Prediction of body Cooling

Abstract : The prediction of survival time for cold water immersion is very difficult due to several uncertainties. Foremost is the lack of well-documented data; hence the reliance of extrapolative techniques from controlled exposures involving mild levels of hypothermia. A second obstacle is the wide variability of individual response to cold. The challenge of prediction is further exacerbated by the ambiguity in the definition of survival time. These concerns must be addressed to improve the safety and rescue of people in the offshore environment. An international workshop was held to investigate the role of survival prediction models with a special emphasis on terminology.