If you are unsure about the hypothermia type, the recommended action is to treat the victim as which category?

Prepare for the Water Survival 929 Test. Use flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get water safe!

When you’re not sure how cold the person’s core temperature is, treat them as if the hypothermia is severe. Severe hypothermia can deteriorate quickly and quietly, so a cautious, aggressive approach helps prevent a missed life-threatening situation. Start rewarming the body’s core and reduce further heat loss while arranging fast transport to medical care. Remove wet clothing, insulate with dry layers and a blanket, and place warming packs on the chest, neck, and groin to raise core temperature gradually. Avoid rubbing the limbs or applying direct, intense heat to the skin. Keep the person still and monitor breathing and responsiveness. If they stop breathing, begin CPR if you’re trained, and call for emergency help. In a water survival context, prioritize rapid, gentle rewarming and evacuation because the risk of rapid decline is greater if the hypothermia is unknown.