Wilderness Medicine Podcast September 2019 - Wilderness & Environmental Medicine Live
Sep 4, 2019
David J. Farstad, an expert on cold water immersion syndrome, discusses the critical risks of cold exposure during outdoor activities and shares preventive strategies for enthusiasts. Jake McRae, a medical student and search-and-rescue member, reveals how drones were pivotal in a high-altitude rescue, showcasing their capability in challenging environments. Both guests highlight the evolving nature of wilderness medicine and its integration with advanced technology, emphasizing safety and innovative solutions in the field.
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Phases Explain Sudden Immersion Deaths
- Cold water immersion syndrome has distinct phases: cold shock, swim failure, hypothermia, and post-rescue collapse.
- The cold shock and swim-failure phases likely explain many sudden whitewater immersion deaths without obvious pathology.
Temperature And Surprise Amplify Shock
- Cold shock intensity increases as water temperature decreases and peaks around 10–15°C.
- Sudden, unanticipated immersion magnifies the response two to threefold versus slow immersion.
Syndrome Occurs At Warmer Temps Than Expected
- Research from the University of Portsmouth indicates cold immersion responses occur at or below about 20–25°C, not only at extremely cold temps.
- The diving reflex threshold overlaps this temperature range, linking multiple reflexes to risk.