Background
unintentional injury deaths, hypothermia, shock, muscle spasms, injury fatalities, hyperventilation
COLLAPSE, COLD, CARDIAC ARREST, SHOCK
Drowning has plateaued as the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths globally, accounting for over 7% of all injury fatalities [Upon immersion in water, multiple physiological responses are evoked. The first is a cold shock that may lead to hyperventilation, muscle spasms, increased heart rate, loss of respiratory control, and cardiac arrest. This is followed by swimming failure, hypothermia, and finally post-rescue collapse [The optimal performance of a lifejacket is affected by behavioral factors including incorrect or inconsistent use [