3-10. CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT
a. Monitor the cardiac system because hypoxemia (inadequate oxygen in the
blood), acidosis (disturbance in the acid-base balance of the body), and hypothermia
(below normal body temperature) may cause cardiac dysrhythmias (abnormal rhythms
in the heartbeat).
b. Monitor the central venous (veins) pressure.
(1) If the pressure is low, initiate an IV to replace the fluid volume. If the
pressure remains low, you may consider administering dopamine.
(2)
If the pressure is high, follow this treatment:
(a)
Restrict fluid restriction.
(b) Administer diuretics.
(c)
Use vasodilators.
3-11. CEREBRAL SUPPORT.
If cerebral edema is confirmed, use osmolar agents--for example, mannitol.
3-12. HOSPITAL STAY FOR OBSERVATION
a. 24 Hours. A person who shows no symptoms on the day of the incident
should be hospitalized 24 hours for observation.
b. 48-72 Hours. An individual who must be treated for particular symptoms
should be hospitalized for 48 to 72 hours, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
3-13. POST-IMMERSION SYNDROME
These complications may occur up to three days after the episode:
a. Alteration of electrolytes (fresh H2O).
b. Acidosis.
c. Aspiration pneumonitis.
d. Pulmonary edema.
e. Atelectasis.
MD0587
3-8