Rhode Island Boater Practice Test

How should you treat a victim of cold water immersion or hypothermia?

1. Provide lots of hot coffee

2. Make the victim walk around

3. Put the victim in a tub of hot water

4. Seek medical help immediately

The correct answer is: Seek medical help immediately

In cases of cold water immersion or hypothermia, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately. Hypothermia can have serious consequences, and professional medical evaluation is necessary to manage the condition properly. Medical professionals have the expertise to assess the severity of hypothermia and provide appropriate interventions, such as monitored re-warming techniques that ensure the victim’s safety. The other choices may seem beneficial but can actually worsen the situation. Providing hot coffee can lead to a rapid increase in body temperature, which might cause shock. Encouraging the victim to walk around can result in increased blood flow to the extremities, which can further lower core body temperature. Immersing a victim in a tub of hot water can also lead to dangerous complications, including cardiovascular problems, as the body can react poorly to a sudden temperature shift. Therefore, seeking professional medical assistance is the safest and most effective approach to treating someone with hypothermia.