Module 6- Cold Water Immersion: Demonstration

Question 1

What is/are the major mechanisms of heat loss for a subject in cold water?

Answer 1

Conduction.

Question 2

What is/are the major mechanisms of heat loss for a cold, wet subject once out of the water?

Answer 2

Conduction, evaporation and convection.

Question 3

What is a vapour barrier?

Answer 3

A membrane/layer that does not allow liquid or vapour to pass through. It can be put between a subject’s wet clothing and the insulation, and/or outside the insulation layer.

Question 4

What are the benefits of a vapour barrier?

Answer 4

Decrease evaporative heat loss, diminish convective heat loss, and it can keep insulation being used for the patient dry.

Question 5

What is the benefit of rolling the sides of the outer layer (e.g. a tarp) of a hypothermia wrap?

Answer 5

It makes the package smaller so it can be moved as close as possible to a subject. The rolled edge can also be used as a handle for carrying the subject.

Question 6

What affect does the cold water have on muscular performance?

Answer 6

Muscle performance decreases with length of exposure to cold water.

Question 7

What part of the vapour barrier should be folded over first?

Answer 7

The feet, followed by one side and then the other.

Question 8

Give two reasons why it is important to completely zip up a sleeping bag?

Answer 8

The patient is warmer and you have taken the time to do things slowly and correctly, therefore less mistakes are made.