Improving survival in children following drowning

Program Type (Grant): Innovation Grant
Applicant Name: Schmolzer, Georg M
Competition Cycle: 2024-05
Start Date: 2024-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Institutional Sponsor: Medicine & Dentistry-Pediatrics
WCHRI Funder: SCHF
Total WCHRI Funding Commitment: $59,996.00

oung children, especially those between the ages of 1 to 4 years, are at the highest risk of drowning worldwide. When drowning occurs, the most harmful effect is a lack of oxygen to the body, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial to quickly restore breathing and blood flow in these situations through proper airway management and breathing support. Our research aims to improve the technique used for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in children who have drowned. By optimizing CPR methods, we hope to achieve faster recovery of normal heart function and better survival rates for these children. This is important because quicker recovery can reduce the risk of death and long-term health problems. The results from our study could be directly applied to clinical trials, helping to refine CPR techniques for young drowning victims and improve their chances of survival without severe neurological damage. Currently, there is very little scientific knowledge about the best CPR methods for children in drowning cases. Our research will not only address this gap but also guide future studies and resuscitation guidelines.