Israel journal of medical sciences
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Eight freshwater near-drowning victims were treated in the General Intensive Care Unit. The most prominent findings upon arrival were respiratory failure, hypoxemia and coma. ⋯ Six patients were discharged fully recovered from the unit on the 3rd to 6th day; one patient who recovered fully but had amnesia was discharged after 8 months; and one patient remained decerebrated and died 5 months later. A more aggressive treatment of near-drowning victims is justified and recommended.