Citation

Capela JB, Reis M, Almeida I, Gaspar L, Scortenschi E, Soares M, Ramalho A, Santos V, Calado C, Alfaro M, Rosa J. Pediatr. Oncall. 2023; 21(3).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Pediatric Oncall)

DOI

10.7199/ped.oncall.2024.34

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death worldwide, particularly among children. It is a significant public health issue, often occurring in bathing areas with high influx of tourists who are not aware of local risks. Non-fatal drowning incidents can result in permanent neurological damage in children. Our objective was to characterize the pediatric population involved in submersion incidents and hospitalized in a level II hospital, including the short-term hospitalization unit, ward and pediatric intensive care unit. Additionally, we aimed to compare our demographic findings with available data.

Methods: We conducted a seven-year and eight months retrospective study on children admitted to Hospital de Faro, between January 2015 and August 2022.

Results: Our findings indicated a higher incidence of submersion accidents in the early years of life and among males. Most accidents occurred in swimming pools during the summer. Nearly half of the victims were foreigners, and the primary cause of submersion was inadequate supervision. The most severe cases involved longer submersion times, a higher occurrence of cardio-respiratory arrest, more complications, and extended hospital stays. Among these cases, two children experienced hypoxic-ischemic injury, and one resulted in death.

Conclusion: Our data aligns with existing information from Portugal and other European countries. It is crucial to implement preventive campaigns, ensure proper supervision, and enforce strict government policies. In bathing areas with tourists presence, preventive measures should be tailored accordingly. Prompt rescue of victims and the initiation of basic life support are vital in positively influencing the prognosis.

Language: en