In a drowning scenario, which factor can complicate the patient's recovery?

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In a drowning scenario, alcohol consumption prior to the incident can significantly complicate the patient's recovery. This is due to several physiological and behavioral factors associated with alcohol. Firstly, alcohol impairs judgment and physical coordination, which can lead to unsafe behaviors around water. A person under the influence may underestimate risks, fail to recognize dangerous situations, or incorrectly assess their swimming abilities.

Moreover, alcohol decreases the body’s ability to respond to stress and can impact the respiratory system, making it harder for the individual to recover once submerged. If a victim has consumed alcohol, they may require more intensive medical intervention, as it can also lead to complications during resuscitation efforts and prolonged neurological impairment due to delayed rescue or inadequately performed resuscitation attempts.

In contrast, high physical fitness levels and skilled swimming ability typically enhance a person’s ability to survive a drowning incident and contribute positively to their recovery. Immediate CPR by bystanders is a critical intervention that increases the chances of survival and favorable outcome in drowning cases, mitigating the impact of time spent in the water.

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