Safety - Module 3 Flashcards
What is Cold Shock
Hyperventilation, uncontrolled gasping for air,
shortness of breath
What is the Cause of Cold Shock
Sudden contact with very cold water triggers a
reflex-like respiratory stimulus that can lead to
drowning
How to Measure Cold Shock
Slow entering in the water, clear instructions for
controlled breathing, getting immediately out
of the water and calming down if signs of
panic
What are the symptoms of Cardiovascular Problems
Racing heartbeat, chest pain, sudden weakness,
dizziness, unconsciousness, heart attack
What is the cause of Cardiovascular Problems
Constriction of blood vessels due to cold can lead
to a heart attack or circulatory collapse, especially
if there are undetected heart problems
How do you measure Cardiovascular Problems
Getting the person out of the water immediately,
lay them flat, calm them down. Start emergency
protocol if symptoms are serious.
Ice bathing can positively impact anxiety, depression, digestion, sleep, and the immune system by:
Triggering a “fight-or-flight” response, releasing endorphins, reducing inflammation, and potentially improving circulation and stress resilience
Symptoms of Hypothermia
Tremors, confusion, coordination problems,
pale or blue skin
Cause of Hypothermia
Staying in cold water for too long, inadequate
thermal protection measures after the ice bath
How to measure Hypothermia
Limiting the time participants spend in the
water (e.g. 1-3 minutes), providing warm, dry
clothing immediately after the icebath, wrap
the affected person in blankets and offer warm
(not hot) drinks if necessary
Symptoms of Frost Bite
Pale or waxy skin, numbness, tingling, swelling,
stiffness, blisters, blackened tissue due to necrosis
What is Necrosis
Is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue
What causes Frost Bite
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, freezing
of skin and underlying tissues due to reduced
blood flow and ice crystal formation in cells
How to Measure Frost Bite
Limiting the time in the water, wearing neoprene
gloves and socks, drying and warming extremities
immediately after, and monitoring for numbness
or skin changes
Raynaud Symptoms
Cold triggers, pale or bluish skin, numbness,
tingling, pain, especially in fingers and tows
What causes Raynauds
Cold exposure, vasoconstriction, reduced blood
flow, stress response
How to measure Raynauds
Wearing insulated gloves and socks in the
icebath, limiting exposure time, warming up
gradually, rubbing the fingers together, holding
the fingers under lukewarm water, stimulating
the blood circulation in the fingers
Symptoms of Cold Induced Urticaria
Hives, itching, swelling, and redness on the skin
after cold exposure
What causes Cold Induced Urticaria
Release of histamine in response to cold
exposure, leading to allergic reactions in the skin
How to measure Cold Induced Urticaria
Warming up gradually, avoiding scratching,
applying soothing creams, seeking medical help
if symptoms persist or worsen
Symptoms of Cramps or Numbness
Muscle pain, inability to move, exhaustion
Cause of Cramps or Numbness
Cold leads to muscle tension, restricted
mobility and, in extreme cases, a complete loss
of control
How to measure Cramps or Numbness
Helping the patient out of the water
immediately, massaging gently and warming
up slowly
Symptoms of Respiratory Problems
Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, gasping,
chest tightness, dizziness, wheezing
Cause of Respiratory Problems
Cold shock response triggers rapid breathing,
increased heart rate, and vasoconstriction, as
well as irritation of the airways
How to measure Respiratory Problems
Calming the participant, helping them out of the
water immediately, encouraging controlled
breathing, ensuring warmth is provided quickly,
seeking medical attention if symptoms persist
Chain of Survival
Safety
Emergency Call
First Aid
Triple ‘S’ Rule
Scene
Safety
Situation
Emergency Call
999 or 112
111 for non emergency medical advice
Emergency Call Location
Where am I
Vital Signs
Brain = Consciousness
Heart = Circulation (pulse)
Lungs = Breathing
Anyone who is breathing has a circulation
Breathing Assesment
Tilt head back
Hear, see & feel for breathing
Check for 5 - 10 seconds
Normal Breathing
Yes = Recovery Position
No = CPR
Recovery Position
- Head tilted back to prevent tongue from blocking the airway.
- The mouth should be at the lowest point of the head to allow any vomit to drain out
CPR Theory
The upper body has to be exposed
100 - 120 bpm
Depth 4 - 6cm
Center of the chest, lower half of the sternum
Hard, stable surface for effective compressions
Breathing Theory
Tilt the head back
Mouth to mouth breathing - pinch the nose
Use tidal volume -> a normal breath
Observe exhalation and chest excursion
Does CPR pump blood to the brain
Yes, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) helps to pump blood to the brain and other organs when the heart has stopped beating, maintaining oxygen flow until medical help arrives
Air to Oxygen in the blood
When you breathe in, oxygen from the air enters your lungs and diffuses into the bloodstream through tiny air sacs (alveoli), where it is picked up by red blood cells and carried to the body’s tissues and cells.
What is AED / Defibrillation
A portable device that can help restart the heart during cardiac arrest. Find them on the wall around Topsham in a yellow box.
What not to do?
Do not use in water, remove wet clothes, make sure the person is on a dry surface and dry the chest where the pads will go
What is Afterdrop?
Further
drop in core body
temperature after
rewarming begins.
What is the cause of Afterdrop?
Caused by the
return of cold blood
from extremities to the
core during
rewarming.
What are the risks of Afterdrop?
Can lead to
dangerous cardiac
arrhythmias and other
complications.
How to prevent Afterdrop?
Avoid
vigorous rewarming of
limbs. Focus on gentle,
core-centered
rewarming (e.g.,
blankets).
What is the keypoint to Aftershock?
Handle the hypothermic
patient gently to prevent worsening
of hypothermia!
Stage 1 - Hypothermia
Mild - (32-35C). Conscious, shivering
Stage 2 - Hypothermia
Moderate - (28 - 32C). Impaired consciousness,
no shivering
Stage 3 - Hypothermia
Severe (<28℃). Unconscious,
no shivering
Therapy - Stage 1 - Mild
Move to a warm, sheltered area
* Remove wet clothing and replace with dry layers
* Offer warm, sugary drinks if the person is alert (no caffeine or alcohol!)
* Gentle movement like horse stances or other slow, low-intensity movement
can be beneficial. Intense physical activities worsen the hypothermia!
Stage 2 - Therapy - Moderate
Move to a warm, sheltered area
* Remove wet clothing and replace with dry layers
* Avoid active rewarming techniques that could cause afterdrop Moderate * Monitor for confusion or fatigue
Stage 3 - Therapy - Severe
Handle the patient very gentle to prevent cardiac issues
* Remove wet clothing and replace with dry layers
* Avoid active rewarming techniques that could cause afterdrop Severe * Begin CPR if there is no normal breathing
Summary
Stay Calm & Assess the Situation
Check Vital Signs
Perform CPR If Necessary
Be Aware of Hypothermia Risks
Afterdrop Awareness
Practice & Preparedness
First Aid & Emergency Management
√ First aid training
√ Emergency
numbers at hand
√ Know your training
environment
Check possible Health Restrictions
√ Health
questionnaire before
the training
√ Health disclaimer
Pay particular attention to Risk Groups
√ Beginners
√ Elderly
√ Participants with
health issues
Deal with Psychological
Reactions
√ Understand fear or
panic
√ Stay calm and
patient
√ Gradual
introduction to the
More Information cold
How to warm up after Ice Bath or Plunging quickly?
After a cold plunge, the horse stance, a rhythmic movement from martial arts, helps with warming up by engaging core and leg muscles, which generates extra heat, and serves as a mental anchor to maintain focus
