Emergency Clothing for NSRI Members Flashcards
Meaning - vital organs, foul-weather gear, neoprene and closed-cell foam
vital organs - the organs that are essential to life, which are the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver
foul-weather gear - a suit consisting of a jacket and pants made from waterproof and windproof fabric
neoprene - a flexible insulating material used to make wetsuits and drysuits.
closed-cell foam - a type of sponge with closed bubbles that cannot absorb water.
what is the organisation that helps people in distress at SA’s treacherous seas
the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)
what do the NSRI wear at sea and why (include symptoms)
they wear clothing that protects them from hypothermia and drowning. Hypothermia is a dangerous condition where the body temperature drows below 35 degrees C. symptoms include severe shivering, hunger and nausea. the person is confused and may speak with a slur. the vital organs start to shut down as the person enters a coma. it’s essential that the rescuer’s clothing keeps warm and afloat, otherwise they to might suffer the same symptoms.
what are the 3 main types of clothing used by NSRI members and describe them
1 - Wetsuit
NSRI crew wear custom-made wetsuits made of 3 mm neoprene foam rubber.
foamed neoprene is a flexible material that contains gas cells. these act as insulators. neoprene is a watertight and wind-resistant material. wetsuits allow a layer of water between body and wetsuit. layer of water heated by wearer’s body and keeps rescuer warm.
2 - Life jackets
2 types life jackets worn by NSRI members. 1st type often found on pleasure boats and sailing boats. outside fabric made from nylon that covers closed-cell foam. this is special foam that is light and dense and keeps the wearer afloat.these life jackets are bulky and difficult to work in.
2nd type is called a “crew saver”. these worn by members who go far out to sea. they inflate automatically when person hits water.
3 - Foul-weather gear
this clothing consists of a jacket and pants that pull up to chest. the NSRI call it Musto foul-weather gear, after company that manufactures it. it’s made from GORE-TEX Pro Shell with Ocean Technology. this fabric is internationally known as the most durable, waterproof and breathable fabric there is.
