ertrinken

Ertrinken, in German meaning drowning, describes the process by which a person experiences respiratory impairment due to submersion or immersion in liquid, most commonly water. Drowning can end in death or may be non-fatal with subsequent health consequences. The essential mechanism is hypoxia: the inhibition of breathing and inhalation of liquid disrupts airway function and gas exchange. Submersion may progress from panic and vigorous movement to exhaustion and unconsciousness. If rescue is delayed, cardiac arrest can follow.

In many cases the person is unable to call for help or keep the airway above water, and the initial struggle is followed by a period of quietness or floating. After removal from the water, signs include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or vomiting. Drowning can occur across ages and water settings, including pools, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Delayed complications can include aspiration pneumonitis or pulmonary edema.

Risk factors include lack of supervision, inadequate swimming ability, swimming in cold or rough water, alcohol use, and the absence of life jackets around boats. Prevention emphasizes constant supervision, swimming education, use of properly fitted life jackets, barriers around pools, and general water-safety awareness; avoiding alcohol while swimming or boating is also advised.

Response and treatment: if a drowning incident occurs, call emergency services immediately. Do not enter dangerous water unless you are trained and it is safe. If trained, perform CPR (with rescue breaths as appropriate) until professional help arrives or the person resumes breathing. After rescue, medical evaluation is recommended to assess airway injury or aspiration-related complications. Survival hinges on rapid rescue and effective resuscitation.