PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What should you do if a diver is experiencing mild hypothermia?

1. Give them cold water to drink

2. Wrap them in blankets and provide warmth

3. Encourage them to swim to warm up

4. Leave them to recover on their own

The correct answer is: Wrap them in blankets and provide warmth

Wrapping a diver in blankets and providing warmth is the appropriate response for someone experiencing mild hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. In cases of mild hypothermia, the focus should be on rewarming the individual gently and effectively. Blankets provide insulation and help retain the body's heat, while also offering comfort. It's essential to avoid rapid heating methods, as these can lead to shock or further complications. Additionally, gently warming the body helps the circulation of warm blood back to vital organs, aiding in recovery. Providing warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages can also be beneficial, but the primary focus should be on insulation and warmth. The other options are not appropriate or safe for addressing mild hypothermia, which further reinforces why wrapping the diver in blankets is the best course of action.