: Not so much the panic as the pain of cold water shock and
: uncontrolled breathing and shivering. And the rewarm has to be
: done very carefully to avoid killing once the core drops.

: FIRST RESPONDER QUIZ: what is that core temperature and what are
: the symptoms?

I did a lot of inquiry into the "Cold Water Boot Camp" films a few years ago, purchasing all three versions, as well as corresponded with the film director and Dr. Giesbrecht. While Giesbrecht is conducting needed research on cold water survival and freely sharing that information for the safety of all, he also is extremely careful of the safety of all participants involved in the trials. There were (are) much greater safety precautions than apparent in the films or film clips. The film editing omits the extra precautions to keep the focus on the experiences of the participants.

There are MD's present in addition to the highly trained rescue workers. Out of sight at the CWBC film sites was a helicopter for a potential emergency flight to a hospital. While it is shown more in some films than others, vital signs and core temps are constantly monitored. A volunteer is quickly pulled out and taken to the warming facility when safety indicates. A rescue swimmer in a survival suit is always with a few feet of anyone participating in trials without wearing a life jacket.

Dave