Description
This article is from the Sea
Kayaking FAQ, by Todd Leigh with numerous contributions by
others.
40 What is cold shock?
Cold shock is not hypothermia but it is caused by sudden immersion in
cold water. It is an involuntary gasp reflex followed by
hyperventilation. These affect the ability to breath normally and can
cause the breathing in of water that can result in
drowning. Typically, there is one gasp reflex. The hyperventilation
can last 10 to 15 minutes. It does not occur in all cold water
immersions.
Cold shock can complicate a rescue. The gasp reflex can interfere with
ones roll due to the involuntary breathing in of water. The
hyperventilation will prevent a person from holding their breath for
very long complicating the ability to do a reentry and roll. The
hyperventilation can also cause panic in some people due to the
inability to breath properly and/or the breathing in of water in rough
seas.
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