How To Escape A Submerged Car

Maintaining Composure: Remaining Calm in Panic-Inducing Situations

Maintaining composure in the face of panic-inducing situations is paramount for survival, especially when trapped in a submerged car. Here are some strategies to help you stay calm:

1. Focus on Your Breathing:

When panic sets in, your breathing becomes rapid and shallow. This can lead to hyperventilation and impede your ability to think clearly. To counter this, practice deep breathing exercises. Inhale slowly through your nose, expanding your chest and abdomen. Hold your breath for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process several times, focusing on taking long, deep breaths.

2. Visualize Success:

When faced with an overwhelming situation, it can be helpful to visualize a positive outcome. Picture yourself successfully escaping the car and reaching safety. This can help reduce anxiety and provide you with a sense of control over the situation.

3. Talk to Yourself Positively:

Engage in positive self-talk to counter negative thoughts. Remind yourself that you are capable of handling the situation and that you will find a way to survive. Avoid using negative language or dwelling on worst-case scenarios.

4. Assess the Situation:

Take a moment to assess your surroundings. Identify any potential escape routes, such as open windows or gaps in the wreckage. This will help you develop a plan and prioritize your actions.

5. Consider Your Options:

Evaluate your options and choose the most feasible escape route. If possible, try to escape through an open window or sunroof. If these options are unavailable, you may need to break a window or remove a seat to create an exit.

Hold Your Breath: Preserving Oxygen and Blocking Water Inhalation

When a car is submerged in water, the air inside rapidly depletes. Preserving oxygen and blocking water inhalation are crucial for survival. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Stay Calm and Relax

Panic can lead to rapid oxygen consumption. Control your breathing, taking deep but slow breaths. This helps reduce oxygen usage and maintain a clearer mind.

2. Seal Your Mouth and Nose

Pinch your nose shut and seal your mouth to prevent water inhalation. Even a small amount of water can cause panic and respiratory distress.

3. Exhale through Your Nose

If water enters your nose, exhale gently to expel it. Holding your breath can lead to water being forced into your lungs.

4. Escape Techniques

There are two main escape techniques:

a. Window Escape

Locate the windows that can be rolled down or broken. Roll them down quickly or use a tool to break them. Escape through the open window, swimming out and up to the surface.

b. Door Escape

If the windows cannot be opened, attempt to open the doors. However, note that the water pressure may make this difficult. If the doors do open, swim out and up to the surface. Keep in mind the following table:

Escape Window	Escape Door
Roll down or break the windows	Try to open the doors
Swim out and up to the surface	Swim out and up to the surface
Consider using a tool to break the windows	Difficulty due to water pressure

Remember, every situation is unique. Assess the circumstances and choose the most suitable escape technique.

Locate Escape Window: Identifying the Optimal Exit Point

In a submerged car, escaping through the windows is often the quickest and most feasible method. Identifying the optimal escape window is crucial for a successful extraction. Here are some key considerations:

Window Resistance and Visibility

Choose a window that is not obstructed by debris or water damage. The window should be clear enough to provide visibility of the surroundings.

Window Size and Accessibility

Select a window that is large enough for your body to fit through comfortably. Ensure that the window frame is not jammed or damaged, allowing you to open it easily.

Window Type

Determine the type of window you need to escape through. Most cars have side or rear windows that can be manually opened by turning the crank or using a power switch. Other vehicles may have sliding or hatchback windows that require different methods to operate.

Window Position

The position of the window relative to the water level is important. Choose a window that is located above the waterline, giving you enough space to maneuver and escape before the car sinks further.

Window Operation

Understand how to operate the window, whether it is manual or power-operated. If the window is power-controlled and the battery is submerged, you may need to manually break the glass to create an escape route.

Window Type	Operation
Side Window (Crank)	Turn the crank clockwise to lower the window.
Side Window (Power)	Use the power switch to lower the window. If submerged, manually break the glass using a tool such as a spark plug.
Rear Window	Manually unlock and open the rear hatch or tailgate.
Sliding Window	Slide the window horizontally to open it.