In general drowning is a poorly understood phenomenon among the general population. Portrayals in film and TV contribute much to many misconceptions. While there has been considerable attention paid to the fact that the act of drowning doesn't "look" like the film/TV stereotype, less focus has been placed on the sequalae of a drowning event. The alveoli, which are the functional units of our lungs where gas exchange occurs are quite delicate. Natural surfactants facilitate the work of the alveoli. Water and the contaminants it may hold disrupt these surfactants and can lead to short to intermediate term post "resuscitation" morbidity and mortality. Victims do not leap to their feet and return to saving the world as they do in the movies. Any drowning victim should be seen in the emergency department even if they are revived on scene.
