A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the intensive care unit at Schneider Children’s after he had purposely hyperventilated (deep and rapid breathing, or overbreathing) and lost consciousness while diving at the pool with his friends. The child was resuscitated by the lifeguard and MDA paramedics, and arrived at the hospital’s ER in severe respiratory distress, requiring highly-concentrated oxygen and continued monitoring.

The child and his friends were competing who could dive under water for the longest time. Hyperventilation reduces the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood to below normal levels, leading to diminished blood flow to the brain. This dangerous activity can cause loss of consciousness and possible drowning if done as in this case. The boy, who was treated in the intensive care unit at Schneider Children’s headed by Dr. Tommy Schonfeld, recovered well and was discharged after two days.

According to Dr. Schonfeld, “We are used to treating a variety of injuries at Schneider Children’s during the summer vacation, but we have not yet encountered the side-effects of hyperventilation prior to diving. We were pleased that the boy’s life was saved and that he recovered quickly, but it is important to warn others that an innocent summer game such as this could lead to serious injury or even death”.

August 2009