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Three Part Question

In [patients who have nearly drowned] are [Barbiturates better than expectant therapy] at [improving survival]?

Clinical Scenario

A 34 year old man has been fishing on a Sunday afternoon at his local pond, when he has lost his footing and fallen in. A passing dog walker has seen him struggle and managed to pull him out, coughing and retching. His is brought to the Emergency dept still coughing up brown water, where a passing eldery staff grade suggests you give barbiturates.