Student jumps into icy water to save woman from car in Delft: 'I hit the window in a blind panic'

What should you do in such a situation?
Meanwhile, photos of the rescue are going viral and Max is being praised on social media. “This student made himself a hero with his actions. He did not think twice and jumped into the icy water and smashed the side window of the vehicle, saving the driver.” Delft police write on Instagram.

But was it a smart move? Roman Mosen, exercise physiologist and honorary professor at VUB University, is sure: “If you can save someone's life, this is of course the only right decision,” he says on the “Spits” program on Radio 2. Although it is It is recommended that you first see if you can save someone from the side. For example, by throwing a rope.

Don't you risk cold shock just jumping into cold water? “You usually get cold shock when your body is too warm, like in the summer,” Mosen explains.

“If you sunbathe for the first time and then jump into the cold water, you will get the breathing reflex, as you notice when you take a cold bath. Then when your head goes under the water and you start gasping for air, you won't need as much water to drown. In the winter The risk of fatal cold shock is lower.

Mussen suspects that Max took off his jacket to move more easily in the water. It definitely doesn't make you feel cold. What Professor Mosen recommends, if there is time: Before you jump into the cold water, it is a good idea to splash your body first with some water, so that your body cools down a little before you jump completely into the water.