Psychophysiological Responses to Immersion

The information presented in this chapter aims to provide an evidence base for practical interventions such as preparatory psychological strategies that are designed to aid persons in coping with accidental immersion and helicopter ditching. Based upon findings from recent laboratory and field-based investigations, this chapter explores the interactions between physiology, psychology, and perception in these life-threatening situations. Specifically, the roles that psychology and perception play in determining the physiological responses to accidental immersion and emergency underwater egress following a helicopter ditching are explored. Subsequently, other preparatory strategies such as cold-water habituation by repeated cold-water exposure are discussed. Particular attention is paid to recent evidence showing that psychology and perception play a key role in modulating the physiological responses that are seen even after habituation has taken place.