Author: Robert Hirst / Editor: Yasmin Sultan / Reviewer: Phil Delbridge / Codes: / Published: 27/02/2020 / Reviewed: 04/07/2024
A 17-year-old man is brought to your Emergency Department (ED) by ambulance. He has been brought in by his friends having been witnessed jumping into a canal for a bet. He was under the water’s surface for some time, and his friends had to dive into the canal to retrieve him. He is shivering, confused, and tachypnoeic.
On arrival his initial examination is:
A: No stridor, but noisy breathing & coughing.
B: Oxygen saturations 89% on air, RR 28. Chest clear with air entry throughout chest.
C: HR 104, BP 138/74. CRT 3s.
D: GCS 14/15 (E4V4M6), Temperature 34.4oC, BM 4.8, Pupils equal & reactive to light, 3mm
E: No obvious external injuries, soaking wet, appears confused.
