Which stage is NOT included in the typical stages of drowning?

The typical stages of drowning include several critical phases that a person experiences during the drowning process. One stage that is often recognized is "surprise," where the individual may first realize they are in danger, often experiencing a shocked reaction upon sudden immersion in water. "Gasping" is another stage that occurs when an individual instinctively inhales water as they struggle to breathe, often leading to an involuntary intake of water.

The stages of "unconsciousness" are also part of the drowning process, as individuals can lose consciousness due to lack of oxygen and prolonged struggle. However, "consciousness," as a defined stage, is not typically categorized in drowning stages. During drowning, individuals may begin conscious, but as they progress through the stages, they move toward unconsciousness if rescue or intervention does not occur promptly. This makes "consciousness" not a stage in itself but rather a condition that can be lost as drowning advances.

Overall, understanding these dynamics is crucial for death investigators when assessing drowning cases, as identifying the specific stages can shed light on the circumstances and timeline of the events.