Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Gasp

I have controlled the gasp response to prevent reflexive water inhalation. I
suspect that non-swimmers unaccustomed to cold water exposure may be at the
greatest risk. Given the other potential dangers associated with cold shock
including  increased heart rate and blood pressure, cardiac arrest, loss of
consciousness and drowning, what type of practice in cold water are you
suggesting? Prudence would dictate a physicians approval before someone
attempted a "polar bear club" type sudden immersion in cold water.

Craig
----- Original Message -----
From: "cholst" <cholst_at_bitstream.net>
To: <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2001 12:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Gasp
snip

> What I do dispute is whether the cold water gasp is truly uncontrollable
in
> situations where it would make a difference. In my experience -- and that
of
> a lot of Finns in northern Minnesota -- in the majority of cases it is
not.
>
> In those cases where people have gasped underwater and inhaled water, I
> suggest that surprise may have been as big a factor as water temperature.
In
> situations where the person is mentally prepared, I suggest that an
> underwater gasp is rare or nonexistent. By mental preparation, I mean that
> the person has chosen to immerse himself or herself in cold water, or is
> accustomed to it. Obviously, if mental preparation is an important factor,
> then practice in cold water can be as important to cold water safety as
> dressing appropriately, and should be a recommended part of it.
>
> Chuck Holst


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