Cold shock

Cold shock can occur if a paddler is immersed in cold water suddenly. The body has natural reactions to this condition which include:

1. A victim may inhale sharply (involuntary gasping reflex).
2. Exposure of the head and chest to cold water causes sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure that may result in cardiac arrest.
3. Other responses to cold water immersion result in immediate loss of consciousness and drowning.

If suddenly immersed in cold water, the paddler must actively prevent the gasping reflex. As well, breathing must be brought under control quickly. If these things are done, hypothermia can be held off for a while and rescue, including self-rescue, is more likely to succeed.

See also: Hypothermia.