How long does the Cold Incapacitation phase typically persist after the initial shock subsides?
Answer
Five to fifteen minutes
The danger transforms from the immediate reflexive shock phase into Cold Incapacitation once the initial gasping and hyperventilation subside. This secondary phase represents a functional deterioration where the extreme cooling of peripheral tissues and nerves leads to neuromuscular impairment. This period of diminished physical capability, making fine motor skills impossible, typically lasts between five and fifteen minutes. This stage is where the body loses the ability to perform necessary actions for self-rescue, such as gripping a flotation device, even while the person may remain mentally clear.
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