The Myths of Resuscitation for Patients Who Have Drowned

In patients who are having severe respiratory symptoms, we're going to anticipate that they're going to need some form of mechanical ventilation. Corticosteroids have not been shown to have any benefit and so their use is not indicated. And empiric antibiotics should also not be used. The last thing to talk about is ECMO. Some centers have started using ECMO to help manage the hypoxia but there are no guidelines from any organizations on drowning specific indications for ECMO. So what's used can be considered on a case by case basis and in consultation with the ECMO providers at your local or regional center.