Care for a Cold Person

1. When you are caring for a cold person that just got out of the water, ensure that you handle them gently, aiming to stop the fall in core temperature and establish steady, safe warming.

2. As soon as possible, remove or protect the cold person from the cold environment and create a dry, vapour barrier.

3. Give the cold person warm (not hot) chocolate to sip slowly.

4. Ensure you are prepared with the proper tools to care for a cold patient when you go out on your boat and on the land. Suggested supplies to have with you in cold environments:

• Tarp or plastic sheet for vapour barrier used inside the sleeping bag (a second one can be used as a vapour barrier outside the sleeping bag)

• Hooded sleeping bag or blanket (or something similar)

• Extra warm clothing

 Download PDF