Coast Guard Exams
Question 540Deck Safety70% to pass

You are evacuating crew members from a survival craft that has been adrift in the North Atlantic for several days. What could occur if a person suffering from hypothermia is vertically lifted in a rescue sling to the helicopter?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) severe shock or cardiac arrest. Explanation: Rapidly lifting a person suffering from hypothermia in a rescue sling can lead to severe shock or even cardiac arrest. This is because the rapid change in pressure and altitude can cause the blood vessels to dilate, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure. This sudden drop in blood pressure can overwhelm the weakened cardiovascular system of a hypothermic individual, potentially resulting in shock or cardiac arrest. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary risk associated with vertically lifting a hypothermic person in a rescue operation.

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