How long can a person be submerged for an acceptable chance of a good outcome in drowning?

The correct response is that a person can be submerged for less than 10 minutes for an acceptable chance of a good outcome in drowning. In drowning scenarios, the brain and vital organs are highly sensitive to the lack of oxygen. Generally, irreversible brain damage begins to occur after about 4 to 6 minutes of submerged apnea, though there are exceptions depending on various factors such as water temperature and the individual's health prior to drowning.

Research has shown that individuals who are submerged for longer periods, even if initially resuscitated, often have poorer outcomes. Thus, a submersion time of less than 10 minutes is more aligned with the potential for a positive outcome, emphasizing the importance of immediate rescue efforts and rescue breathing. This threshold allows for the possibility that some victims might still have a chance of survival—especially in conditions where hypothermia might slow the metabolism, providing a critical window for resuscitation.

The options indicating longer durations do not align with established guidelines and research regarding drowning resuscitation outcomes, which maintain that quicker interventions are crucial for survival.