Hypothermia and Cold Water Survival Flashcards
Medical emergency that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to water temperatures colder than ___
77°F
Extremities squeeze warm blood to the core to protect vital organs
Peripheral Vasoconstriction
Water will rob the body of heat ___ times faster than air alone
25
Movement ___ heat loss
Increases
In the water, heat loss can be minimized by ___
Protecting head, neck, and thorax. Get as much out of the water as possible. HELP.
HELP
Heat Escape Lessening Position
The majority of the body’s heat loss occurs from the ___
Head, neck, and thorax
Body’s natural tendency when reacting to cold
Hunch shoulders, cross arms in front, and crouch
Vasoconstriction ___ blood pressure
Increases
Vasoconstriction is caused by ___
Contraction of the muscular walls
During vasoconstriction, extremities are ___
Pale and more prone to cold injuries
With normal blood volume, your body can ___
Circulate enough fluids to your muscles and organs to maintain core temperature
Dehydration causes ___
Reduced blood volume, faster heart beat, and increased blood pressure
Factors that accelerate the onset of hypothermia
- Prolonged immersion in water colder than body temperature
- Sea spray
- Air temperature
- Wind chill
- Movement in cold water
- Unprotected major heat loss areas
- Dehydration
- Thin physique
1-10-1 rule
1 minute for controlled breathing
10 minutes of meaningful movement
1 hour of conciousness
Who came up with the 1-10-1 rule? (bonus question)
Dr Gordon Giesbrecht, professor of thermophysiology at the University of Manitoba
Top factors affecting cold water survival time
- Water temperature
- Exposure time
- Protective wear
- General circulatory health
- Age
- Body fat
- Control breathing
- Don’t panic
- Will to live
The perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body on exposed skin due to the flow of air
Wind chill
