Drowning by K

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Drowning by K BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL LONDON SATURDAY JULY 16 1955 DROWNING BY K. W. DONALD, D.S.C., M.D., D.Sc., F.RC.P. Reader in Medicine, Birmingham University; Physician, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham Despite Fhe great interest taken in drowning by various apparent that the blood entering the left side of the lay organizations in this country, there has been a truly heart is greatly diluted and its electrolyte concentration astonishing neglect of this subject by physiologists and proportionately reduced. Haemodilution is inevitably medical men. Another bathing season has begun, and accompanied by haemolysis, and large quantities of the usual crop of drowning accidents may be expected. free haemoglobin appear in the plasma. Since potas- This article reviews the subject of drowning and its sium is released when erythrocytes are lysed there is a treatment, the aims being to stress the principles on considerable gain in plasma potassium from this source, which rational resuscitation must be based and to en- together with a rise due to severe anoxaemia. Thus courage the recording of clinical experience in this field. the plasma potassium concentration is not reduced to In order to understand the problems of treatment of the same degree as that of sodium, with the result that drowned persons it is-necessary to describe the events in the K/Na ratio is greatly increased. This disturbance the body of the victim which may lead to death. The of electrolyte ratios is more dangerous than overall majority of important contributions in recent years have changes in tonicity. The coronary circulation receives been by American workers, particularly H. G. Swann this highly abnormal blood and the myocardium is and his colleagues (1947, 1949, 1951a, 1951b, 1953). Of exposed to serious biochemical insult as well as extreme necessity, most of our information on what happens is anoxia. In a few minutes ventricular fibrillation begins. derived from animal experiments. There is considerable The great overloading of the circulation probably con- variation in the reactions of these animals and still some tributes to this event. It is also possible that there is doubt about certain aspects. These will only be men- extreme pulmonary vasoconstriction when the lungs are tioned when relevant to the problems of therapy. flooded, as occurs in acute and severe anaphylactic shock. After death from drowning the right ventricle Fresh-water Drowning is usually found distended and the left ventricle con- When an animal is totally immersed in fresh water tracted and almost empty. there is an initial period of struggling and apnoea. Ventricular fibrillation usually occurs three to seven From one to two minutes after submersion an involun- minutes after submersion (dogs) and there is an tary inspiration occurs and water is drawn into the immediate and dramatic fall in blood pressure, and the lungs, usually in large quantities. In some cases glottic absence of any effective cardiac output heralds inevit- spasm will prevent the lungs being immediately flooded. able death from absolute cerebral anoxia. The time of- Banting et al. (1938) have shown that local anaesthe- onset of ventricular fibrillation does not appear to be tization of the glottis will prevent such spasm and allow closely related to the degree of haemodilution. Respir- even larger quantities of water to enter the lungs. They atory failure, as judged by cessation of effective respir- also described how many animals swallowed water atory excursions, usually occurs almost simultaneously violently as apnoea became intolerable. This was often with the onset of ventricular fibrillation, but sometimes immediately followed by vomiting and inhalation of it occurs shortly before (10-20 seconds) and sometimes water into the lungs in a series of gasps. In the experi- shortly after (10-20 seconds). ments on dogs of Swann et al. (1947, 1949, 1951b) some It is not so easy to obtain facts concerning the events flooding of the lungs occurred in all animals. in human drowning, but there is no reason to believe When the fresh water enters the lungs there is an they are different. Previous literature would suggest immediate and enormous absorption of this fluid into that a number of human beings are drowned with dry the circulation across the alveolo-capillary membrane. lungs owing to glottic spasm, but little convincing The amount of drowning-fluid absorbed can be esti- evidence has been produced, particularly as it has been mated by the degree of haemodilution or by measuring shown that animals with fatal haemodilution may show the levels of blood concentration of tracer substances almost dry lungs. Lowson (1903), in a remarkable placed in the drowning-fluid before the experiment. It account of his experiences and sensations during near has been shown that an amount of water equivalent to drowning, described how he "breathed in" when 60-150% of the blood volume can enter the circulation apnoea became intolerable and immediately swallowed in a few minutes. The rate of dilution of blood is quite the water in a large gulp. This occurred about ten fantastic. Swann et al. (1951b) cite an experiment in times, and he experienced increasing relief, which he which 72% of the circulating fluid was drowning-fluid later attributed to the sedative effects of mounting three minutes after submersion and probably less than carbon dioxide tensions in the body. He then became two minutes after the inhalation of water. It will be unconscious, but recovered on the surface and after a 493z BTnH 156 DROWNING JuLy 16, 1955 DROWNING MEDICAL JOURNAL number of breaths swam to shore, where he vomited also contain froth, but they are not obstructed by it. When copious quantities of water. He had no signs or symp- the lungs are held up the froth and fluid do not drain out toms of any water in the lungs. It would appear likely of these smaller bronchi. The lung parenchyma contains very varying amounts of fluid, tending to be greater in that if such a victim remained submerged the reflex salt-water drowning for the reasons already mentioned. closure of the glottis would cease and water would be Swann opened the chest of dogs after drowning, cannulated aspirated. the trachea down to the bifurcation, and drained for long Swann et al. (1951b) surmise from data reviewed that periods. In fresh-water drowning, although moderate quan- only one in twenty men drown in fresh water with no tities of water were usually drained off, only a few milli- significant water in the lungs or haemodilution. There is litres of water was obtained in some cases despite great also considerable species variation regarding the onset haemodilution. In salt-water drowning larger quantities of of ventricular fibrillation under these conditions. How- water were obtained. It is unfortunate that figures of immediate drainage of water from the lungs of ever, experiments (Gordon et al., 1954) have shown that intact drowned animals have not been reported. Many patho- occurs one to ventricular fibrillation in three minutes logists consider that it is most unlikely that any important after submersion in fresh water in the larger animals drainage of the lungs or clearing of airways will be obtained (horses, cows, pigs), and it would appear likely that the under such conditions. If this is true then time spent in human is at the same risk. Electrolyte studies of human such manceuvres may only assure the death of the victim victims of drowning in fresh water (Moritz, 1944) owing to the delay of artificial respiration. showed changes capable of precipitating ventricular The stomach may contain very large amounts of the fibrillation in at least half of those studied (Swann et al., drowning-fluid owing to reflex swallowing, and there may 1951b). be evidence of stomach contents in the air-passages. This may be due to the agonal vomiting already described or to Salt-Water Drowning the transfer of stomach contents to the respiratory passages In salt-water drowning the electrolyte concentration of by increased abdominal pressure during artificial respiration. the inhaled fluid is greater than that of blood. Consequently As already mentioned, the right ventricle is usually found there is considerable movement of water from the circu- greatly distended and the left heart contracted. lating blood into the lungs, and in dogs drowning in salt As in other forms of asphyxial death, small local haemor- water there is approximately a 33 % haemoconcentration. rhages may be found in different parts of the body, par- TIhere is, however, no haemolysis or any disturbance of the ticularly in the central nervous system. These haemorrhages K/Na ratio. Ventricular fibrillation does not occur, and are usually far less marked in drowning, and, if they are the heart action fails gradually in five to eight minutes (in conspicuous, asphyxia or violence brfore entry into the dogs) (Swann et al., 1947, 1951b). There is evidence that water must be considered. The most valuable test for the haemoconcentration is not so marked in humans who drowning is the demonstration of difference in electrolyte have drowned in salt water. In acute asphyxial episodes concentration of the blood in the right and left ventricles. where ventricular fibrillation does not occur the systolic This test is now being adopted by all forensic laboratories. blood pressure often remains high for several minutes, The significance of electrolyte changes in the blood after although the diastolic pressure reaches very low levels. long periods of submersion is still in doubt, and studies Swann (1951a) has shown that if the systolic blood pres- continue on this problem. The examination of peripheral sure remains above a certain level (115 mm. Hg approxi- lung and stomach contents for water algae may be extremely mately) then resuscitation by artificial respiration is almrost useful in cases where the cause of death is uncertain.
Recommended publications
  • Title: Drowning and Therapeutic Hypothermia: Dead Man Walking
    Title: Drowning and Therapeutic Hypothermia: Dead Man Walking Author(s): Angela Kavenaugh, D.O., Jamie Cohen, D.O., Jennifer Davis MD FAAP, Department of PICU Affiliation(s): Chris Evert Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Medical Center ABSTRACT BODY: Background: Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children and is associated with severe morbidity and mortality, most often due to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Those that survive are often left with debilitating neurological deficits. Therapeutic Hypothermia after resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia induced cardiac arrest is the standard of care in adults and has also been proven to have beneficial effects that persist into early childhood when utilized in neonatal birth asphyxia, but has yet to be accepted into practice for pediatrics. Objective: To present supportive evidence that Therapeutic Hypothermia improves mortality and morbidity specifically for pediatric post drowning patients. Case Report: A five year old male presented to the Emergency Department after pool submersion of unknown duration. He was found to have asphyxial cardiac arrest and received bystander CPR, which was continued by EMS for a total of 10 minutes, including 2 doses of epinephrine. CPR continued into the emergency department. Upon presentation to the ED, he was found to have fixed and dilated pupils, unresponsiveness, with a GCS of 3. Upon initial pulse check was found to have return of spontaneous circulation, with sinus tachycardia. His blood gas revealed 6.86/45/477/8/-25. He was intubated, given 2 normal saline boluses and 2 mEq/kg of Sodium Bicarbonate. The initial head CT was normal.
    [Show full text]
  • Traveler Information
    Traveler Information QUICK LINKS Marine Hazards—TRAVELER INFORMATION • Introduction • Risk • Hazards of the Beach • Animals that Bite or Wound • Animals that Envenomate • Animals that are Poisonous to Eat • General Prevention Strategies Traveler Information MARINE HAZARDS INTRODUCTION Coastal waters around the world can be dangerous. Swimming, diving, snorkeling, wading, fishing, and beachcombing can pose hazards for the unwary marine visitor. The seas contain animals and plants that can bite, wound, or deliver venom or toxin with fangs, barbs, spines, or stinging cells. Injuries from stony coral and sea urchins and stings from jellyfish, fire coral, and sea anemones are common. Drowning can be caused by tides, strong currents, or rip tides; shark attacks; envenomation (e.g., box jellyfish, cone snails, blue-ringed octopus); or overconsumption of alcohol. Eating some types of potentially toxic fish and seafood may increase risk for seafood poisoning. RISK Risk depends on the type and location of activity, as well as the time of year, winds, currents, water temperature, and the prevalence of dangerous marine animals nearby. In general, tropical seas (especially the western Pacific Ocean) are more dangerous than temperate seas for the risk of injury and envenomation, which are common among seaside vacationers, snorkelers, swimmers, and scuba divers. Jellyfish stings are most common in warm oceans during the warmer months. The reef and the sandy sea bottom conceal many creatures with poisonous spines. The highly dangerous blue-ringed octopus and cone shells are found in rocky pools along the shore. Sea anemones and sea urchins are widely dispersed. Sea snakes are highly venomous but rarely bite.
    [Show full text]
  • Asphyxia Neonatorum
    CLINICAL REVIEW Asphyxia Neonatorum Raul C. Banagale, MD, and Steven M. Donn, MD Ann Arbor, Michigan Various biochemical and structural changes affecting the newborn’s well­ being develop as a result of perinatal asphyxia. Central nervous system ab­ normalities are frequent complications with high mortality and morbidity. Cardiac compromise may lead to dysrhythmias and cardiogenic shock. Coagulopathy in the form of disseminated intravascular coagulation or mas­ sive pulmonary hemorrhage are potentially lethal complications. Necrotizing enterocolitis, acute renal failure, and endocrine problems affecting fluid elec­ trolyte balance are likely to occur. Even the adrenal glands and pancreas are vulnerable to perinatal oxygen deprivation. The best form of management appears to be anticipation, early identification, and prevention of potential obstetrical-neonatal problems. Every effort should be made to carry out ef­ fective resuscitation measures on the depressed infant at the time of delivery. erinatal asphyxia produces a wide diversity of in­ molecules brought into the alveoli inadequately com­ Pjury in the newborn. Severe birth asphyxia, evi­ pensate for the uptake by the blood, causing decreases denced by Apgar scores of three or less at one minute, in alveolar oxygen pressure (P02), arterial P02 (Pa02) develops not only in the preterm but also in the term and arterial oxygen saturation. Correspondingly, arte­ and post-term infant. The knowledge encompassing rial carbon dioxide pressure (PaC02) rises because the the causes, detection, diagnosis, and management of insufficient ventilation cannot expel the volume of the clinical entities resulting from perinatal oxygen carbon dioxide that is added to the alveoli by the pul­ deprivation has been further enriched by investigators monary capillary blood.
    [Show full text]
  • Respiratory Physiology - Part B Experimental Determination of Anatomical Dead Space Value (Human 9 - Version Sept
    Comp. Vert. Physiology- BI 244 Respiratory Physiology - Part B Experimental Determination of Anatomical Dead Space Value (Human 9 - Version Sept. 10, 2013) [This version has been modified to also serve as a tutorial in how to run HUMAN's artificial organs] Part of the respiratory physiology computer simulation work for this week allows you to obtain a hand-on feeling for the effects of anatomical dead space on alveolar ventilation. The functional importance of dead space can explored via employing HUMAN's artificial respirator to vary the respiration rate and tidal volume. DEAD SPACE DETERMINATION Introduction The lack of unidirectional respiratory medium flow in non-avian air ventilators creates the existence of an anatomical dead space. The anatomical dead space of an air ventilator is a fixed volume not normally under physiological control. However, the relative importance of dead space is adjustable by appropriate respiratory maneuvers. For example, recall the use by panting animals of their dead space to reduce a potentially harmful respiratory alkalosis while hyperventilating. In general, for any given level of lung ventilation, the fraction of the tidal volume attributed to dead space will affect the resulting level of alveolar ventilation, and therefore the efficiency (in terms of gas exchange) of that ventilation. [You should, of course, refresh your knowledge of total lung ventilation, tidal volume alveolar ventilation.] Your objective here is to observe the effects of a constant "unknown" dead space on resulting alveolar ventilation by respiring the model at a variety of tidal volume-frequency combinations. You are then asked to calculate the functional dead space based on the data you collect.
    [Show full text]
  • Failure of Hypothermia As Treatment for Asphyxiated Newborn Rabbits R
    Arch Dis Child: first published as 10.1136/adc.51.7.512 on 1 July 1976. Downloaded from Archives of Disease in Childhood, 1976, 51, 512. Failure of hypothermia as treatment for asphyxiated newborn rabbits R. K. OATES and DAVID HARVEY From the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital, London Oates, R. K., and Harvey, D. (1976). Archives of Disease in Childhood, 51, 512. Failure of hypothermia as treatment for asphyxiated newborn rabbits. Cooling is known to prolong survival in newborn animals when used before the onset of asphyxia. It has therefore been advocated as a treatment for birth asphyxia in humans. Since it is not possible to cool a human baby before the onset of birth asphyxia, experiments were designed to test the effect of cooling after asphyxia had already started. Newborn rabbits were asphyxiated in 100% nitrogen and were cooled either quickly (drop of 1 °C in 45 s) or slowly (drop of 1°C in 2 min) at varying intervals after asphyxia had started. When compared with controls, there was an increase in survival only when fast cooling was used early in asphyxia. This fast rate of cooling is impossible to obtain in a human baby weighing from 30 to 60 times more than a newborn rabbit. Further litters ofrabbits were asphyxiated in utero. After delivery they were placed in environmental temperatures of either 37 °C, 20 °C, or 0 °C and observed for spon- taneous recovery. The animals who were cooled survived less often than those kept at 37 'C. The results of these experiments suggest that hypothermia has little to offer in the treatment of birth asphyxia in humans.
    [Show full text]
  • The Post-Mortem Appearances in Cases of Asphyxia Caused By
    a U?UST 1902.1 ASPHYXIA CAUSED BY DROWNING 297 Table I. Shows the occurrence of fluid and mud in the 55 fresh bodies. ?ritfinal Jlrttclcs. Fluid. Mud. Air-passage ... .... 20 2 ? ? and stomach ... ig 6 ? ? stomach and intestine ... 7 1 ? ? and intestine X ??? Stomach ... ??? THE POST-MORTEM APPEARANCES IN Intestine ... ... 1 Stomach and intestine ... ... i CASES OF ASPHYXIA CAUSED BY DROWNING. Total 46 9 = 55 By J. B. GIBBONS, From the above table it will be seen that fluid was in the alone in 20 LIEUT.-COL., I.M.S., present air-passage cases, in the air-passage and stomach in sixteen, Lute Police-Surgeon, Calcutta, Civil Surgeon, Ilowrah. in the air-passage, stomach and intestine in seven, in the air-passage and intestine in one. As used in this table the term includes frothy and non- frothy fluid. Frothy fluid is only to be expected In the period from June 1893 to November when the has been quickly recovered from months which I body 1900, excluding three during the water in which drowning took place and cases on leave, 15/ of was privilege asphyxia examined without delay. In some of my cases were examined me in the due to drowning by it was present in a most typical form; there was For the of this Calcutta Morgue. purpose a bunch of fine lathery froth about the nostrils, all cases of death inhibition paper I exclude by and the respiratory tract down to the bronchi due to submersion and all cases of or syncope was filled with it. received after into death from injuries falling The quantity of fluid in the air-passage varies the water.
    [Show full text]
  • Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Involvement in Birth Asphyxia
    Academic Journal of Pediatrics & Neonatology ISSN 2474-7521 Research Article Acad J Ped Neonatol Volume 6 Issue 4 - May 2018 Copyright © All rights are reserved by Dr Rohit Vohra DOI: 10.19080/AJPN.2018.06.555751 Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Involvement in Birth Asphyxia Rohit Vohra1*, Vivek Singh2, Minakshi Bansal3 and Divyank Pathak4 1Senior resident, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, India 2Junior Resident, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, India 3Fellow pediatrichematology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, India 4Resident, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, India Submission: December 01, 2017; Published: May 14, 2018 *Corresponding author: Dr Rohit Vohra, Senior resident, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, 22/2A Tilaknagar, New Delhi-110018, India, Tel: 9717995787; Email: Abstract Background: The healthy fetus or newborn is equipped with a range of adaptive, strategies to reduce overall oxygen consumption and protect vital organs such as the heart and brain during asphyxia. Acute injury occurs when the severity of asphyxia exceeds the capacity of the system to maintain cellular metabolism within vulnerable regions. Impairment in oxygen delivery damage all organ system including pulmonary and gastrointestinal tract. The pulmonary effects of asphyxia include increased pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary edema secondary to cardiac failure, and possibly failure of surfactant production with secondary hyaline membrane disease (acute respiratory distress syndrome).Gastrointestinal damage might include injury to the bowel wall, which can be mucosal or full thickness and even involve perforation Material and methods: This is a prospective observational hospital based study carried out on 152 asphyxiated neonates admitted in NICU of Rural Medical College of Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra from September 2013 to August 2015.
    [Show full text]
  • Respiratory Physiology for the Anesthesiologist
    REVIEW ARTICLE Deborah J. Culley, M.D., Editor ABSTRACT Respiratory function is fundamental in the practice of anesthesia. Knowledge of basic physiologic principles of respiration assists in the proper implemen- tation of daily actions of induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, Respiratory Physiology delivery of mechanical ventilation, discontinuation of mechanical and pharma- cologic support, and return to the preoperative state. The current work pro- Downloaded from http://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article-pdf/130/6/1064/455191/20190600_0-00035.pdf by guest on 24 September 2021 for the Anesthesiologist vides a review of classic physiology and emphasizes features important to the anesthesiologist. The material is divided in two main sections, gas exchange Luca Bigatello, M.D., Antonio Pesenti, M.D. and respiratory mechanics; each section presents the physiology as the basis ANESTHESIOLOGY 2019; 130:1064–77 of abnormal states. We review the path of oxygen from air to the artery and of carbon dioxide the opposite way, and we have the causes of hypoxemia and of hypercarbia based on these very footpaths. We present the actions nesthesiologists take control of the respiratory func- of pressure, flow, and volume as the normal determinants of ventilation, and Ation of millions of patients throughout the world each we review the resulting abnormalities in terms of changes of resistance and day. We learn to maintain gas exchange and use respiration compliance. to administer anesthetic gases through the completion of (ANESTHESIOLOGY 2019; 130:1064–77) surgery, when we return this vital function to its legitimate owners, ideally with a seamless transition to a healthy post- operative course.
    [Show full text]
  • MECAP News April 2021
    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission MECAPnews MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND CORONERS ALERT PROJECT April 2021 MECAP Reports | Page 2 Asphyxia/Suffocation Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Submersion MECAP Reports | Page 3 Fire All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) Electrocution Fatalities Involving Other Hazards MECAP Contact | Page 4 The following pages summarize MECAP reports Yolanda Nash received by CPSC selected for follow-up Program Analyst investigation. The entries include a brief Division of Hazard and Injury Data description of the incident to illustrate the type and Systems Directorate for Epidemiology nature of the reported fatalities. This important information helps CPSC carry out its mission to U.S. Consumer Product Safety protect the public from product-related injuries and Commission deaths. 4330 East-West Highway Bethesda, MD We appreciate your support; please continue to 20814 report your product-related cases to us. [email protected] 1-800-638-8095 x7502 or 301-504-7502 *Cases selected for CPSC follow-up investigation Asphyxiation/ down to sleep in a toddler basement stairs. The Suffocation bed with multiple heavy electric power had been blankets. The next morning, shut off, and the generator *A 7-year-old female was the mother found the was used to provide power. discovered by her mother decedent positioned face EMS measured the carbon unresponsive in bed with a down in the soft bedding monoxide level at 500 ppm. balloon pulled over her face. and blankets. Despite The cause of death was The decedent became emergency efforts, the carbon monoxide poisoning. entangled with a helium infant was pronounced dead balloon tied to her bed and at the hospital.
    [Show full text]
  • Brownie's THIRD LUNG
    BrMARINEownie GROUP’s Owner’s Manual Variable Speed Hand Carry Hookah Diving System ADVENTURE IS ALWAYS ON THE LINE! VSHCDC Systems This manual is also available online 3001 NW 25th Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 USA Ph +1.954.462.5570 Fx +1.954.462.6115 www.BrowniesMarineGroup.com CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE OF A BROWNIE’S SYSTEM You now have in your possession the finest, most reliable, surface supplied breathing air system available. The operation is designed with your safety and convenience in mind, and by carefully reading this brief manual you can be assured of many hours of trouble-free enjoyment. READ ALL SAFETY RULES AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW THEM WITH EACH USE OF THIS PRODUCT. MANUAL SAFETY NOTICES Important instructions concerning the endangerment of personnel, technical safety or operator safety will be specially emphasized in this manual by placing the information in the following types of safety notices. DANGER DANGER INDICATES AN IMMINENTLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, WILL RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THIS IS LIMITED TO THE MOST EXTREME SITUATIONS. WARNING WARNING INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR INJURY. CAUTION CAUTION INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, MAY RESULT IN MINOR OR MODERATE INJURY. IT MAY ALSO BE USED TO ALERT AGAINST UNSAFE PRACTICES. NOTE NOTE ADVISE OF TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS THAT REQUIRE PARTICULAR ATTENTION BY THE OPERATOR OR THE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN FOR PROPER MAINTENANCE AND UTILIZATION OF THE EQUIPMENT. REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT ONLINE Go to www.BrowniesMarineGroup.com to register your product.
    [Show full text]
  • What Are the Health Effects from Exposure to Carbon Monoxide?
    CO Lesson 2 CARBON MONOXIDE: LESSON TWO What are the Health Effects from Exposure to Carbon Monoxide? LESSON SUMMARY Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless and nonirritating Grade Level: 9 – 12 gas that is impossible to detect by an exposed person. CO is produced by the Subject(s) Addressed: incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, including gas, wood, oil and Science, Biology coal. Exposure to CO is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in the United Class Time: 1 Period States and many other countries. When inhaled, CO is readily absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream, where it binds tightly to hemoglobin in the Inquiry Category: Guided place of oxygen. CORE UNDERSTANDING/OBJECTIVES By the end of this lesson, students will have a basic understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying CO toxicity. For specific learning and standards addressed, please see pages 30 and 31. MATERIALS INCORPORATION OF TECHNOLOGY Computer and/or projector with video capabilities INDIAN EDUCATION FOR ALL Fires utilizing carbon-based fuels, such as wood, produce carbon monoxide as a dangerous byproduct when the combustion is incomplete. Fire was important for the survival of early Native American tribes. The traditional teepees were well designed with sophisticated airflow patterns, enabling fires to be contained within the shelter while minimizing carbon monoxide exposure. However, fire was used for purposes other than just heat and cooking. According to the historian Henry Lewis, Native Americans used fire to aid in hunting, crop management, insect collection, warfare and many other activities. Today, fire is used to heat rocks used in sweat lodges.
    [Show full text]
  • Perinatal Asphyxia Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia
    PERINATAL ASPHYXIA NEONATAL THERAPEUTIC HYPOTHERMIA Sergio G. Golombek, MD, MPH, FAAP Professor of Pediatrics & Clinical Public Health – NYMC Attending Neonatologist Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital - WMC Valhalla, New York President - SIBEN ASPHYXIA From Greek [ἀσφυξία]: “A stopping of the pulse” “Loss of consciousness as a result of too little oxygen and too much CO2 in the blood: suffocation causes asphyxia” (Webster’s New World Dictionary) On the influence of abnormal parturition, difficult labours, premature birth, and asphyxia neonatorum, on the mental and physical condition of the child, especially in relation to deformities. By W. J. Little, MD (Transactions of the Obstetrical Society of London 1861;3:243-344) General spastic contraction of the lower Contracture of adductors and flexors of lower extremities. Premature birth. Asphyxia extremities. Left hand weak. Both hands awkward. neonatorum of 36 hr duration. Hands More paralytic than spastic. Born with navel-string unaffected. (Case XLVII) around neck. Asphyxia neonatorum 1 hour. (Case XLIII) Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) Associated with high neonatal mortality and severe long-term neurologic morbidity Hypothermia is rapidly becoming standard therapy for full-term neonates with moderate-to-severe HIE Occurs at a rate of about 3/1000 live-born infants in developed countries, but the rate is estimated to be higher in the developing world Intrapartum-related neonatal deaths (previously called ‘‘birth asphyxia’’) are the fifth most common cause of deaths among children under 5 years of age, accounting for an estimated 814,000 deaths each year, and also associated with significant morbidity, resulting in a burden of 42 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs).
    [Show full text]