Rote eerer aug Scientists and medical researchers have been studying the effects on humans of immersion in cold water under condition’s similar to those experienced in boating accidents on our large lakes and coastal waters. Continuing research is being used to find ways to increase survival times through knowledge of behaviors in the water that reduce body cooling rates. Even a small increase in survival time can mean the difference between being alive or dead when rescuers arrive. Boaters (and others in danger of accidental immersion in cold water), should y be aware of the factors thar determine body cooling rate and eventual death from hypother- stofedictedk mia. Such knowledge can help one avoid accidents or improve chances of survival if ane if : frit does occur. ; , EDECE et COLD WATER SURVIVAL CHART SHOULD 1 SWIM TO KEEP WARM? No! Although the body produces almost three times as much heat when swimming slowly and steadily in cold water compared to holding still, this extra heat is lost in the cold water due to more blood circulation to the arms, legs and skin. Results show that the person swimming in a lifejacket couls 35% faster chan when holding still. WHAT BODY REGIONS ARE THE CRITICAL AREAS FOR HEAT LOSS? The head and the neck are the most critical heat lass areas. In addition, certain other body regions have high rates of heat loss while a subject is holding still in cold water. The sides of the chest (where there is little muscle or body fat) are che major routes far oN Soe . heat Joss from the warm. chest cavity. The groin region also loses much heat due to Prd cats . Uh at en Strong lange Hood vessels near the surface. Extra effort must be made 10 conserve body heat } taking: ‘ possibility of in these regions. survival if rescued - can WHAT BEHAVIORS WILL INCREASE help themselves SURVIVAL TIME? Based on the heat loss information, two techniques were tested that attempted to reduce heat loss from the critical areas. HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position) This technique involves holding the inner side of che arms ayainse the side of che chest over the “hot region”. The thighs are pressed together and raised to close off the groin WATER TEMPERATURE ‘ region. This hody position was indeed a significant we help, resulting in nearly a 50% increase in pre- dicted survival time. WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA AND HOW DOES IT KILL? G formal cant Hypothermia is the lowering of deep body temperature (less of body heat) that piaces y syranagian, OWS! ¢ Pe s . the body in a general state of shock, which in cum depresses normal bedy functions. In : , ise Levee " fe cold water, the skin and extemal tissues become cooled very rapidly. However, it takes é, 10-15 minutes before the temperature of the heart, brain and other internal organs “begin to drop. Intense shivering occurs in an attempt to increase the body's heat pro- duction and counteract the large heat loss. Once cooling begins, the body remperature __ - fails steadily and unconsciousness can occur when the deep body or core temperature drops from the normal 37°C (98.6'F) to approxinuitely 32°C (89°F). Cardiac azrest is HUDDLE the us he ne usual aus of death when the core temperature cools to below 30 (87) “Common sense” would predict longer survival time with huddling. Studies show that if the huddle is formed so that the sides of the chest of different persons are held close : HOW LONG CAN I SURVIVE IN COLD together, a 50% increase in predicted survival time is obtained. W ATER? In the unfortunate event of cold warer immersion, your cate of progress into hypother- : : : * : mia depends on a variety of factors, These are: water temperature, what you are wear- ‘The graph shows average predicted survival times of average, adult humans in water of ing, your body build (particularly the percentage of body fat), weather conditions, and * different temperatures. The figures are based on experimental cooling of average men how you behave in the watet. and women who were holding still in ocean water and wearing a standand lifejacket and In cases where signs of severe hypothermia are evident the casualty may agpear to have ‘: light clothing: The graph shows, for example, that predicted survival time is about no vital signs of lifes this does not necessarily indicate the casualry’s death. Immediate 2.1/2-3 hours in water of 10°C (50°F). Predicted survival time is increased by extra body medical attention may save an individual in this situation. fat and decrease by small body sise. Alchough women generally possess slightly more fat Where possible, have the castsairy immediately transported to hospital where more than men they cool slightly faster due to their usually smaller body size. However, for sophisticated rewarming techniques and monitoring of the heart and other body func- a : comparal ble sizes, she man will cool faster. tions can be carried out. . Putting Quality First | fo ae iy leorvisiced erenar with brakes he co ms fList $30,405 135 LX Mercrulser | “gh ee at SALE 27,385 Galvinized trailer with brakes . : yen Payments from $368 0.A.C., List $25,260 2 SALE 22,734 . i aq Payments from $339 0.A.., ; iar ee Teese 3.400 : 5 Litre Mercruiser oy. @050 CAPRILS CUDDY List fee.e28 “newer Bammer ye ae eee $19,880 60.2. 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