Submersion injuries in the paediatric population in Barbados (1990-1996) - Poster abstract

OBJECTIVE: Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.A., with near drowning accounting for a significant proportion of morbidity. In Barbados, there has been an increase in incidence of near drowning. The objective of this study was to document data for the Barbadian population. METHODS: The records of patients age 0-16 years who were admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital during the period 1990-1996 were reviewed. Information on cases of drowning for the same period and age groups was obtained from the Coroner's Office. RESULTS: During the 7-year period of study, there was 27 near drowning and 19 drownings. The peak ages in both series were 11-16 years (adolescents). The male to female ratio was 3:1. For the near drownings 87 percent occurred in salt water. CONCLUSIONS: The peak incidence occurred during the summer months, June-Sept. However, no correlation between sea currents and tides could be made within the scope of this study. There was no documented evidence of any neurological deficit in the 24 cases of near drowning that were examined.(AU)

Accident related fatalities in Grand Bahama

The records including post mortem reports of 119 accident related fatalities are reviewed. A significant number of these are secondary to road traffic accidents. The number of males involved is also significantly higher than females (p<0.05). Available data indicates that trauma is a significant yet preventable cause of death in Grand Bahama. Education, improvement of safety, upgrading of training of health personnel, and upgrading of emergency procedures and facilities are key to reducing fatalities (AU)

A review of 98 cases of near-drowning at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados

Analysis of 98 cases of near-drowning seen at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados, during the period 1970 - 1979 is presented. Most of the adults were tourists most of whom near-drowned during the winter season. School children comprised the majority of cases during the summer holidays. Alcohol intake prior to near-drowning was noted in 30 percent of adults, and tourists were particularly at risk of drinking and drowning. In the light of modern ideas on hospital management of near-drowning, close observation and respiratory support emerge as the cornerstones of management. The use of diuretics is inappropriate while antibiotics and corticosteroids have not been shown to be beneficial (AU)

Some medical emergencies associated with swimming and diving

The risks, diagnosis and emergency management of drowning, ear injuries, burst lung and decompression sickness which may occur in swimming and diving are discussed. Emphasis is put on the importance of early diagnosis and of reaching recompression facilities as early as possible when appropriate (AU)