What is the initial management priority for a child who has been submerged in a pool for several minutes?

The initial management priority for a child who has been submerged in water for several minutes is to secure the airway and provide adequate ventilation, which is why endotracheal intubation is the correct choice. When a child experiences drowning or near-drowning, oxygen deprivation can rapidly lead to serious complications, including cerebral hypoxia and cardiac arrest.

Endotracheal intubation allows for controlled ventilation and ensures that the airway is protected from further aspiration of water or debris. Once the airway is secured, healthcare providers can provide positive pressure ventilation to restore oxygenation and maintain sufficient ventilation, essential for the child's recovery.

In scenarios where a child has been submerged, immediate priorities focus on ensuring the airway is open and that the child can breathe adequately, rather than on removing water from the lungs or stomach, which do not address the critical need for oxygenation and ventilation. While preventing hypothermia by removing wet clothing is important, it is a secondary concern to securing the airway and ensuring adequate ventilation in this life-threatening situation.