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).
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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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
Hypothermia Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of
hypothermia;
1. Length of time exposed.
2. Wind Chill Temperature
3. Sea spray and rain.
4. Clothing worn.
6
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.
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Survival Times
8
Survival Times
If
A person
is
immersed
in 50o F
water
And looses
body heat
Could expect
to survive
Slowly
About 5 hours
Average
About 2 1/2
hours
About 2 hours
Quickly
9
Survival Times
IF
A person
was
immersed
in 50° F
water.
And was
wearing
A work
uniform
Could expect to
stay conscious
For less than 2
hours.
Antiexposure
coveralls
For less than 4
hours.
Dry suit
For about 10
hours.
10
Survival Times
14
Dry Suit
12
Estimated time
(Hours) to loss
of useful
Consciousness
10
Anti-exposure
Coveralls
8
6
4
Table 2
Work
Uniform
2
0
32
41
50
59
68
Water Temp. – Degrees F
11
Signs of Hypothermia
Shivering
Numbness
Glassy Stare
Apathy
Loss of consciousness
12
Treatment of Hypothermia
WARNING Any person pulled from cold
water should be treated for hypothermia.
WARNING Do not give alcohol to
anyone with hypothermia.
13
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.
14
Signs of Severe Hypothermia
May be unconscious.
May have slowed or stopped
breathing.
May have slow and irregular pulse..
May feel stiff and rigid.
15
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.
16
Survival Techniques
Put on as much warm clothing as
possible.
Wear PFD.
Avoid entering the water.
Before entering the water, button up
clothing.
17
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.
18
H.E.L.P. Position
19
Multiple People in the Water
For multiple people in the water
huddle together as closely as
possible.
Make as much body contact as
possible.
20
Multiple People in the Water
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The End
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