Safety, Fire & Survival · First Aid — Hypothermia Rewarming
When treating a severely hypothermic casualty recovered from cold water, rescuers should:
- AVigorously rub the arms and legs to restore circulation
- BHandle gently, remove wet clothing, insulate and rewarm slowly, and avoid vigorous movement or rubbing the limbs✓ Correct
- CGive the casualty alcohol to warm them
- DPlace the casualty immediately in very hot water
Explanation
Severe hypothermia makes the heart prone to fatal arrhythmia, so the casualty is handled gently, kept horizontal, dried, insulated, and rewarmed gradually (warm trunk first). Rubbing limbs, sudden movement, alcohol, and very hot immersion can trigger 'afterdrop' and cardiac arrest.
Authority: Ship Captain's Medical Guide; STCW A-VI/1; hypothermia first aid
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