# Pediatric non-fatal drowning

Prioritize ventilation, reassess for deterioration, and obtain the required pediatric destination direction.

Population: Pediatric. Scope: ALS.
Status: published. Source-linked OCEMS summary.
Summary updated: 2026-09-16.
Source checked: 2026-09-16.
Source version: See the linked OCEMS source for revision and implementation dates..
Canonical page: https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/pediatric-drowning/
Official source: [SO-P-100 — Non-Fatal Drowning - Pediatric](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/healthcare/files/2024-07/SO-P-100%20Drowning%20pes.pdf)

Independent OC Medic summary. Does not replace the complete policy, current system notices, or clinical judgment.

## Key cautions & base contact

- Use the pediatric destination rule and obtain base direction.
- Do not apply the adult drowning CPAP step automatically to a child.

## Source documents

- [SO-P-100 — Non-Fatal Drowning - Pediatric](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/healthcare/files/2024-07/SO-P-100%20Drowning%20pes.pdf)

## Initial care

- Confirm the airway is clear and patent. Use spinal motion restriction for a diving or ocean shore-break mechanism.
- For room-air SpO₂ below 95%, provide high-flow mask oxygen or nasal cannula/direct blow-by at 6 L/min as tolerated. Assess ventilatory effort, mental status, perfusion, and temperature.

## Respiratory or cardiac compromise

- Treat cardiopulmonary arrest using SO-P-040. Monitor and document the rhythm.
- For bradycardia, assist ventilation with high-flow oxygen by BVM. Do not let a monitor task delay ventilation.

## Wheezing

- If wheezing is present and ventilatory effort is adequate, give albuterol 5 mg in 6 mL by continuous nebulization as tolerated.
- Stop nebulization if the child continually coughs or resists treatment. Reassess air movement and effort; nebulization does not replace assisted ventilation.

## Contact and transport

- Base contact is required, with a pediatric-capable base preferred. SO-P-100 directs base designation to CHOC, or the nearest appropriate ERC when CHOC transport time exceeds 20 minutes.
- Provide ALS escort. Report the event/mechanism, submersion history if known, airway and ventilation support, response to treatment, and any associated trauma.