Hypothermia is the abnormal lowering
of the body’s internal temperature
resulting from loss of heat from exposure
to cold air, wind, or water. It can occur
even on a bright, sunny day. It is life-threatening
cold, but not the type of cold you feel
on a cold day. Many deaths that had been
attributed to drowning actually occurred
due to hypothermia.
The effects of hypothermia appear
more quickly in water than in air and much
more quickly in cold water. Be particularly
careful in northern lakes in late spring
when the water temperatures are still very
low. More victims of marine accidents lose
their lives from hypothermia than from
drowning. The use of alcohol accelerates
the onset of hypothermia.
To delay the occurrence of hypothermia,
dress warmly, and stay dry and
out of the wind. If you fall into the water,
and are wear ing a life jacket, you can delay
hypothermia by remaining inactive. A life
jacket lessens the need to move around in
the water, and will help conserve and retain
body heat.
Alone in the water, hold the inner
side of your arms tightly against the side
of your chest; press your thighs together
and raise them to close off the groin region
where blood vessels are close to the surface.
This is the H.E.L.P. position (Heat Escape
Lessening Posture).
Section 11: Adverse Conditions and Emergencies 119
When there is more than one victim
in the water, the huddle position is recommended.
Victims huddle together as
a group with chests side by side and arms
around each other’s shoulder to minimize
heat loss.
Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
Carbon monoxide, CO, poisoning is the
cause of a startling number of boating fatalities.
Often called the “silent killer,” carbon
monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless
gas that effectively blocks oxygen delivery
to the body. It is the result of incomplete
burning of any material contain ing
Table 11-3a. Hypothermia
From First Aid Fast* by The American Red Cross
SIGNALS
Shivering, numbness, glassy stare
Apathy, weakness, impaired judgment
Loss of consciousness
CARE
Seek immediate medical attention.
Send someone to call for an ambulance. On the water, radio for medical assistance
on Ch 16.
CHECK the scene and the person.
CHECK breathing and pulse.
Give rescue breathing and CPR as necessary and if trained.
Gently move the person out of the cold.
Remove wet clothing and dry the person.
Insulate the person’s body from the cold ground.
Warm the person SLOWLY by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on
them.
Share body heat.
Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when fi rst wrapped in a
towel or blanket before applying.
WHAT NOT TO DO
DO NOT WARM THE PERSON TOO QUICKLY, such as immersing him or her
in warm water. Rapid warming can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
Don’t apply direct heat
Don’t massage or rub
Don’t provide alcoholic beverages
* Certain information on medical emergencies in this chapter has been extracted from First Aid Fast, a publication
of the American Red Cross. The United States Power Squadrons is grateful to the American Red Cross for their
permission to use this material in this student manual.
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