What distinguishes near-drowning from drowning?

The distinction between near-drowning and drowning is primarily based on the outcome of the incident. Near-drowning refers to cases where a person has been submerged in water and has survived temporarily, meaning there is a chance for resuscitation and recovery. This term applies to situations in which the individual exhibits signs of life after being submerged, indicating that resuscitation efforts may have been successful or are still necessary.

Drowning, on the other hand, signifies that the person has been submerged in water to a point where they cannot breathe, leading to fatal outcomes. The use of the term "near-drowning" specifically denotes that the person has experienced a life-threatening situation but has not yet succumbed to the effects of suffocation in water. This clarifies the crucial difference that near-drowning incidents include some form of potential recovery, while drowning typically results in death.

Understanding this distinction is important for responders, as it influences the urgency and approach taken during rescue and resuscitation attempts.