Under what conditions should oxygen therapy be considered for a drowning victim, and what equipment is typically used?

• A. Oxygen only via bag-valve mask
• B. If signs of hypoxia or distress; use supplemental oxygen with a non-rebreather mask or nasal cannula as available
• C. Oxygen is never used
• D. Oxygen only for shallow water

Answer: (B)

Drowning can quickly impair oxygen exchange, leading to hypoxia. When you see signs of hypoxia or respiratory distress, starting supplemental oxygen is the priority to improve oxygen delivery to the tissues. Use the highest-concentration device available to maximize oxygenation: a non-rebreather mask delivers a high FiO2, while a nasal cannula can be used if a mask isn’t available or is poorly tolerated. Oxygen should be started promptly because early correction of low oxygen levels reduces the risk of worsened injury. The other options are not appropriate because oxygen isn’t limited to a bag-valve mask, oxygen is not never used, and it isn’t restricted to shallow-water cases.