Cold Water Shock & Hypothermia

• Knowledge that cold shock may cause a heart attack
• Knowledge that rapid breathing caused by cold shock may lead to inhalation and drowning
• Understands that cold shock only lasts a few minutes
• Knowledge of the additional protection provided by a spray hood on a lifejacket
• Knowledge that body heat is lost far faster in water than in air.
• Understands that death is usually from drowning, either immediately if the victim has no lifejacket, or once unconscious from hypothermia
• Understands that a casualty rescued from the water must be assessed in case CPR is required and treated for hypothermia
• Understands how to rewarm a casualty safely, including use of a TPA (Thermal Protective Aid)
• Can treat and position a casualty appropriately 

The first state of a sudden / unexpected immersion in water resulting in a sudden gasp for breath followed by rapid breathing.

Cold shock (0-3 mins): Sudden lowering of skin temperature

What happens? 

• Gasp reflex,
• Sudden lowering of skin temperature causing sharp increase in blood pressure (risk of heart attack),
• Hyperventilating (risk of drowning)

Occurs when your core body temperature drops below 35 degrees centigrade. 

Immersion Hypothermia (3-30mins): Body temperature drops below 95º F. (35º C). 

What happens? 

• Cold symptoms,
• cramps,
• possible unconciousness,
• eventual heart failure or drowning.