Assessing Hypothermia Risk at Different Immersion Depths
Abstract
Cold water immersion introduces a challenging environmental condition for the Warfighter due to the risk of hypothermia. This study aimed to expand the current immersion table guidance by increasing the number of depths and adding an additional metabolic intensity. Volunteers were asked to complete three experimental trials in cold water (10 C) immersed at three randomized depths of below groin-level, waist-level, and chest-level. Volunteers stood motionless for the first hour of immersion before donning a 35 kg rucksack and walking at 1 MPH (0.45 m/s) and 2 MPH (0.89 m/s) for hours two and three respectively. Limited datasets prevent formal conclusions from being made but rectal temperature decreased rapidly with the onset of exercise. Skin temperatures decreased close to the water temperature within an hour of immersion or quickly after exercise began. Ambulating in water appears to be a key factor in heat loss as rectal temperature fell at a faster rate once exercise began. While no sufficient conclusions can be made from the limited data collected, the low recruitment and retention of volunteers offers insight into how future protocols can offset recruitment issues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1224592
Entities
People
- Afton D. Seeley
- Andrew M. Greenfield
- Benjamin M Rowe
- Catherine O'brien
- Nisha Charkoudian
- Phillip O Bodurtha
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine