Drowning can be prevented

It was with extreme sadness that I read the news of the passing of Hartford youth Jaevon Whyte from accidental drowning.

Though it seems a particular set of circumstances lead to his untimely passing, the fact is that accidental drowning and complications of near drowning share many common (and preventable) features. As a resident physician in emergency medicine at Yale New Haven and Bridgeport hospitals, I have had the unfortunate task of treating downed children on a few occasions. Therefore, I would like to share some facts on drowning and its prevention for the readership and general public.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that:

⏩ There are approximately 10 drowning deaths per day in this country.

⏩ About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.

⏩ Nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage.

Basic measures can help prevent many of these deaths:

⏩ Learn CPR. Timely and high-quality CPR administered in drowning situations has been proven to save lives.

⏩ Supervision is paramount. “I looked away for just a second,” is an unfortunate preamble to so many preventable injuries, and in particular drowning.

⏩ Take a swim class; wear life jackets; don’t drink and swim.

There are many ways to beat the heat this summer and swimming is a great way to do so. However, it should be done with caution and with these simple preventative measures in mind.

Dr. James M. Gaylor, resident physician, Yale Emergency Medicine

New Haven