.8; p<0.01), identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (χ2=8.9; p<0.01) and drowned in the evening (χ2=7.8; p<0.01) and early morning (χ2=16.1; p<0.01) hours. DISCUSSION The number of people who drown with alcohol in their bloodstream is concerning and challenging for prevention. To assist with the prevention of alcohol related river drowning improved data quality, as well as a greater understanding of alcohol's contribution and consumption patterns at rivers (especially those <18 years of age) is required. CONCLUSION Alcohol contributes to fatal unintentional drowning in Australian rivers. Although prevention is challenging, better data and exposure studies are the next step to enhance prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Peden
- Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, PO Box 558, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia; College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Richard C Franklin
- Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, PO Box 558, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia; College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Peter A Leggat
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia; Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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Peden AE, Franklin RC, Leggat PA. The Hidden Tragedy of Rivers: A Decade of Unintentional Fatal Drowning in Australia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160709. [PMID: 27517313 PMCID: PMC4982636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) Describe unintentional drowning deaths in rivers, creeks and streams (rivers) in Australia and identify risk factors to inform prevention. DESIGN & SETTING This study is a cross-sectional, total population audit of all unintentional fatal drownings in Australian rivers between 1-July-2002 and 30-June-2012 using Australian coronial data. A modified Bonferroni test has been applied, deeming statistical significance p<0.03 and p<0.04 respectively. RESULTS Rivers (n = 770; 26.6%) were the leading location among the 2,892 people who died from unintentional fatal drowning. This is a rate of 0.37/100,000 people / annum. Within river drowning deaths common groups include; males (80.4%), adults (85.3%), adults who have consumed alcohol (25.5%), people who fell in (21.3%), people involved in non-aquatic transport incidents (18.2%) and locals (74.0%). Children were 1.75 times more likely than adults (p<0.04) to drown in rivers as a result of a fall and adults 1.50 times more likely to drown in rivers as a result of watercraft incidents when compared to children. When compared to males, females were 2.27 and 4.45 times respectively more likely to drown in rivers as a result of incidents involving non-aquatic transport (p<0.04) and being swept away by floodwaters (p<0.04). Males were 2.66 and 4.27 times respectively more likely to drown in rivers as a result of watercraft incidents (p<0.04) and as a result of jumping in (p<0.04) when compared to females. CONCLUSION(S) While rivers are the leading location for drowning in Australia, little is understood about the risks. This study has identified key groups (males, adults, locals) and activities. While males were more likely to drown, the risk profile for females differed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Peden
- Royal Life Saving Society–Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard C. Franklin
- Royal Life Saving Society–Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter A. Leggat
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Schmidt AC, Sempsrott JR, Hawkins SC, Arastu AS, Cushing TA, Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Drowning. Wilderness Environ Med 2016; 27:236-51. [PMID: 27061040 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The Wilderness Medical Society convened a panel to review available evidence supporting practices for the prevention and acute management of drowning in out-of-hospital and emergency medical care settings. Literature about definition and terminology, epidemiology, rescue, resuscitation, acute clinical management, disposition, and drowning prevention was reviewed. The panel graded evidence supporting practices according to the American College of Chest Physicians criteria, then made recommendations based on that evidence. Recommendations were based on the panel's collective clinical experience and judgment when published evidence was lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Schmidt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL (Dr Schmidt).
| | - Justin R Sempsrott
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC (Dr Sempsrott)
| | - Seth C Hawkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC (Dr Hawkins)
| | - Ali S Arastu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Arastu)
| | - Tracy A Cushing
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO (Dr Cushing)
| | - Paul S Auerbach
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA (Dr Auerbach)
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Drowning in Pretoria, South Africa: A 10-year review. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 37:66-70. [PMID: 26599373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Drowning is classified as the 3rd leading cause of accidental deaths worldwide and is deemed to be a preventable cause of death. Bodies retrieved from a water medium pose several challenges to the forensic pathologist with the diagnosis of drowning being primarily one of exclusion. The aim of this study was to do a retrospective descriptive case audit of bodies retrieved from water and immersion related deaths, which were investigated at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory (PMLL) over a 10 year period (January 2002 through December 2011). A total of 346 cases were identified for inclusion into this study. In 6% (20) of these cases, the death was not related to drowning; in 14% (48) no clear cause of death could be ascertained and in 278 cases (80%) the cause of death was considered to have been due to drowning. Infants (under 1 year, of age) constituted 41 (15%) of the cases; toddlers (aged 1-2 years) comprised 52 (19%) cases; children (aged 2-13 years) 49 (18%) cases; adolescents (aged 13-18 years) comprised 10 (3%) cases; adults (above 18, years) made up 126 (45%) of the cases. The majority of the drownings, occurred in swimming pools [125 cases (38%)]. In infants 23 (56%) of, drownings occurred in swimming pools followed by buckets [7 cases (17%)]. Sixty-nine per cent of toddler drownings (36 cases) occurred in swimming, pools. In the adult population, 40 (32%) of cases occurred in pools and 35 cases (28%) in rivers. Positive blood alcohol results were recorded in 48, (42%) out of 113 cases where the test was requested, 40 (35%) of these, cases higher than 0.05 g per 100 ml. This study suggests that many drowning deaths in Pretoria may be preventable by introducing greater public awareness of the risks and instituting relatively simple, protective measures.
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Croft JL, Button C. Interacting Factors Associated with Adult Male Drowning in New Zealand. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130545. [PMID: 26083689 PMCID: PMC4471112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives i) to identify factors that contribute to the global trend of the higher incidence of male drowning relative to females, and; ii) to explore relationships between such factors from mortality data in New Zealand. Methods Drownings from 1983 to 2012 were examined for: Age, Ethnicity, Site, Activity, Buoyancy and Alcohol. Conditional frequency tables presented as mosaic plots were used to assess the interactions of these factors. Results Alcohol was involved in a high proportion of Accidental Immersion drownings (61%) and was highest for males aged 20-24 years. When alcohol was involved there were proportionally more incidences where a life jacket was Available But Not Worn and less incidences where a life jacket was Worn. Many 30-39 year old males drowned during underwater activities (e.g., snorkeling, diving). Older men (aged +55 years old) had a high incidence of drowning while boating. Different ethnicities were over-represented in different age groups (Asian men aged 25-29, and European men aged 65-74) and when involved in different activities. Conclusions Numerous interacting factors are responsible for male drownings. In New Zealand, drowning locations and activities differ by age and ethnicity which require targeted intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L. Croft
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Chris Button
- School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Rácz E, Könczöl F, Mészáros H, Kozma Z, Mayer M, Porpáczy Z, Poór VS, Sipos K. Drowning-related fatalities during a 5-year period (2008–2012) in South-West Hungary – A retrospective study. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 31:7-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Hamilton LE, Pinckard JK. How Alcohol Kills: Alcohol-Attributable and Alcohol-Associated Deaths in a Medical Examiner Population. Acad Forensic Pathol 2014. [DOI: 10.23907/2014.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Forensic pathologists frequently encounter the myriad effects of acute and chronic ethanolism and the many ways that alcohol contributes to sudden natural and unnatural deaths. Alcohol may act as risk factor for sudden death or directly participate as a cause of sudden death through its acute and chronic toxic effects. This retrospective descriptive study examines the causes and manner of deaths potentially attributable to alcohol and the results of postmortem toxicology testing for ethanol in unnatural deaths and alcohol-attributable natural deaths over a five-year period in a large medical examiner's office. Ethanol was detected in all types of unnatural deaths as well as alcohol-attributable natural deaths due to the complications of chronic ethanol abuse with a wide range of overlapping concentrations. Of the unnatural deaths involving individuals with a detectable ethanol concentration, 61% were accidents, 25% suicides, and 14% were homicides; ethanol was detected in 40.2% of accidents, 42.0% of suicides, and 53.1% of homicides. Ethanol was also detected in 41% of deaths due to chronic alcoholism. For the unnatural deaths involving intoxicated individuals and deaths due to chronic alcoholism, the deaths were certified as a wide variety of causes. In general, the results are similar to those in the existing literature. Forensic pathologists need to be well-versed in interpreting postmortem ethanol concentrations and determining the role of acute and/or chronic ethanolism in sudden deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie E. Hamilton
- University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator - Department of Pathology, Albuquerque, NM
| | - J. Keith Pinckard
- University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator - Department of Pathology, Albuquerque, NM
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Knowledge of Alcohol Impairment in Boaters in Southern Illinois. J Emerg Med 2014; 46:567-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Quistberg DA, Quan L, Ebel BE, Bennett EE, Mueller BA. Barriers to life jacket use among adult recreational boaters. Inj Prev 2014; 20:244-50. [PMID: 24686261 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2013-040973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify barriers to life jacket use. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Nine public boat ramps in western Washington State, USA, August-November, 2008. PARTICIPANTS 675 adult boaters (>18 years) on motor boats <26 feet long. MAIN OUTCOME Low or no life jacket use (0-50% of time) versus high life jacket use (51-100% of time). RESULTS Low/no life jacket use (0-50% of time) was associated with longer boat length (per foot, risk ratio [RR] 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05), alcohol use (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.20), perception of life jackets as 'uncomfortable' (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.52), perceived greater level of swimming ability (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.53 for 'expert swimmer') and possibly with lack of confidence that a life jacket may save one from drowning (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.32). Low life jacket use was less likely when an inflatable life jacket was the primary life jacket used by a subject (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.94), a child was onboard (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.99) or if the respondent had taken a boating safety class (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.01). CONCLUSIONS Life jacket use may increase with more comfortable devices, such as inflatable life jackets, and with increased awareness of their efficacy in preventing drowning. Boater education classes may be associated with increased life jacket use among adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Alex Quistberg
- Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Linda Quan
- Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Beth E Ebel
- Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Beth A Mueller
- Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Quan L, Mack CD, Schiff MA. Association of water temperature and submersion duration and drowning outcome. Resuscitation 2014; 85:790-4. [PMID: 24607870 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2014.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Evaluate the roles of water temperature and submersion duration in the outcome of drowning victims. METHODS Subjects were those who drowned in open water (lakes, rivers, and ocean) in three counties in Washington State between 1975 and 1996. We performed a case control study to assess the association between age, reported submersion duration, and estimated water temperature and drowning outcomes. Cases were victims with good outcomes (survival with normal or mild/moderate neurologic sequelae). Controls were victims with bad outcomes (death or severe neurologic sequelae or persistent vegetative state). We used Poisson regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Of the total 1094 open water drowning victims, most were male (85%),white (84%), and with a mean age of 27 years. Most drownings occurred in lakes (51%) and in cold (≥6-16 °C (44%)) or very cold waters (<6 °C (34%)). Most (78%) had bad outcomes (74% died; 4% survived with severe neurologic sequelae. Of those with good outcomes, 88.2% were submerged <6 min, 7.4% 6-10 min and 4.3% for 11-60 min. Victims with good outcomes were 61% (95% CI 0.23-0.65) less likely to be submerged for 6 to 10 min and 98% (95% CI 0.01-0.04) less likely to be submerged for 11 or more minutes. Water temperature was not associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS A protective effect of cold water for drowning victims was not found; estimated submersion duration was the most powerful predictor of outcome. Recommendations for initiation of rescue and resuscitation efforts should be revised to reflect the very low likelihood of good outcome following submersion greater than 10 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Quan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Emergency Services, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | - Christopher D Mack
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States; Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Melissa A Schiff
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, United States; Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Claesson A, Druid H, Lindqvist J, Herlitz J. Cardiac disease and probable intent after drowning. Am J Emerg Med 2013; 31:1073-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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XXXIII International Congress of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) 28–31 May 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2013. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2013.785188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Ahlm K, Saveman BI, Björnstig U. Drowning deaths in Sweden with emphasis on the presence of alcohol and drugs - a retrospective study, 1992-2009. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:216. [PMID: 23497055 PMCID: PMC3610133 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drowning deaths constitute a significant proportion of unnatural deaths globally. In Sweden and other high-income countries, drowning deaths have decreased. This study investigates the epidemiology and current trends of unintentional, intentional, and undetermined drowning deaths with emphasis on the presence of alcohol and other drugs. METHODS During an 18-years period, 5,125 drowning deaths were autopsied in Sweden. Data on cases including toxicological analysis on alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, and illicit drugs were obtained from the National Board of Forensic Medicine. RESULTS During the study period, the annual incidence of drowning deaths in Sweden was 3.1/100,000 inhabitants and decreased on average by about 2% each year (p<0.001). The highest incidence was found among males and in middle/older age groups. The incidence increased 3% for each year of age. Children/adolescents (≤18 years) constituted 5% of all drowning deaths. Of all drowned females in the study, 55% (847/1,547) committed suicide, which was a significantly higher proportion compared with males (21%, 763/3,578) (p<0.001). In total, 38% (1,656/4,377) of tested drowned persons had alcohol in their blood and the mean concentration was 1.8 g/l. In the unintentional drowning group, intentional drowning group, and the undetermined group, the proportion of alcohol positive was 44%, 24%, and 45%, respectively. One or several psychoactive drugs were present in the blood in 40% (1,688 /4,181) of all tested persons and in 69% (965/1,394) of tested persons who died from suicidal drowning. The most common drug was benzodiazepines (21%, 891/4,181). Illicit drugs were detected in 10% (82/854) of tested persons. CONCLUSION Presence of alcohol and drugs were frequent and may have contributed to the drowning deaths. The incidence of drowning deaths significantly decreased during the study period. Males and the middle/older age groups had a higher incidence compared to females and children. Suicidal drowning was common especially among women. Alcohol and drugs are significant contributors in drowning deaths in Sweden and should be considered as part of a comprehensive prevention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Ahlm
- Section of Forensic Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, POB 7616, Umeå, SE 907 12, Sweden.
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Drummer OH, Kennedy B, Bugeja L, Ibrahim JE, Ozanne-Smith J. Interpretation of postmortem forensic toxicology results for injury prevention research. Inj Prev 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Biedenweg K, Akyuz K, Skeele R. Balancing riparian management and river recreation: methods and applications for exploring floater behavior and their interaction with large wood. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2012; 50:283-295. [PMID: 22643823 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-012-9876-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
River managers are tasked with meeting both ecological and human needs. In the Puget Sound lowland, riparian management often includes placing or allowing the presence of large wood to stabilize riverbanks and enhance salmon habitat. Although this practice benefits humans by protecting infrastructure and natural resources, it is unclear how such practices interact with an additional human interest, recreation. Furthermore, we were unable to find studies that describe how an agency can go about researching the interaction between recreation and large wood management practices. This study tested methods for describing and estimating the number of river floaters, where they float in relationship to river projects, the risks they take while floating, and their perceptions of large wood in the river. Selecting a high-use suburban river in Washington State, we used riverside observations, interviews, and an infrared counter to gather data in the summer of 2010. Statistical analyses provided general characteristics of users, trends in engaging in risky behaviors, and estimates of use for the entire season and on the busiest day. Data mapping with GIS presented the density of use along the river and frequency of use of specific float routes. Finally, qualitative analysis of interviews clarified floaters' perspectives of large wood. To address the multiple mandates of river managers, it is important to understand recreation users, the factors that could be putting them at risk, and how the actual users perceive large wood in the river. This study demonstrates methods for scientifically gathering such information and applying it when making riparian management decisions.
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Tourigny PD, Hall C. Diagnosis and management of environmental thoracic emergencies. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2011; 30:501-28, x. [PMID: 22487116 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2011.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Physiologic sequelae from increasing ambient pressure in underwater activities, decreasing ambient pressure while at altitude, or the consequences of drowning present a unique set of challenges to emergency physicians. In addition, several environmental toxins cause significant respiratory morbidity, whether they be pulmonary irritants, simple asphyxiants, or systemic toxins. It is important for emergency physicians to understand the pathophysiology of these illnesses as well as to apply this knowledge to the clinical arena either in the prehospital setting or in the emergency department. Current treatment paradigms and controversies within these regimens are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Tourigny
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, 1403-29 Street Northwest, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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