Citation

Hawkins SC, Sempsrott JR. J. Emerg. Med. 2012; 42(1): 66-67.

Affiliation

Emergency Medical Care Program Western Carolina University Cullowhee, North Carolina; The Appalachian Center for Wilderness Medicine Morganton, North Carolina.

Comment In:

J. Emerg. Med. 2012; 42(1):67

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.06.034

PMID

21982625

Abstract

We read with interest Muth et al.’s study, “Infrared Ear Thermometry in Water-related Accidents-Not a Good Choice,” and applaud their contribution to the literature of drowning management.

We were concerned, however, with the use of the obsolete term “near drowning.” In 2002, the World Congress on Drowning, through an expert consensus process, adopted formal drowning definitions that discouraged the use of terms such as “near drowning”. Additional Utstein style consensus panels, the American Heart Association, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, and the World Health Organization have subsequently endorsed this change in terminology.

We would encourage Journal of Emergency Medicine authors and editors to adopt the more modern drowning terminology to promote uniformity and scientific rigor in this important topic.

Language: en