What is an essential immediate consideration for someone rescued from cold water?

• A. Treat for hypothermia
• B. Give them a hot beverage
• C. Let them rest outdoors
• D. Ignore symptoms

Answer: (A)

The essential immediate consideration is addressing hypothermia. When someone is pulled from cold water, their core temperature can drop quickly, and the danger remains even after they’re out of the water. The priority is to prevent further heat loss and start safe rewarming as soon as possible.

Move the person to a warm, sheltered place and remove wet clothing. Cover them with dry blankets or clothing, especially wrapping around the head and torso to conserve heat. If they’re conscious and able to swallow, offer a warm nonalcoholic beverage and keep them lying down, monitoring breathing and level of consciousness. Avoid giving hot drinks to someone who is unconscious or cannot swallow. Handle them gently—avoid rubbing or massaging limbs, which can cause tissue damage or trigger dangerous rhythms in hypothermic states. Do not rely on resting outdoors as a way to rewarm, and do not ignore symptoms; treat hypothermia as the immediate, critical concern and seek urgent medical help for proper assessment and warming.