The Waterline
Water can be the source of much fun, but also much devastation. This column covers how to be safe in, on and around water, as well as the treatment of injuries associated with respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion.
Column Editor: Justin Sempsrott, MD, FAAEM
Jibreel Abdul Cader, B.S., EMT, WFR April 7, 2026
At Mavericks, wilderness medicine meets the ocean. Cold water, high-velocity impact, and remote logistics demand expedition-level care—where recognizing and managing brain injury relies on awareness, rapid assessment, and decisive peer action.
Ricky Clark February 1, 2026
In wilderness medicine, prevention starts with connection. Teaching students to understand and respect rivers builds safety, conservation, and awareness - turning education and curiosity into one of the most powerful tools for drowning prevention.
Diana Rodriguez, Paramedic, ACP, FAWM, FEWM, FRRHHEd January 6, 2026
Scientific diving often gets lumped in with other types of SCUBA, but it stands apart. Its sole purpose is research and education-not recreation, industry, or profit-regardless of who is doing the diving.
Diana Rodriguez, Paramedic, ACP, FAWM, FEWM, FRRHHEd October 31, 2025
When a diver surfaces in pain, every minute counts. This article dives into how oxygen and hydration can make the difference between recovery and catastrophe; and why common EMS practices might be getting it wrong.
Drasko Bogdanovic, EMT-P, FP-C September 10, 2025
Lifeguards are professionals trained to confront one of the most misunderstood public health issues in the world: drowning.
Kristin Horan, PhDTyler Anderson, AqP, CEAP, CCISM, CCI June 6, 2025
George W. Rodway PhD, APRN February 28, 2025
Part IV of a four-part series detailing some highlights of early diving physiology and medicine. This portion of the series will focus on the contributions of John Scott Haldane and colleagues.
Justin Sempsrott, MD, FAAEM October 30, 2024
A discussion on the etiologies of athlete drowning deaths
George W. Rodway PhD, APRN September 1, 2024
Some significant happenings in the early history of diving physiology and medicine - Paul Bert’s hyperbaric contributions
Jeff Monro, BHsc August 15, 2024
A “must-read” guide for on-field medics at freediving competitions covering hyperventilation, glossopharyngeal insufflation, blackouts, pulmonary barotrauma, and how to build a proper dive-rescue kit.
George W. Rodway PhD, APRN June 4, 2024
Some significant happenings in the early history of diving physiology and medicine – technological advances in underwater air delivery
Toti Fernandez, IPR-A Paramedic, NAEMT Instructor May 1, 2024
This article explores early-childhood swim survival training for infants and toddlers — from floating skills to swim-float-swim sequences — to protect them in water and foster a lifelong love of aquatic adventures.
Justin Sempsrott, MD, FAAEMWilliam Koon, PhD February 5, 2024
A summary of take-aways from the World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2023, showcasing global efforts and innovations in prevention, rescue, and treatment of drowning — and the call to action for engaging communities everywhere.
Lainey Yu, DO, MS, FAWM, DiDMM September 25, 2023
My medical team experience
George W. Rodway, PhD, APRN June 13, 2023
Some significant happenings in the early history of diving physiology and medicine – incipient underwater efforts
Justin Sempsrott, MD, FAAEMMike Tipton, MBE, PhD, MSc, FTPS January 6, 2023
A look at how climate change results in changing drivers for recreational, occupational, and daily interaction with bodies of water
Earle Swope March 4, 2021
A journey through post-drowning PTSD
Earle Swope December 15, 2020
An ice diving exercise takes a turn for the worst
Justin Sempsrott, MD, FAAEM August 30, 2020
What is it and why does the U.S. need one?
Justin Sempsrott, MD, FAAEM June 6, 2020
Returning to the water during COVID-19
Leslie DonavanJill White March 23, 2017
We were uninformed and had more misconceptions than we realized about Cuba...