Module 5- Cold Water Immersion: 1-10-1 Principle

Question 1

What are the four phases of cold water immersion?

Answer 1

1. Cold Shock Response
2. Cold Incapacitation
3. Hypothermia
4. Circum-Rescue Collapse

Question 2

What happens during the first phase of cold water immersion and how long does it last?

Answer 2

There is a gasp, followed by hyperventilation (rapid breathing). This lasts for about a minute.

Question 3

What phase of cold water immersion is it when muscles and nerves begin to get cold and function is decreased?

Answer 3

Cold Incapacitation

Question 4

What are the body core temperature ranges for: Mild hypothermia? Moderate hypothermia? Severe hypothermia?

Answer 4

~ 35 to 32 degrees Celsius = mild hypothermia

~ 32 to 28 degrees Celsius = moderate hypothermia

< 28 degrees Celsius = severe hypothermia, heart at risk of arrest/fibrillation

Question 5

What is circum-rescue collapse, when does it happen and what causes it?

Answer 5

Circum-rescue collapse can occur before, during or shortly after rescue. Symptoms range from collapse or fainting to cardiac arrest. One likely factor is when a cold victim mentally relaxes when they see rescue or are contacted and their body stops producing stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which helps maintain blood pressure. As this happens, blood pressure decreases and their cold heart has to start working harder again and this can lead to cardiac arrest. If the victim is held in a vertical position or walks, this may cause after drop, a further decrease in heart temperature, which also may contribute to the collapse.

Question 6

What does the 1-10-1 Principle stand for?

Answer 6

• 1 minute to get your breathing under control
• 10 minutes of meaningful movement
• 1 hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia