What does the "H.E.L.P." position help minimize?

The "H.E.L.P." position, which stands for Heat Escape Lessening Posture, is specifically designed to minimize heat loss in cold water. This position helps conserve body heat by reducing the body's surface area exposed to the cold water, which is crucial for maintaining a person's core temperature in hypothermic conditions. When in this position, a person draws their legs toward their chest, wraps their arms around their knees, and huddles to create a smaller profile against the water, thus slowing the loss of heat. This is particularly vital in situations where rescue may take some time, as it helps to prevent hypothermia in submerged individuals.

While injury to the rescuer, anxiety in the victim, and noise pollution may be relevant in certain contexts, the primary function of the "H.E.L.P." position is focused on heat conservation in cold water environments.