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The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (March 2020) This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2020) The heat escape lessening position (HELP) is a human position to reduce heat loss while immersed in cold water.
HELP is taught as part of the curriculum in Australia, North America, and Ireland for lifeguard and boating safety training. It involves positioning one's knees together and hugging them close to the chest using one's arms. Furthermore, groups of people can huddle together in this position to conserve body heat, offer moral support, and provide a larger target for rescuers.[1] The HELP is an attempt to reduce heat loss enough to lessen the effect of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition where bodily temperature drops too low to perform normal voluntary or involuntary functions. Cold water causes "immersion hypothermia", which can cause damage to extremities or the body's core, including unconsciousness or death.[2] The HELP reduces exposure of high heat loss areas of the body. Wearing a personal flotation device allows a person to draw their knees to their chest and arms to their sides, while still remaining able to breathe.
If you cannot get out of the water quickly, act to protect against rapid heat loss. In as few as 10 minutes, you may be unable to self-rescue.
Advanced Stages of HypothermiaWhen a victim has these symptoms, dry clothing, heat, and medical attention are required immediately:
The HELP and Huddle PositionsHeat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP): When you are alone, this position protects the body’s three major areas of heat loss (groin, head/neck, and rib cage/armpits). Wearing a PFD allows you to draw your knees to your chest and your arms to your sides.  Huddling With Others: Huddling with other people in the water lessens the loss of body heat and is good for morale. Also, rescuers can spot a group more easily than individuals.
If you find yourself immersed in cold water when you are far away from the shore and rescue is no where in sight, an effective survival technique is the huddle position in which a group of stranded swimmers come together to conserve body heat. By doing the huddle, you can help keep yourself as warm as possible. Danger of Heat LossYou lose body heat much faster when immersed in cold water than you do while standing in cold air. Your body functions normally at 98.6 degrees F. As your core body temperature drops, heat loss will occur first in your extremities and then in your vital organs and brain. You’ll start to lose control of your body if not consciousness. If your body temperature reaches anywhere from 86 to 89.6 degrees F, death is almost a certainty. Sudden exposure to cold water can also cause shock, spasms, muscular dysfunction or a heart attack. You may not be able to climb back onto the boat or even breathe and stay afloat. Survival PostureIf you’re unable to get out of the water, you should adopt HELP, which is the heat escape lessening posture. Hold your arms snugly across your upper body and tuck your elbows into your sides. Draw your thighs together, bending your knees and bringing them up to your chest. It’s almost as if you’re adopting a fetal position, however, your trunk should be upright with your head above water. This position protects those areas of your body that are most vulnerable to the cold. Keep in mind, however, that some personal flotation devices won’t allow you to draw your knees up. A group of two or more people can adopt the huddle position to conserve heat. This position also prevents individuals from drifting away, provides a larger target for recovery, reduces panic and fends off despair. Knit the sides of your bodies together and press your chests, bellies and groins against each other. Wrap your arms around each other’s backs or life jackets at shoulder or waist level. Intertwine your legs to maintain bodily contact. Meanwhile hold on to any buoyancy aids to stay afloat. Because children are more susceptible to the cold water, they should be cushioned in the middle of the group. While huddling, talk to each other and maintain an upbeat outlook. Safety TipsAvoid panic in cold water, which can impede your breathing cycle and put you at risk of drowning. If your breath becomes irregular, you may suffer from a spasm of your vocal chords, or larynogspasm, which can lead to a loss of consciousness. Wear a life jacket. Its buoyancy can keep your head above water as well as help you maintain the HELP position. Wear as many layers of clothing as possible. In particular, wool will keep your body cushioned with a warm shield of water.
Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP): When you are alone, this position protects the body’s three major areas of heat loss (groin, head/neck, and rib cage/armpits). Wearing a lifejacket or PFD allows you to draw your knees to your chest and your arms to your sides. Huddling With Others: Huddling with other people in the water lessens the loss of body heat and is good for morale. Also, rescuers can spot a group more easily than individuals. |
What is the huddle position?
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