Last known position of missing or drowning person.The point at which the “lines of sight” or vectors intersect is the theoretical location of the subject of the search. Triangulation A method of pinpointing a position in a large area by way of using two or more intersecting lines of potential location, or “lines of sight”. before their core temperature is affected. Core Hypothermia Most adults can last 15-20 min.
Shell Hypothermia skin pale color difficulty holding objects pain loss of feeling blood vessels shut down.This figure is 10 times greater in moving water Heat is lost 25 times faster in still water than in still air. Involuntary gasp (Mammalian Dive Reflex).Suddenly falling into cold water produces 3 primary effects: The Dreaded Effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse – A public service message! Most common factors contributing to Drowning: Arms in and out of water (more in than out of the water).Secondary: Dying within 72 hours of near-drowning.Injuries / Illness after having entered the water (lacerations, seizure, heart attack, drowning).Injuries / Illness before entering the water (seizure, heart attack, unconsciousness due to trauma or illness, intoxication).The person dies from aquatic asphyxiation which occurs 90% of the time. Wet Drowning: When the larynx relaxes, water enters the trachea and the lungs. Two types of drowning: Dry Drowning: Water covers a person’s breathing passages, enters their throat, and causes an effect called laryngospasm (blockage of the upper part of the throat by muscular contraction). 15% of water fatalities occur outside the normal June - August recreation season. Most drowning victims are found fully clothed. 13% of all drowning victims are 4 years of age or younger. More Statistics: Drowning is the #3 cause of death for all ages. Drowning is the #2 cause of accidental deaths for people under 44 years of age. Statistics: 1/2 of the earth’s population will enter the water each year. Risk Benefit Analysis Risk Benefit Analysis - Is the decision making process that weighs the hazards encountered by the responder, versus the potential benefit from that exposure. Bottom Conditions Soft bottom Holes and sharp drop-offs Water/sewer outlets and intakes Boat traffic- commercial and recreational Animals/shellfish.Submerged Objects Cables and lines Sharp metal and rebar Automobiles, appliances, junk metal Rocks and sandbars Broken glass Pilings and concrete.