Near-drowning in Canadian waters.

Near-drowning is a subject of ever-increasing importance. Two recent cases are presented that illustrate many of the problems encountered. For a current understanding of the etiologic and pathophysiologic aspects and of the prognosis of near-drowning, an updated review of the literature is provided. The importance in treatment of the recognition of hypothermia, the use of positive end-expiratory pressure and the controversy over the role of corticosteroid therapy are discussed.