Quick Answer
Cold water immersion training typically involves exposure to water temperatures below 15°C (59°F), which triggers an immediate physiological response, including rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and gasping for air.
Physiological Response to Cold Water Immersion
During cold water immersion, the body’s initial response is the “cold shock response,” which occurs within 30 seconds of submersion. This response is characterized by an intense gasping for air, rapid heart rate, and increased blood pressure. The body’s core temperature begins to drop, and the heart rate accelerates to conserve heat. The cold shock response is followed by the “hypothermic response,” where the body’s metabolic rate slows, and the heart rate decreases.
Training Techniques and Guidelines
Cold water immersion training is typically conducted in a controlled environment, with a trained instructor present to monitor the trainee. The water temperature is usually set between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F), and the training session lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Trainees are typically instructed to remain calm, breathe normally, and avoid struggling or fighting the water. If a trainee starts to experience distress, they are removed from the water immediately, and first aid is provided.
Safety Precautions and Rescue Techniques
Cold water immersion training requires proper safety precautions and rescue techniques. A trained rescue team is always on standby, and a defibrillator is available in case of cardiac arrest. Trainees learn how to perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a person who has experienced cardiac arrest due to cold water immersion. Additionally, trainees learn how to use a rescue tube or other flotation devices to safely recover a person from the water.
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