Is it True that if I Fall into the Arctic or Antarctic Oceans I Die Within Minutes?
Introduction
Many people, when presented with the idea of swimming or diving in the frigid waters of the Arctic or Antarctic, immediately think that it would be a suicidal act. The belief is that falling into these waters could lead to death within minutes. However, the reality is more complex and depends on various factors, primarily the water temperature and the person's attire. This article aims to address some of the common misconceptions and provide insights based on scientific evidence and real-life experiences.
The Myths and Facts of Cold Water Immersion
What is "Cold Water"?
The term "cold water" can be subjective, and its definition can vary depending on the individual and the context. Some authorities define it as water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21°C). However, the primary factor influencing survival time in cold water is not just the temperature but also what you wear. For instance, in the Arctic and Antarctic, ocean temperatures can plummet to freezing, often around 32.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0°C) or even slightly below, year-round. These conditions significantly impact how long a person can survive.
The Human Body's Reaction to Cold Water
When the human body enters cold water, it can immediately begin to experience a shutdown process. This is due to the fact that the cold water can cause the body to suffer from hypothermia, a condition that can lead to confusion and hyperventilation. Upon falling into cold water, it is not uncommon for individuals to remain confused for up to 30 seconds, and the colder the water, the more pronounced this confusion becomes. This can often result in an involuntary inhalation of water, which can further exacerbate the situation.
Real-Life Accounts
Several individuals have shared their experiences with cold water immersion, providing a more nuanced understanding of the potential outcomes. For example, one person recounted a survival story where they fell through sea ice in Hudson Bay, Canada, while wearing a UVic Thermofloat jacket. Despite being submerged for a brief period, the protective nature of the coat allowed them to bob back to the surface once the initial laryngospasm (a reflexive closing of the airway) passed. After catching their breath, the person was able to regain their composure and make it back to safety after a walk lasting about 10 to 15 minutes.
A second account mentioned breaking ice to access the water to clear a propeller, taking about 10 to 15 minutes. Another experience involved a prolonged rescue operation where a person had been in the water for 8 hours. Although the water was not Arctic, it was in an area of the Strait of Georgia, which experiences colder temperatures in the fall. In such cases, the individual's survival depends significantly on their ability to stay conscious and fight hypothermia.
Hypothermia and Survival Time
The speed at which hypothermia can set in can vary based on the water temperature and the person's attire. In street clothes, the risk of quick death is significantly higher, especially if the person cannot swim. However, wearing appropriate survival gear, like a full-body UVic Thermofloat suit, can extend survival time significantly. The person can potentially last several hours in such conditions.
Rescue and Reheating Procedures
During rescue operations, it is crucial to ensure that the individual who has been in the cold water does not give up. The length of time they can survive is highly variable and can be influenced by their mental state and physical condition. Post-rescue, the re-introduction of heat to the body must be done carefully to avoid complications like "afterdrop," where the core temperature continues to drop even after the person is removed from the cold water.
Reheating procedures should aim to restore circulation gradually. Using a device called a HEAT TREAT, which heats water and then the subject re-breathes air mixed with steam, helps in this process. The intake air-steam mix is kept at 115°F (46°C) to reheat the body from the core out, minimizing the "afterdrop" effect. Experts recommend that the reheating process continues until the patient begins to sweat, indicating that the core temperature has stabilized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the notion that falling into the Arctic or Antarctic Ocean means certain death within minutes is a myth. The duration of survival can be much longer if the person is wearing appropriate protective gear like a UVic Thermofloat suit, and medical experts can help extend this time further. Understanding and respecting the cold water environment and taking the necessary precautions are key to increasing survival chances in such extreme conditions.