Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
13 2
The treatment for hypothermia will of course depend on both the condition
of the survivor and the facilities available. Generally, survivors who are rational
and capable of recounting their experiences, although shivering dramatically,
merely require removal of all wet clothes and replacement with dry clothes or
blankets. Hot sweet drinks and rest in a warm environment not exceeding normal
room temperature is also recommended. However it should always be
remembered that even conscious survivors can collapse and become
unconscious shortly after rescue, they should therefore be laid down and not be
left alone. Alcohol should never be administered.
In more serious cases, where the survivor is not shivering but is semi-
conscious, unconscious or apparently dead, slow re-warming is essential. The
following measures will also be necessary to preserve life.
• Upon rescue check the survivors breathing and listen for heart sounds. If
the surveyor is not breathing, ensure the airway is clear and start artificial
respiration immediately. Attempts at resuscitation should be continued until
medical advice can be obtained, or for at least 30 minutes.
• Prevent further heat loss due to evaporation or exposure to wind.
• Do not massage the limbs.
• Avoid all unnecessary handling, even the removal of wet clothing.
• Enclose the survivor in a plastic bag or blanket, or preferably both. The
blankets should not be warmed and it is important that the head, but not the face,
is well covered. The survivor should be placed in a room that is not too warm -
15/20 degrees C (59/70 degrees F).
• Never attempt to give any fluids by mouth to an unconscious casualty.
• If the survivor is breathing but unconscious, lay him in the unconscious
position and when consciousness has been fully regained give a warm sweet
drink.
• Conscious survivors suffering from hypothermia should be laid on their
side and whenever possible, in a slightly head down attitude.
Maximize your chances of surviving by:
• Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD)
• Adopting a survival position
• Keeping clothing on
• Getting as much of body out of the water as possible
• Remaining still and in place UNLESS a floating object, another person, or
the shore is nearby
• Keeping a positive mental outlook (a will to survive really does matter)
Swimming isn't recommended unless there is little chance of being rescued and
shore is less than a mile away. Putting on a PFD after falling into cold water is
almost impossible – SO WEAR IT. If you find yourself in cold water without a