Question 1

A crew member recovered from cold water is shivering violently, confused, and pale. What stage of hypothermia is this and what is the correct treatment?

Accepted Answer

Mild to moderate hypothermia (core temp ~32–35°C) — remove wet clothing, insulate from wind and cold, warm with blankets and foil, give warm sweet drinks if conscious and no injury suspected, handle gently and do NOT rub limbs Shivering with confusion = mild-moderate hypothermia. Treatment: protect from environment; remove wet clothing (avoid vigorous movement — cold blood from extremities flushing to core can cause cardiac arrest); insulate; warm externally; do NOT rub limbs; give warm fluids only if conscious and uninjured. Severe hypothermia (rigid, no shivering) — treat as cardiac arrest, CPR may be needed.

Question 2

A near-drowning casualty has been recovered from the water. They are unconscious and not breathing. What is the immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Start rescue breaths (5 initial breaths) immediately, then begin standard CPR (30 compressions : 2 breaths) — airway and breathing take priority as drowning is a hypoxic event Drowning is a hypoxic (oxygen deprivation) emergency. Unlike cardiac arrest in adults, rescue breaths are critical — give 5 initial rescue breaths, then 30:2 CPR. Continue until breathing resumes or help arrives. If on a vessel with no AED, focus on quality CPR with rescue breaths. Do NOT attempt to drain water from the lungs — it delays oxygenation and is ineffective.

Question 3

A casualty has pale, cold, clammy skin, a rapid weak pulse, and is feeling faint after a heavy bleed. What condition is this and what is the treatment?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolaemic (circulatory) shock — control bleeding, lay flat and raise legs if no spinal injury suspected, keep warm, do not give anything by mouth, maintain airway, call for help Circulatory (hypovolaemic) shock: the body is not perfusing vital organs adequately. Signs: pale/cold/clammy, rapid weak pulse, anxiety, confusion. Treatment: control bleeding first; lay flat, legs raised 30cm if no spinal or chest injury; keep warm; nothing by mouth (compromises surgery); monitor and reassure; call for emergency help. Speed to hospital is critical.

First Aid Afloat Practice Questions