Wilderness Medicine: Immersion and Drowning

Dr. Donner discusses swim failure, hypothermia, drowning, hyperventilation, cold water cooling, life jackets, and more.
Video 1 of 3 on cold water immersion and drowning.
-
MedWild: Wilderness Medicine, Rescue, Survival
-
Dr. Howard Donner's unique medical practice has taken him to the farthest reaches of the globe. He began his career working 8 years as a professional river and mountain guide. Now specializing in high altitude and expedition medicine, he has advised mountaineers, rescuers and aerospace personnel throughout his career.
Howard spent 3 climbing seasons as a rescue doctor for the Denali National Park Service at the 14,000 foot medical/rescue station. He has worked on numerous medical projects in the Himalayas including the first American ascent of Kangchenjunga, two seasons as a staff physician for the Himalayan Rescue Association, and as expedition doctor on the 1998 NOVA Everest expedition.
Howard also served for 5 years as a medical operations consultant for NASA, where he was involved in the design of the Shuttle and International Space Station medical systems. He is a commercial pilot and Certified Flight Instructor.
-
Video by Kyle Allred
-
Please Note: MedWild Videos are for educational purposes and not intended to replace recommendations by your health care provider.

[@MedWild]

See the instructor in this video (Dr. Howard Donner) give presentations and teach a variety of hands-on workshops at the upcoming National CME Conferences on Wilderness Medicine. All medical specialities are welcome! wilderness-medicine.com

[@WildMedGuru1]

Great series

[@michaeldooley5331]

Dr. Donner, last fall I was at a party which took place near a creek. I wanted to show off my ability to swim in cold water on a dare. I had a few drinks earlier and had not eaten since breakfast. I also had only slept 3 hours the night before. I was so weak after a minute in the water that I could barely move. Could you highlight the dangers of combining cold water, sleep deprivation and alcohol?

[@bunnymanmoe8819]

Don't do that shit again.

[@god-la-7wins-verdad-942]

in cold water "YOU HAVE TO WEAR A LIFE JACKET", 👍🏽

[@ginettetraversy5253]

Thank you for your input and setting up hypothermia straight! I am a participant volunteer who be dropped in cold water and help on hypothermia research from Dr. Giesbrecht, check the education video at: www.coldwaterbootcamp.com

[@MedWild]

Ginette Traversy Thanks for doing that valuable research!