Which organs are most at risk of permanent damage during drowning incidents?

The brain and heart are particularly vulnerable during drowning incidents due to their dependence on a constant supply of oxygen. When an individual is submerged in water and unable to breathe, hypoxia (lack of oxygen) occurs, leading to rapid cellular injury. The brain is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation; even a few minutes without oxygen can result in irreversible damage or death of brain cells. This can lead to severe neurological impairments or long-term disability.

The heart is also at risk during drowning, as it requires a continuous flow of oxygenated blood to function effectively. In cases of drowning, the lack of oxygen can lead to arrhythmias or cardiac arrest, further complicating the situation and increasing the likelihood of permanent damage.

In contrast, other options such as the lungs and liver, kidneys and stomach, or eyes and ears, do not face the same level of immediate and life-threatening consequences from oxygen deprivation. While these organs can sustain damage as well, the brain and heart are significantly more critical in the immediate aftermath of drowning incidents, making them the organs most at risk of permanent damage.