DR. BRYAN CEPEDOZA-MEDICAL INSIDER
A Question & Answer Session
with Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
on Occupational Hazards
(Part 7)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): We continue with our discussion of occupational hazards at the workplace. We started with the topic of water as an health hazard. We waid that other environmental health hazards are unsafe and insufficient water for drinking and washing, inadequate sanitation and hygiene, and hazardous healthcare waste and climate related risks. We asked why unsafe drinking water could be a hazard? And the answer is: Water could be a link to the transmission of some diseases
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: And we talked about drowning as a health hazard. Now, what are the dangers of drowning? We have to know that Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): How do we know that a person is drowning?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: That is a good question. These are some of the signs of a drowning person: in the case of the children, a drowning child becomes quiet; a drowning person gasps for breath or hyperventilates; the person drowning also remains upright in the water and will not be using their legs; the eyes of a drowning person become glassy and unable to focus; notice also that the hair of a drowning person may covering their forehead or eyes.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): I have heard that there are also stages of drowning.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Yes and research will tell us that the stages are: 1) the struggle to keep the airway clear of the water, 2) initial submersion and breath-holding, 3) aspiration of water, 4) unconsciousness, 5) cardio-respiratory arrest and 6)death – inability to revive
(To be continued)