Some summers ago I witnessed a toddler who was unaware of the perils of an azure pool — quietly and generally unnoticed, go ambling into the water while her mother was momentarily distracted. Below the surface, the child’s face was without fear as she floundered in silence, her small arms and baby legs calmly and quietly treading, searching for a pocket of fresh air. Meanwhile, above the surface there was no indication that this child was suffocating. There were no pleas for help, no flailing of arms and no commotion of any kind from the toddler. Before I could come to her aid, her mother caught sight of the situation and rescued the child. As in any stressful situation, a moment in time can seem like an eternity and after the danger has past, the most detailed of events can be recalled in slow motion. Such was my experience. But the most troubling aspect of the incident and the thing that I have taken away, was the quiet calm of a child jeopardized by silence.
The Center for Disease Control has found:
- Fatal drownings remain the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 – 14 – second only to motor vehicle crashes
- 1 in 5 children who are treated for drowning in ERs, die
- More than half of drowning victims treated in ERs require hospitalization for further care and treatment, i.e. brain damage from oxygen deprivation resulting in memory problems, learning disabilities and a loss of basic functioning.
The damage associated with oxygen deprivation and brain injuries can be irreversible depending upon many factors including the age and health of the individual. Immediate and on-site resuscitation is the key to increasing survival chances without brain damage.
With high temperatures looming over Indiana this summer and record heat waves, many Hoosier parents and their children are seeking relief from the heat in water parks, rivers, lakes and pools. Adult supervision and a certified swim program can prepare you and your family for the water and the hazards associated with water play.
The Brain Injury Attorneys
If you or someone you know has been in an accident and brain injury is involved, a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN experienced in personal injury matters involving traumatic brain injuries may suggest a neuropsychological evaluation. Ward & Ward Law Firm has over 80 years of combined experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases. The law firm of Ward & Ward receives no fee unless you recover for your injuries. Call Charlie Ward today for a FREE consultation.
