Survival Techniques

Cold Water Survival

2

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).

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

Hypothermia Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of hypothermia;

1. Length of time exposed.2. Wind Chill Temperature3. Sea spray and rain.4. Clothing worn.

7

Survival Factors

The length of time a person can survive in cold water depends on three main factors;

1. Temperature of the water.

2. Physical condition of survivor.

3. Actions taken by survivor.

8

Survival Times

9

Survival Times

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

10

Survival Times

IF And was wearing

Could expect tostay 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.

11

Survival Times

Estimated time (Hours) to loss of useful Consciousness

32 41 50 59 68

0

Water Temp. – Degrees F

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Dry Suit

Anti-exposure Coveralls

Work UniformTable 2

12

Signs of Hypothermia

Shivering

Numbness

Glassy Stare

Apathy

Loss of consciousness

13

Treatment of Hypothermia

WARNING Any person pulled from cold water should be treated for hypothermia.

WARNING Do not give alcohol to anyone with hypothermia.

14

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.

15

Signs of Severe Hypothermia

May be unconscious.

May have slowed or stopped breathing.

May have slow and irregular pulse..

May feel stiff and rigid.

16

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.

17

Survival Techniques

Put on as much warm clothing as possible.

Wear PFD.

Avoid entering the water.

Before entering the water, button up clothing.

18

H.E.L.P. Position

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.

19

H.E.L.P. Position

20

Multiple People in the Water

For multiple people in the water huddle together as closely as possible.

Make as much body contact as possible.

21

Multiple People in the Water

22

The End