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Survival Techniques Cold Water Survival
Objectives 6.1.0 Without references and without error, IDENTIFY issues related to cold water survival, in accordance with the Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, COMDTINST M16114.10, (Series) and the Rescue and Survival Systems Manual, COMDTINST M10470.10. (Series).
Objectives 6.1.1 IDENTIFY, the three main factors that determine how long a person can stay alive in cold water. 6.1.2 DESCRIBE the preventive measures that can be used to increase the chances for successful cold water survival. 6.1.3 IDENTIFY the factors that increase the threat of hypothermia.
Objectives 6.1.4 IDENTIFY the signs of hypothermia. 6.1.5 IDENTIFY the treatment for hypothermia. 6.1.6 Given local water temperature tables, cold water survival table and job aid DETERMINE local survival times.
Hypothermia • Hypothermia is defined as the loss of internal body temperature. • Mild hypothermia if core temperature falls below 98 F. • Severe hypothermia can cause unconsciousness or death.
Hypothermia Risk Factors Factors that increase the risk of hypothermia; • Length of time exposed. • Wind Chill Temperature • Sea spray and rain. • Clothing worn.
Survival Factors The length of time a person can survive in cold water depends on three main factors; • Temperature of the water. • Physical condition of survivor. • Actions taken by survivor.
If And looses body heat Could expect to survive A person is immersed in 50o F water Slowly About 5 hours Average About 2 1/2 hours Quickly About 2 hours Survival Times
IF And was wearing Could expect to stay conscious A person was immersed in 50° F water. A work uniform For less than 2 hours. Antiexposure coveralls For less than 4 hours. Dry suit For about 10 hours. Survival Times
14 Dry Suit 12 10 Anti-exposure Coveralls 8 6 4 Work Uniform 2 0 32 41 50 59 68 Water Temp. – Degrees F Survival Times Estimated time (Hours) to loss of useful Consciousness Table 2
Signs of Hypothermia • Shivering • Numbness • Glassy Stare • Apathy • Loss of consciousness
Treatment of Hypothermia WARNING Any person pulled from cold water should be treated for hypothermia. WARNING Do not give alcohol to anyone with hypothermia.
Treatment of Hypothermia • Care for life-threatening problems. • Move to warm place. • Remove wet clothing and dry. • Warm slowly. • Wrap in blankets/dry clothing. • If alert, give warm liquids. • Handle gently.
Signs of Severe Hypothermia • May be unconscious. • May have slowed or stopped breathing. • May have slow and irregular pulse.. • May feel stiff and rigid.
Treating Severe Hypothermia • Treat very gently. • Transport to a medical facility as quickly as possible. • Keep checking pulse and respiration. • Be prepared to give rescue breathing and CPR. • Continue to warm.
Survival Techniques • Put on as much warm clothing as possible. • Wear PFD. • Avoid entering the water. • Before entering the water, button up clothing.
Heat Escape Lessening Position Cross arms & keep elbows close to your side. Cross your legs & bring knees to your chest. Keep head & neck out of the water. Works best when wearing a PFD. H.E.L.P. Position
Multiple People in the Water • For multiple people in the water huddle together as closely as possible. • Make as much body contact as possible.