Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

Welcome to the club...

Posted By: Craig Mackinnon
Date: Thursday, 23 May 2002, at 1:30 p.m.

In Response To: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex (Brian Nystrom)

I've experienced a "gasp response" or convulsive effort to breathe in a non kayak related incident. The air temperature was warm while the water was extremely cold. Also, I wore minimal clothing. The "gasp response" occurred immediately following sudden and complete immersion. My experience was uncontrollable because there was a convulsive effort to breathe, although I was able to prevent water inhalation. I attribute the latter to my experience and comfort in and under water. I understand how someone—particularly a non-swimmer—could drown very quickly from this effect.

For anyone interested, a link to the gasp response and cold water immersion:

OFF-SEASON BOATING, COLD SHOCK and HYPOTHERMIA

Messages In This Thread

Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Brian Nystrom -- Thursday, 23 May 2002, at 12:46 p.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Ben Staley -- Thursday, 23 May 2002, at 1:29 p.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Brian Nystrom -- Thursday, 23 May 2002, at 1:43 p.m.

Welcome to the club...
Craig Mackinnon -- Thursday, 23 May 2002, at 1:30 p.m.

Re: Surprise death to the Gasp Reflex
Randy Knauff -- Thursday, 23 May 2002, at 6:11 p.m.

What if...
Brianne Corbett -- Thursday, 23 May 2002, at 8:32 p.m.

Re: What if...
Brian Nystrom -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 2:02 p.m.

Cold water reactions
brad shepard -- Thursday, 23 May 2002, at 9:21 p.m.

Re: Cold water reactions
Carl Tjerandsen -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 11:00 a.m.

larynixospasm
don flowers -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 12:58 p.m.

Re: Cold water reactions
Craig Mackinnon -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 11:00 a.m.

Re: thanks
LeeG -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 11:27 a.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
tom -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 3:34 p.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Craig Mackinnon -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 3:56 p.m.

Yep, that's it.
Brian Nystrom -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 5:06 p.m.

epiglottal stop
Randy Knauff -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 8:15 p.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Ken Sutherland -- Wednesday, 29 May 2002, at 6:07 a.m.

Thanks for the reference, Ken.
Brian Nystrom -- Wednesday, 29 May 2002, at 12:35 p.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
David -- Friday, 24 May 2002, at 6:14 p.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Tim Mattson -- Saturday, 25 May 2002, at 2:47 a.m.

I don't agree at all
Brian Nystrom -- Saturday, 25 May 2002, at 9:01 a.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Pete Staehling -- Saturday, 25 May 2002, at 9:44 a.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Brian Nystrom -- Tuesday, 28 May 2002, at 12:54 p.m.

Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Pete Staehling -- Tuesday, 28 May 2002, at 2:59 p.m.

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