More complete and accurate documentation of cold-water
immersion incidents—including time of submersion; time of
recovery; and a profile of the victim including age, sex, and
physical condition—will facilitate easier comparison of individual
situations and lead to a more complete knowledge of the
processes affecting long-term survival rates for drowning victims.
Once we have a clearer understanding of the relationship between
hypothermia and the MDR—and of the effect of such factors as
the age of the victim—physicians and rescue personnel can take
steps to improve patient care at the scene and in the hospital.