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Cold water immersion after rescue — DipIMC MCQ

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HardEnvironmental MedicineCold water immersion after rescueDipIMC

At a coastal incident, a 35-year-old is rescued after 20 minutes in cold seawater. He is conscious but confused, shivering, core temperature 32°C, SpO2 95% and has no obvious trauma. What is the triage category?

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Correct answer: A — Priority 2 (yellow)

Moderate hypothermia with confusion needs urgent assessment and monitored transfer, but there is no current airway, breathing or circulatory collapse. This fits P2 rather than P3 because delayed deterioration and post-rescue collapse are concerns. Re-triage is required if consciousness or perfusion worsens.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; MIMMS