Drowning in research? A scoping review of the emergency response to medical emergencies occurring in water-based environments.
Australasian Emergency Care · 2025-08-22 · Scoping review
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The water-based environment presents challenges to emergency services responding to medical emergencies. These include logistical difficulties, interagency response requirements, and knowledge of unique clinical conditions. Understanding which water-based incidents need emergency response, their locations, and resource needs is essential for preparing paramedics and other emergency service personnel. OBJECTIVE: To describe the existing literature examining the prehospital response and management of patients who experience an emergency in a water-based environment. REVIEW METHODS: This review used a scoping review methodology following JBI guidance. Five databases were searched: Ovid Medline, EMCARE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers screened articles against predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a structured form, in accordance with JBI guidance. RESULTS: The search identified 6122 articles, of which 101 were included in the review. Eight emergency service types were described. A broad range of medical emergencies were reported, although most studies focused on fatal drowning. Research on non-fatal drowning and interagency coordination was limited, and reported outcome varied considerably across studies. CONCLUSIONS: Much of the prehospital research on water-based emergencies reports only on fatal drowning, with limited attention to other incident types or agency interoperability. Further research is needed to improve understanding of emergency response, patient outcomes, and interoperability of emergency services in the context of water-based emergencies.
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Tags
Interagency collaboration · Paramedics & EMTs · Fire service & police · Rural & remote
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