15
How hypothermia affects most adults
Water
Exhaustion or
Expected
Temperature ˚C (˚f)
Unconsciousness
Time of Survival
0.3 (32.5)
Under 15 min.
Under 15–45 min.
0.3–4 (32.5–40)
15–30 min.
30–90 min.
4–10 (40–50)
30–60 min.
1–3 hrs
10–16 (50–60)
1–2 hrs.
1–6 hrs.
16–21 (60–70)
2–7 hrs.
2–40 hrs.
21–27 (70–80)
2–12 hrs.
3 hrs. to Indefinite
over 27 (over 80)
Indefinite
Indefinite
PfDs can increase survival time because they allow you to float
without using energy treading water and because of their insulating
properties. Naturally, the warmer the water, the less insulation you
will require. When operating in cold waters [below 60°f (15.6°C)] you
should consider using a coat or jacket style PfD or a Type V Thermal
Protective PfD as they cover more of the body than the vest or belt
style PfDs. Some Points to Remember About hypothermia Protection:
1) Always wear your Inflatable PfD. Even if you become
incapacitated due to hypothermia, the Inflatable PfD will keep you
afloat and greatly improve your chances of rescue.
2) Do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a nearby craft, fellow
survivor, or a floating object on which you can lean or climb.
Swimming increases the rate of body heat loss. In cold water,
drown-proofing methods that require putting your head in the
water are not recommended. Keep your head out of the water. This
will greatly lessen heat loss and increase your survival time.
3) Use the standard h.E.L.P. position when wearing an Inflatable PfD,
drawing the legs up to a seated position, because doing so will
help you conserve body heat (fig. 10).
4) Keep a positive attitude about your survival and rescue. This
will improve your chances of extending your survival time until
rescued. Your will-to-live does make a difference!
5) If there is more than one person in the water, huddling is
recommended while waiting to be rescued. This action tends to
reduce the rate of heat loss and thus increase the survival time.
Summary of Contents for MD3071
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