After rescuing a person from cold water, what should you do?

• A. Call lifeguard or EMS and treat for hypothermia
• B. Remove from water and leave them
• C. Check for breathing only
• D. Give water and snacks

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that after a cold-water rescue, getting professional help and starting hypothermia care are the immediate priorities. Cold water drains heat from the body very quickly, and even after you’ve pulled someone to safety, their body can still be slipping into dangerous hypothermia. Calling lifeguards or EMS brings in trained responders and equipment for transport and advanced care, while you begin warming and protecting them from further heat loss.

As you wait for help, remove wet clothing if you can do so safely and cover the person with dry, insulating blankets or clothing. Keep them flat and shielded from wind, and monitor their breathing and level of consciousness. If they stop breathing or aren’t responsive, begin CPR and continue until help arrives. Offer warm, non-alcoholic fluids only if the person is alert, awake, and able to swallow; otherwise avoid giving any fluids.

Leaving them in the water or focusing only on checking breathing without arranging help and warming is dangerous. Giving water and snacks isn’t the priority when hypothermia is a concern, and could cause problems if the person isn’t fully alert or able to swallow safely.