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The initial responses to cold-water immersion in man.
1Institute of Naval Medicine, Robens Institute, Surrey University, Guildford, U.K.
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|December 1, 1989
Summary
The cold-shock response can cause severe harm or death before general hypothermia sets in. This physiological reaction is likely the primary cause of most open-water immersion fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Cold-water immersion presents significant risks.
- Understanding physiological responses to cold is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological effects of cold-shock response.
- To determine the contribution of cold-shock response to drowning fatalities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarized in Fig. 1.
- Analysis of cold-shock response mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Cold-shock response can lead to incapacitation or death.
- This occurs before the development of general hypothermia.
Conclusions:
- Cold-shock response is a critical factor in cold-water immersion incidents.
- It is likely responsible for most open-water immersion deaths.