The Physiological Society and the International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance (IDRA) joined forces last week to host an important three-day online summit. Crucially, this meeting brought together experts in drowning prevention from both a theory and practice perspective, to ensure that research is converted into action, with the aim of saving lives.
Drowning remains a global pandemic, claiming the lives of more than 236,000 people per year1. More than 90% of those drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries1, and the drowning threat is set to get worse with climate change and rising sea levels. It has been estimated that between 80% – 90% of all drownings are preventable2, highlighting the need for greater education, discussion, and research into drowning in order to curb this threat.
Physiologists are vital in this action against drowning, only by understanding the physiological mechanisms of the drowning process, can we build life-saving interventions. Drowning is a process of respiratory impairment from either submersion or immersion in liquid. When submersion/immersion happens, vital tissues are unable to get the oxygen they need, leading to hypoxaemia and death if untreated. Within two minutes most victims lose consciousness and within four to six minutes most victims will develop irreversible brain injury. Therefore, early intervention and action is vital.
This online forum brought together physiologists and life-saving experts from around the world who work in both clinical and community settings to share current knowledge and thinking across many aspects of drowning, including: drowning prevention strategies and impact, community involvement and preparedness, innovations in drowning risk assessment and rescue and international perspectives, including climate change.
Professor Mike Tipton, Trustee of The Physiological Society and Founding Member of IDRA:
“This is a vital meeting between researchers exploring all aspects of drowning prevention and treatment and the people who are out there saving lives. Only by bringing together these experts do we stand a chance at stemming this global problem.
“This meeting offered a real opportunity to share recent research into the physiological and clinical aspects of drowning and convert that knowledge into life-saving action.”
Drowning Prevention and Treatment forum took place online between Wednesday 11 – Friday 13 October 2023.